Nearly 20 million people in the U.S., or ten percent of the population have diabetes. Every 23 seconds another person is diagnosed with diabetes. Another 86 million have pre-diabetes, meaning that their glucose is not normal, but not high enough to be diabetes yet.

People with diabetes have high blood glucose, also called high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. Diabetes develops when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or is not able to use insulin effectively, or both. Insulin is a hormone made by beta cells in the pancreas.

Being overweight or obese can cause insulin resistance, especially if you carry extra pounds around your abdomen, or middle of your body.

What can you do to prevent diabetes? It’s important that you eat a healthy diet and exercise every day.

If you don’t have the endurance to train and run a marathon, and most of us get tired just thinking about running such a long distance, you can still take measures that will burn calories. You can take the stairs instead of an elevator, park your car a little further from the entrance to the store, take your pet for a long walk a few times a day, do gardening, or dance a few steps.

According to Kevin Hagan, chief executive officer of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the ADA recommends that Americans get up and move at least once every 90 minutes. “This recommendation is based on research published by Marc Hamilton, Ph.D., Texas Obesity Research Center, Houston, in Diabetes Care, one of the Association’s peer-reviewed scientific journals. In his study, Dr. Hamilton first described the idea that light physical activity spread throughout the whole day could be more effective at improving the metabolism of fat, cholesterol and blood sugar than intense exercise for a couple of hours. It’s an important finding—and one we need to call attention to,” states Mr. Hagan.

Two in 3 people with diabetes report having high blood pressure or take prescription medications to lower their blood pressure. When blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder. In addition, your risk for heart disease, stroke and other problems increases.

What are the common symptoms of diabetes?

• Frequent urination.
• Feeling very thirsty.
• Feeling very hungry although you are eating.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Blurry vision.
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal.
• Weight loss even though you are eating more (type 1).
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2).

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing diabetes complications. Your doctor or healthcare provider can check your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and your blood pressure.

An endocrinologist, who specializes in treating diabetes will work with your primary care doctor to provide the latest treatments.

Diabetes can cause skin conditions, foot problems, loss of vision, gum and tooth problems, and loss of vision, so it is important to see your primary care doctor, dentist, ophthalmologist and podiatrist.

In addition, mental health professionals can assist you with the personal an emotional aspects of living with diabetes. They can also help you find resources.