Have you ever looked back at your eating habits while you study for your big final? I bet chips, dips, doughnuts, monsters, and red bulls are at the top of the list. Step on the scales, are you a bit overweight? Did you know obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes? A few signs and symptoms are increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow healing sores. According to Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death among Hispanics in the United States. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, smoking, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations (http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/). Did you know that diabetes can be hereditary? It is important to watch your diet and weight, and seek annual screenings if you have a family member who has been diagnosed or if you experience any of the signs and symptoms.
Diabetes is a lifelong disease marked by high leaves of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control sugar in the blood stream. Diabetes is caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both. Diabetes rates more than doubled for Hispanics who were obese. Diabetes tends to strike Hispanics at younger ages than the non-Hispanic white population. Students should watch their eating habits especially at the college level. Students spend more time away from home so it is more convenient to eat most readily available foods, which isn’t always the healthiest choice.
Undiagnosed diabetes can contribute to health complications. CDC has a great website to review (http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/index.htm) that answers questions about pre-diabetes and the signs you should watch for. On campus, Student Health Services can also provide free information to students who are interested in seeking more information on diabetes. They are located at the Student Center, room 125, or to set up an appointment contact 956-326-2235.