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    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Back to Intro
    Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
    Click 'Back to Intro' to return to the beginning of this section.

    Do You Have Diabetes?

    When you have diabetes, your body has trouble using a sugar called glucose for energy. The sugar level in your blood becomes too high. Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) condition. It can cause serious health problems if you don't get treatment. Or it can cause life-threatening conditions, such as ketoacidosis.

    Woman talking to doctor.

    Signs of diabetes

    Are any of these questions true for you? If yes, see your doctor.

    • Do you feel tired all the time?
    • Do you urinate often?
    • Do you feel thirsty or hungry all the time?
    • Are you losing weight for no reason?
    • Do cuts and bruises heal slowly?
    • Do you have numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes?
    • Do you have blurry vision?

    What puts you at risk?

    People of all backgrounds can get diabetes. But it more often affects:

    • African Americans
    • Alaskan Natives
    • Native Americans
    • Hispanics
    • Asian Americans
    • Pacific Islanders

    Other things can raise your risk. They include:

    • Having prediabetes
    • Having a family history of diabetes
    • Being overweight
    • Being over age 35
    • Having diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
    • Not getting enough physical activity
    • Taking certain medicines

    Why worry about diabetes?

    Here's why having diabetes is a problem:

    • Diabetes keeps your body from turning food into energy.
    • It can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet. It can also harm your heart and blood vessels.
    • Diabetes that is not under control can make it hard to live a healthy life.
    Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Shaziya Allarakha MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2024
    © 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center
    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
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