Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In Onondaga County, the prevalence of diabetes is 8.4%, which is lower than in Syracuse (12.5%) but higher than the NY state average (excluding NYC) at 9.2%.
What is concerning is that nearly 55% of adult residents of Onondaga County have not had a test for diabetes in the last three years, which means that the actual prevalence of diabetes in the Upstate/ Central New York area could be much higher.
Diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body processes glucose. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
There are several risk factors for diabetes, which include:
Obesity: Excess body fat makes it harder for the body to use insulin, leading to insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.
Family History: A family history of diabetes increases an individual’s risk of developing the condition.
Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Medication Treatments:
For patients with Type 1 diabetes, insulin injections are necessary to manage blood sugar levels.
For individuals with Type 2 diabetes, medication management may be required to manage blood sugar levels. Healthier eating and physical activity can help manage diabetes effectively.