Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
A recent study by University of Georgia (UGA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)researchers found significant increases in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. from 2012 to 2022, a continuation of trends noted from 1988 to 2012 and 1999 to 2016 in previous research. The highest rates of diabetes increases were in southern and midwestern states, with Georgia showing an increase between 17-25 percent. In addition to regional differences, the study also noted “[h]igher rates among racial/ethnic minorities, males, older adults, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.”
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the pancreas fails to produce sufficient levels of blood glucose. There are four recognized types of diabetes:
- Type 1 – the pancreas does not produce any insulin. Insulin injections are required to regulate blood glucose levels.
- Type 2 – the pancreas produces too little insulin, or the body rejects what insulin is produced. Diet, exercise, and oral medication can be effective in controlling Type 2 diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes – a condition that occurs when, during pregnancy, blood glucose levels increase because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
- Prediabetes – a condition in which glucose levels are elevated in the body but are below the level of a diabetes diagnosis.
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is an epidemic in the U.S. Over 38 million Americans have diabetes and 88 million are living with prediabetes. Over one million adults in Georgia, about 12 percent of our population, are afflicted, and around 50,100 Georgia adults receive a new diagnosis of diabetes every year.
Having diabetes increases the risk of other chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke. Several risk factors are associated with developing type 2 diabetes, including:
- Conditions of overweight or obesity
- Age 35 years or older
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander
- Being physically inactive
- Having been diagnosed with prediabetes
While several diabetes risk factors are beyond individual control, the good news is that diabetes is preventable. Many tools for preventing or managing diabetes are already in our toolbox. Lifestyle changes such as getting regular physical exercise, managing weight, making healthy nutrition choices, and getting adequate sleep can lower the risk of developing diabetes. Other diabetes prevention and management actions, such as managing blood pressure and cholesterol, may require help from medications prescribed by a doctor.
Early detection and treatment of diabetes can reduce the risk of complications. A simple blood test can diagnose diabetes. The test provides information about blood glucose levels over the last 2-3 months. Routine testing is important because the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be very mild. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry, even with regular meals
- Feeling extremely tired
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Slow healing of cuts or bruises
- Losing weight without trying
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
The American Diabetes Association website (https://diabetes.org/) has pages of information about diabetes detection, prevention and management, healthy eating, recipes, and more. There’s even a free online cooking class featuring live webinars and recorded videos teaching how to make diabetes-friendly meals.
UGA has also partnered with the CDC to create Prevent T2, a program to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. With the help of trained coaches and a group of peers, participants build lifelog habits like healthier eating, managing stress, and increasing physical activity. Learn more at https://extension.uga.edu/programs-services/prevent-type2-diabetes.html.