North Country Health Nuggets

Take Action: Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes-With early detection and greater awareness, it’s possible to take steps to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

The term diabetes refers to a group of conditions that affect how the body converts food into energy. When you eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into a sugar called glucose, which enters the bloodstream. The pancreas then produces insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into the cells, where it’s used for energy (WebMD).

In Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body isn’t able to use it effectively. This form of diabetes was once known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes. However, rates of diagnosis in children have increased, largely due to increasing rates of childhood obesity. Individuals who are 20% or more above their recommended BMI are at an especially high risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Early detection is crucial to reducing the lifelong complications associated with diabetes. It’s time to get serious about diabetes—this disease can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, and nerve damage.

Know the warning signs:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Increased hunger, even after eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or bruises that heal slowly
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet

The American Diabetes Association has a 60 second risk test on their website too.  60-Second Risk Test for Type 2 Diabetes| ADA      

If you have questions or are concerned talk to your health care provider!  Recognizing these warning signs and working closely with your healthcare provider to make lifestyle changes and begin treatment can help manage diabetes, slow its progression, and reduce long-term health risks.            

To learn more about Type 2 Diabetes- visit Diabetes.org                               (WEB MD and ADA 10-30-2025)

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services

(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)