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The Diabetes Center at Mercy is committed
to educating the community about why diabetes is known as the silent
disease.
Diabetes may be un-diagnosed or under-diagnosed because of lack of education about its seriousness or risk factors. Late diagnosis can lead to more serious complications and problems. Early diagnosis, prevention and a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact on you or your family member's diabetes management and success.
If you feel you may have diabetes or be at risk, you must see your primary care physician immediately for further help or information.
17 million people in the US have diabetes and one in three don't even know it.
In Maryland:
-
Maryland has the 4th highest rate of diabetes
in the nation.
- 1 in 8 people over the age of 18 have diabetes
- 1 in 400 people under the age of 18 have diabetes
- 1 in 7 African Americans have diabetes
- 1 in 4 African-American women over the age of 55 have diabetes
- 1 in 5 people between the age of 65 and 74 have diabetes
- 1 in 4 people over the age of 74 have diabetes
Diagnosis of diabetes is made if you have had an 8 hour fasting blood sugar greater than 126 mg/dL on 2 separate days or any random blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL. You should have a fasting blood sugar test every three years after age 45. If you are member of a high risk minority group you should have fasting blood sugar tests at an earlier age and more frequently.
You should contact your primary care physician for an appointment if you feel you may have diabetes. The Diabetes Center at Mercy is a specialty center and we request you have a referral from your PCP.
Risk Factors:
