It took some long talks and encouraging words from Kaiser Permanente doctors and health care professionals before Lau realized that his health depended on his making good choices today and every day. The people at Kaiser Permanente pay attention to me and help me deal with any problem I bring them. Unfortunately, there are millions of people with Lau's problems. Within the next 20 years, those numbers will double. Already diabetes, and its complications, is the fourth largest cause of death in our country.
Some people recognize the symptoms of diabetes.
Others have no symptoms, and they can suffer complications, such as impaired vision, before they are diagnosed. Although diabetes can't be cured, it can be treated with a combination of medicine, healthful eating, exercise, and careful monitoring. Ninety percent of all diabetes cases in the United States are type II, or adult onset. It typically strikes people who are over age 30, overweight, and have a sedentary lifestyle. Often, it runs in families.