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E-Lerts™ is our free, informative monthly newsletter dedicated to information the diabetic and the families of diabetics can use right now. It is a "Must Read" E-zine.

 

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The Complications of Diabetes

Diabetes, in the United States, is responsible for:

The Sixth leading cause of Death inn the United States. Over 215,000 DEATHS each year.

HEART DISEASE and STROKES. Heart Disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths. Diabetics are 2 to 4 times more likely to die of heart disease, and up to 6 times more likely than non-diabetics to suffer stroke. 65 % of diabetic deaths are due to heart disease or stroke.

The leading cause of end-stage KIDNEY DISEASE accounting for 44% of new cases. Many of these patients will require kidney transplants or kidney dialysis in order to survive.

Diabetic Retinopathy causes 12,000 -14,000 new cases of BLINDNESS each year.

70% of diabetics suffer mild to severe forms of Nerve System Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy); and

Greater risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

The leading cause of most non-traumatic lower-limb AMPUTATIONS (82,000 each year).

3 Times more likely to die of complications from flu or pneumonia, up to 30,000 people each year.

DENTAL disease. Periodontal disease (a type of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss) occurs with greater frequency and severity among people with diabetes. Periodontal disease has been reported to occur among 33% of people age 19 or older.

COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause Major Birth Defects during pregnancy; and Miscarriages in 15 - 20% of diabetics' pregnancies. It also poses a greater risk to both mother and child during the pregnancy.

65% greater risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Much suffering in the Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American Communities. 25% to 30% of all diabetics are Black or Hispanic. Asian Americans have a 60% greater risk for developing diabetes. Native American Indians have also exhibited a high incidence of diabetes.

The possibility of acute life-threatening events, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar nonketotic coma (both are medical conditions that can result from biochemical imbalance in uncontrolled diabetes).

15% of the United States' entire annual Health Care Cost or $137 Billion Dollars.

COULD YOU BE ONE OF THE 10 MILLION AMERICANS WITH DIABETES, BUT NOT KNOW IT?

We truly hope not, but it is possible. Many of the Warning Signs of diabetes come on gradually and are not particularly noticed right away. This can prolong the length of time for the disease to grow and possibly lead to unnecessary complications. This is why we at the Defeat Diabetes Foundation put so much emphasis on early detection of the disease through extensive public awareness programs of the Warning Signs of diabetes and the taking of our Defeat Diabetes® Screening Test.


To Change, Or Even Help Save The Lives Of Millions Of People,
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