Since November is National Diabetes Month, Student Health Services is offering free diabetes testing all month long.
"Type II diabetes is coming down to the younger years," said Sheryl Flynn, registered nurse and certified diabetes specialist for Baptist Hospital. Type I diabetes is insulin dependent and type II is non-insulin dependent, according to www.thedailyapple.com. Most people with diabetes have type II. The Website said about 127,000 persons age 19 and younger have diabetes. Flynn said an inactive lifestyle and overeating are common in younger cases.
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism -- the way the human body uses digested food for growth and energy, according to the Website. The Website said 650,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes each year, and there are an estimated 16 million people who suffer from the disease in the U.S. Diabetes can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves and eventually cause problems with blood circulation, said the Daily Apple.
"Thirst, hunger, sores that don't heal, fatigue, frequent urination and blurred vision" are symptoms of diabetes, said Flynn. Flynn said if a student experiences any of these symptoms, they should visit their physician.
Even though there is no cure for diabetes, Flynn said exercising regularly and lowering fat intake can put a person at a lower risk for the disease.
The U of M health center will offer the free tests all through the month, Monday through Thursday from 8a.m. to 12p.m.
