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Diabetes: What is it?
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Posted on Feb 12 1999
•Diabetes means your body is out of balance; diabetes means your body has a problem keeping the amount of your blood sugar normal.
•The bodies of people with Type 1 diabetes do not make insulin they needto survive. Very few people in the CNMI have this type.
•The bodies of those with Type 2 diabetes make some insulin, but it is not working properly to keep blood sugar normal. Almost every one (with diabetes) in the CNMI has this type.
Some signs
•Your body needs more water. You may find yourself constantly thirsty or you may just drink a lot.
•You begin to have to urinate more often; you may have to get up at night to do so.
•Tingling and numbness which starts in the fingers and toes.
•Slowness of scratches and cuts to heal.
•Your eyesight gets poorer and you may have slightly blurred vision.
Who’s at risk
•People from Micronesia are more likely to get it. If you are more than 30 years old, get yourself checked.
Awareness summary
Diabetes is a serious disease with many symptoms which affects many people in the CNMI. If you have questions or concerns, make an appointment at the Family Clinic of the CHC.
