Diabetes awareness month takes place this month. WebMD.com estimates 18.2 million Americans can be affected by diabetes and the number rises each year. Almost one-third of Americans do not know they have diabetes.  

   Those with diabetes do not make insulin in their body or the body’s cells can no longer recognize insulin, according to WebMD.com.  

   University of Arkansas-Monticello campus nurse, Terri Richardson said, “Diabetes is a medical condition in which your body has a hard time turning food into energy.” 

   According to Richardson, symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, weakness, unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst and frequent urination.  

   Diabetes is classified into two different types – type 1 and type 2 diabetes.                       

   Type 1 diabetes, often referred to insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs because the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells of the pancreas or beta cells, according to WebMD. 

   Type 2 diabetes is called insulin-resistant diabetes. In this case, the pancreas can produce insulin, but the body cannot use it effectively because the cells resist the action of the insulin, Richardson said. 

   Richardson offered some tips on prevention for diabetes including, “modest weight loss and modest physical activity to help prevent or delay the onset in adults who can be at high risk of getting the disease.”  

   Students who think they may have diabetes should contact the University of Arkansas-Monticello Student Health Services at 460-1051or e-mail Richardson at richardson@uamont.edu to set up an appointment for a screening and evaluation.