Risk factors for diabetes

• Family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Low HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol)
• High Triglycerides
• History of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• Belonging to an ethnic group at high risk for diabetes---African American, Latino, Asian, Native American or Pacific Islander

Symptoms of diabetes

• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Unusual thirst
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Frequent skin, bladder and gum infections
• Extreme fatigue
• Irritability
• Slow healing cuts and bruises
• Unexplained weight loss
• Genital itching (recurring yeast infections)
• Intense hunger

What do I do?

If you have any of the above risk factors or symptoms:

• Talk to your doctor (Make a list of the symptoms that you have been experiencing to take with you)
• Begin an exercise program that includes 30 minutes of activity each day
• Meet with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized, effective weight loss program