Diabetes: A Silent Threat – Don’t Let it Sneak Up on You

Imagine a thief, slipping into your body without any warning. This unseen danger is diabetes—a long-term condition that impacts millions of people around the globe. If not managed properly, it can result in severe health issues.

In 2023, it’s reported that more than 29.3 million Americans received a diabetes diagnosis, while an additional 9.7 million individuals were completely unaware they had it. Furthermore, an alarming 115.9 million Americans are currently dealing with prediabetes, placing them at elevated risk for developing full-blown diabetes.⁵

In this article, we will explore the concealed peril of diabetes, emphasize the significance of early detection, and discuss how preventive measures can empower you to combat this silent menace effectively.

Understanding the risks of diabetes^1-4

Diabetes, often referred to as the “silent killer,” can wreak havoc on your body if left unchecked. When blood sugar levels remain consistently high, it can lead to a cascade of serious health problems.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential risks:

• Heart disease: Imagine blood vessels as highways for your blood. In contrast, a blockade in the blood flow can interrupt adequate blood circulation when the blood sugar level spikes. It can cause dangerous heart-related issues such as heart attack and stroke.
  
• Kidney disease: Your kidneys function much like filters that purify your blood. High blood sugar can overload and damage these filters. This can ultimately result in total kidney failure that demands either dialysis or a transplant.
  
• Nerve damage: Excess sugar in the blood can cause disorders of the nerves, particularly those found in the feet. Damage to nerve endings can lead to tingling sensations, numbness, and pain in extremities, and are more likely to increase the risk of injuries.
  
• Eye damage: Eyes are delicate organs, and high blood sugar can damage the micro vessels in the retina. This can cause blurred vision and, in the worst-case scenario, blindness.
  
• Poor wound healing: Increased blood sugar levels can slow down the healing process caused by an injury, making it harder for cuts and sores to heal. This increases the risk for infections that can commonly happen in people with diabetes.

It’s crucial to recognize the early signs of diabetes and take steps to manage the condition. Early detection and proper management can significantly reduce the risk of these complications and improve your overall quality of life.

Early detection: your first line of defense against diabetes^1-4

Early detection is paramount

Early detection of diabetes is vital to avoiding serious health problems later on. Routine health exams and screenings can pinpoint those with pre-diabetes and diabetes in their early stages. When diagnosed early, the management of diabetes is much easier–through lifestyle changes or with medication if necessary.

Lifestyle changes to manage diabetes

A healthy lifestyle plays a pivotal role in preventing and managing diabetes. Here are some key lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference:

• Healthy diet
  • Prioritize a balanced diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats for protein. Limit intake of sugary drinks processed foods as well consuming too much fat.
    
• Regular exercise
  • Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity for most days in the week. Find ways to include brisk walking, swimming, riding a bicycle into what you do daily.
    
• Weight control
  • Keep your weight within a healthy range, or lose weight if need be. Weight loss can bring considerable improvement in controlling blood sugar levels.
• Manage stress
  • Relieving stress techniques should include techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. Get enough snooze time, too. Adequate rest promotes mood management and general good health.
• Regular monitoring
  • If you have diabetes or prediabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. It’s best done in consultation with a partner healthcare provider who will set desirable target blood glucose levels and design a personalized plan for you.

Implementing these lifestyle changes can decrease your likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes and ensure a healthier you. 

Meet the HEALTHBOX® Virtual Preventive Exam

The Virtual Preventive Exam is a revolutionary tool designed to help you take control of your health. This innovative solution offers a comprehensive approach to preventive care, empowering you to identify potential health issues early, including pre diabetes & diabetes with its all at-home tests & virtual consultations.

How it works:

• Comprehensive testing: Receive a kit that includes a range of tests that can help identify early signs of diabetes, such as:
  • HbA1c — This test indicates your average blood sugar over the past three months.
  • eAG — This is a measure of average blood glucose level.

• Virtual consultations: Our board-certified healthcare providers will read over your test results, talk to you about your health concerns, and offer tailored recommendations via virtual consultations.
  
• Actionable insights: We provide a straightforward report informing what your health is and whether it is a concern.

Over to you

With an awareness of the diabetes risks and the need for early detection, you can take measures to safeguard your well-being. The HEALTHBOX^® Virtual Preventive Exam is a simple way to keep track of your health and address possible warning signs before they become a larger concern.

Take action before it’s too late. Start taking charge of your health today. Discover the Virtual Preventive Exam and how it can have you living your healthiest life!

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