Conroy Working to Raise Awareness for Diabetes

In recognition of November being Diabetes Awareness Month, state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, is encouraging area residents to learn more about diabetes and talk to a medical professional if they believe they are at risk.

“Diabetes can be life-threatening if it goes untreated, and early detection is the key to living a long and healthy life,” Conroy said. “Despite the positive outcomes from proper management of diabetes and easy testing methods, many people living with the disease are unaware that they have it.”

According to the National Diabetes Education Program, nearly 10 percent of the United States population has diabetes, and 28 percent of those affected have yet to be diagnosed. Diabetes affects people of all ages, and about 208,000 young people under 20 years of age have diabetes. Risk factors include family history, high blood pressure, age and obesity. People of African American, Latino, American Indian or Asian American descent are also considered at a higher risk. Daily physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight are key to preventing and managing diabetes.

“It is important to be aware of your risk factors and the early symptoms of diabetes, which may include increased thirst, hunger, fatigue and blurred vision, although oftentimes there are no obvious symptoms at all,” said Conroy, a member of the Illinois Legislative Diabetes Caucus.

For more information about diabetes, please visit the National Diabetes Education Program website at http://ndep.nih.gov/.