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Diabetes was the 4th leading cause of death
on Guam in 1997.
About 4,700 adults on Guam have been diagnosed
with the disease in 1997.
15.7 million people, or 5.9% of the population
have diabetes.
More than 169,000 people died from diabetes in
1992.
Diabetes is the leading cause of new
cases of blindness, end-stage renal disease and lower extremity amputations.
Diabetes increases the risk of heart attack or
stroke twofold to fourfold.
About 24 million of days are spent by patients
with diabetes in the hospital annually.
10.3 million people have been diagnosed, 5.4
million people are still undiagnosed.
798,000 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed
every year: (source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Diabetics more susceptible to flu: Diabetics
may be particularly susceptible to some strains of the flu, according to a study published
in the Journal of Virology.
| The Warning Signs of
Diabetes |
These are the most common symptoms of diabetes, but many
people experience no signs before they are diagnosed.
- Feeling tired or ill
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Slow healing of infections
- Vaginal infections in women
- Sudden weight loss
- Blurred vision
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 Diabetes, a too common disease in America todayDiabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by an
inability to properly store and utilize glucose. Alltogether, diabetes is the fourth
leading cause of death by disease and is estimated to afflict 16 million American people.
Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature
death, but persons with diabetes can take measures to reduce the likelihood of such
occurrences. Under the supervision of a qualified doctor, diabetics can generally live a
full and happy life with minimal complications.
When overlooked or neglected, the disease can lead to serious problems complications,
including heart, vascular, and kidney disease, gangrene and blindness.
Control of diabetes requires a great deal of education for people
with diabetes as well as their families and friends. When diabetes is diagnosed, the
educational process starts with the medical team--the doctor, dietitian, nurse and social
worker.
Because on-going research leads to medical discoveries related to
diabetes, continuing education about diabetes and overall health is essential for the best
control of the disease.
Articles
 Diabetes Mellitus: Get answers to your questions about
Diabetes
Diabetes Diet: New nutrition guidelines issued by the
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
Diabetes Questions to ask your Doctor 
Asking these questions to your doctor can help you improve blood sugar control !
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| The following organizations distribute
materials and support programs for people with diabetes and their families and friends: On Guam
Diabetes Control Program
Coordinator
Department of Public Health and Social Services
P.O. Box 2816
Agana, Guam 96910
Phone (0-11-671) 475-0282
Fax (0-11-671) 477-7945
Others
American Association of
Diabetes Educators
444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1240
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 832-6874
(312) 644-2233
American Diabetes Association
ADA National Service Center
1660 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 232-3472
(703) 549-1500
http://www.diabetes.org/
This national nonprofit health organization supports
research into the treatment, prevention and cure for diabetes. The Association sponsors
diabetes education for people with diabetes, their families and the health professionals
who care for them. Professional journals and a monthly magazine are published by the
Association. |
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