"With 23.6 million children and adults in the United States currently diagnosed with diabetes and rising drastically, it is time to take control. While genetics plays an important role, you still have the ability to influence your health to prevent diabetes," said Dr. Julie Keeler of Doctors Express.

November has been designated National Diabetes Month, and Doctors Express lays down the facts about diabetes and gives some tips on prevention.

There are two major types of diabetes:

• Type 1: Also called juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all cases of diabetes. In type 1 diabetics, the body does not produce any insulin; people with this form of diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. This type is initially diagnosed most often in children and young adults.

• Type 2: "Also called adult-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to properly use or ultimately make enough insulin," said Dr. Keeler. It is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions, a result of a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles (two reasons more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes) and an increasing number of older Americans in the population.

For more detailed information visit the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org. 

Causes

While the causes and triggers of diabetes remain a mystery, genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise play the biggest roles, according to Dr. Keeler. 

"As obesity becomes more and more of an epidemic in our country, prevention is the key," she said. 

Dr. Keeler also stresses the importance of making diabetes prevention a priority if you fall under one of the following diabetes high risk factors:  Someone in your family has diabetes and/or you are overweight. 

Genetics also plays a big role as type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population. If you are at increased risk, Dr. Keeler recommends you talk to your primary care doctor about being tested even if you don't have any symptoms.   

Symptoms

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed since many of its symptoms seem harmless or commonplace and according to Dr. Keeler, some people with type 2 diabetes have no apparent symptoms. Early detection of diabetes can decrease the chance of developing diabetes complications. According to the American Diabetes Association, common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss or weight gain
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision
• Frequent infections

Diabetics face a higher level of risk for a variety of diseases and complications, so symptoms should be taken seriously and addressed immediately. Complications associated with diabetes include kidney damage, nerve damage and vision impairments. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the leading cause of vision impairment in the U.S. Diabetics also face increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure (twice as common in diabetics as in nondiabetics), and strokes.

"Preventing diabetes can be as basic as eating more healthy, becoming more physically active and losing a few extra pounds, and it's never too late to start. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based protein sources with little-to-no processed foods and plenty of water are the key with at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Exercise is crucial, especially if you sit at a desk all day. And no matter what anyone tells you, smoking is bad—quit," said Dr. Keeler.

Lifestyle and Diabetes Healthy Tips:

• Insulin-dependent diabetics should adhere to their physician's dosage recommendations.
• Lose weight if you are overweight. According to health studies, excess body fat causes the body cells to become resistant to insulin.
• Eat small, frequent meals to maintain blood sugars within healthy range. Eating large meals can flood the bloodstream with glucose and insulin, some studies show. Experiment until you find that you feel your best.
• Keep refined starches and sugars to a minimum. Sweet potatoes, winter squash and beans are examples of better carbohydrates
• Minimize consumption of saturated fats and trans-fats. Consume moderate amounts of monounsaturated oils, such as olive oil and some nut oils.
• Eat fish more often. Particularly fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and sardines.
• Eat lots of vegetables. Good choices are cucumbers, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, zucchini, eggplant, squash, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beans, radishes and spinach.

Increase your activity level. Aerobic activity improves insulin resistance in muscle cells, which allows more glucose to enter the cells. Dr. Keeler recommends aiming for 30 minutes a day. 

Increase early detection.  Visit your primary doctor and get tested to decrease your chances of developing diabetes complications.

According to Dr. Keeler, a few simple changes in your lifestyle now may help to avoid the serious health complications of diabetes down the road.

"Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the biggest risk factors you can control. Get more physical activity, plenty of fiber, water and whole grains and lose the weight, lose the cigarettes. Take control, don't be a statistic!" she said.