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20.8 million diabetic Americans."

Symptoms

After being through school for medical assisting and working in internal medicine, first hand learning demonstrated that there are many different symptoms that can emerge in the diabetic patient. Some individuals develop blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and a dry mouth. Other symptoms include individuals having the urge to eat and/or drink excessively, and also urinate excessively. Furthermore, some individuals experience tingling in their appendages, to include the head (paresthesia), hands, and feet. Diabetes also produces a longer healing period of wounds or infections. Occasionally, undiagnosed individuals may not, at first, experience many symptoms, or they may not recognize the symptoms. Sometimes these individuals are first diagnosed through routine blood work.

Impact of Nutrition and Exercise on Prognosis

The prognosis of the diabetic patient depends on many factors; for example, the severity of the diabetes, the health of the individual, the eating habits of the individual, and the exercise level of the individual can all greatly affect the prognosis. Overall, the prognosis is good for diabetes patients but they do have the potential of developing severe complications as they grow older. This is a prime reason for the diabetic patient to adhere to a strict exercise regimen and a healthy balanced diet. Exercise allows the heart muscle to pump at a faster rate, which lowers the blood pressure and promotes weight loss; whereas, weight loss can lower the blood fats and lower the risk of many complications. Exercise and proper nutrition together are essential to lowering the risk of stroke, cancer, bone loss, and heart disease; at the same time, the person's life expectancy increases. Exercise and a healthy diet are like peanut butter and jelly, they are good by themselves but go great together! Together, exercise and a nutritious diet can help to reduce stress and allow the body to heal itself more efficiently.

Prevention Strategies and Treatment Options

According to Prevention from Healthwise (2006), the three most important prevention strategies are to "maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and to exercise healthy eating habits." Eating healthy for a diabetic should include fruits in moderation, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables of all types and colors; red meat should be minimal. Moreover, the patient should avoid smoking and should take extreme care of their feet and

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