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Oklahoma City Lesbian Health Article

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body fails to make or use the hormone insulin properly. The human body needs insulin to help it absorb glucose (sugar). When it doesn't have enough insulin, or when it can't use it properly, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and causes damage to other parts of the body, such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels leading the limbs.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Frequent or recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
Blurry vision
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Increased fatigue
Irritability

The top 2 causes of adult diabetes are genetic disposition and obesity. Below is the AT RISK WEIGHT CHART.

	4'10"		129				5'9"		182
	4'11"		133				5'10"		188
	5' 0"		138				5'11"		193
	5'1"		143				6'0"		199
	5'2"		147				6'2"		210
	5'3"		152				6'3"		216
	5'4"		157				6'4"		221
	5'5"		162				6'5"		228
	5'6"		167
	5'7"		172
	5'8"		177

Exercising, cutting down on your sweet food intake and maintaining an ideal body weight are the keys to avoiding adult onset diabetes.