The Fidelis Care Blog

Prediabetes affects about 88 million adults in the United States. About 84% of people living with prediabetes do not know they have it. And prediabetes can turn into type 2 diabetes, a more serious condition.

Chances are that you know someone with diabetes who has developed a long term complication of the disease, like heart disease, stroke, impaired vision or blindness, kidney failure, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, foot problems, skin infections, and/or sexual problems. 

Glucose (sugar) is your body's normal source of energy. When the body doesn't have enough insulin to use glucose the right way for fuel, it starts to break down fat for energy. Burning a lot of fat very quickly causes a buildup of acids, called ketones, which can become toxic to many of the body's key functions. When ketone levels become too high, it can lead to a severe, and potentially life-threatening condition, called diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA.

Diabetes affects 34.2 million Americans - that’s over 1 in 10 people. But, 1 in every 5 people with diabetes don’t even know they have it.