November is National Diabetes Month. Diabetes, is also known as the silent killer.  Though all health issues are a concern for me, this one is very close to my heart. I have seen first hand both the complications and the long term effects of diabetes. My mother suffered with diabetes for years. My mother also suffered two strokes, had kidney failure, heart problems and poor eye site– all conditions linked to diabetes. She also had two toes amputated due to her diabetes. In 2001, this terrible disease took my mother from me.

According to jdrf.org, diabetes currently affects 246 million people worldwide and is expected to affect 380 million by 2025. Diabetes kills as many people as Aids, but few people know the seriousness of the disease. In 2002, 7,800 people died from diabetes mellitus in Canada alone.

What is Diabetes?

“Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not use sugar properly. As a result, the level of sugar in the blood is too high. This disease occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly.” (Source: jwci.org/medical-glossary.aspx)

If improperly managed or left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, nerve damage and amputation. At least 65 percent of people with diabetes will die from heart disease or a stroke.

Are you at risk of developing diabetes?  Take the test. Diabeties Risk Calculator . To find out the risk factors for diabetes visit The Canadian Diabetes Association facts page.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Frequent trips to the bathroom
Unquenchable thirst
Weakness and fatigue
Increased hunger
Blurry Vision

Nov, 14 is designated as World Diabetes Day. The day reminds us that diabetes is a global problem.

The World Diabetes Day website has a list of activities going on in different parts of the world dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes.

You will notice that I have added the World Diabetes Day logo to my sidebar. I encourage all bloggers to do the same.

By working together we can generate more awareness about diabetes.