Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the level of glucose in the body is above normal. Glucose is a sugar that our bodies use for energy. An extra amount of sugar builds up in the blood stream because people with diabetes don’t produce enough of a chemical called insulin. Insulin is made in the pancreas (an organ near the stomach) and helps the body get energy to its cells. Diabetes can lead to serious health concerns such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and loss of limbs. In fact, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
The number of persons with diabetes in this country is increasing rapidly, largely due to lifestyle factors. Losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet can prevent diabetes from ever happening in the first place. To get answers to all your diabetes questions, visit our list of Recommended Sites.
One way to calculate your body weight is to find your Body Mass Index or BMI. The BMI helps you determine the proper weight range for your height. To calculate your own BMI visit these links:
For a great resource to find out personalized eating plans and interactive tools to help you plan and assess your food choices, visit:
PhillyHealthInfo.org is here to help you find diabetes support groups and education programs in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County. Our resource list in the blue box on the right side of the page is a good place to start.
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