Diabetes Overview and TestingDiabetes awareness for managing a healthier lifestyle

Diabetes infographic

Learn more about diabetes and share to help raise awareness.

Did you know that an estimated 21.1 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes in the United States and 86 million have prediabetes?1 Studies show that, in 2012, treating diabetes and its related conditions cost Americans about $245 billion in total medical costs and lost work and wages.2 In fact, chronic diseases are responsible for 7 of 10 deaths each year, and treating people with these conditions accounts for 86% of our nation’s healthcare costs.1 They are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems.2

Most people with diabetes strive to achieve blood glucose levels within a specified target range that’s closest to a normal physiologic level. One of the tools for monitoring glucose control is your HbA1c result.


Once diagnosed, diabetics are encouraged to monitor their condition on a regular basis. By measuring hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), doctors can gauge your average blood sugar levels from the last 2-3 months and thereby provide a more tailored treatment plan during your visit. HbA1c measurement can also show whether treatment plans and lifestyle choices have been effective.


Type 1 Diabetes

  • Formerly called “insulin-dependent” or “juvenile-onset” diabetes
  • An autoimmune disease that causes destruction of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for synthesizing and secreting insulin
  • Accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diabetics

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Formerly called “non-insulin-dependent” or “adult-onset” diabetes
  • Caused by insulin resistance or inadequate insulin secretion
  • Accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes in developed countries

Prediabetes

  • Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Impaired Fasting Glucose
  • Individuals have blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes
  • People with pre-diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke4

Siemens Healthineers offers a wide range of diabetes-related assays that aid in the differentiation of type 1 from type 2 diabetes, help to monitor glycemic control, and allow doctors to follow the progression of the disease through HbA1c monitoring.

To learn more about Siemens Healthineers chronic disease solutions for diabetes management at the point of care, click here.

1. Diabetes Atlas 2017, International Diabetes Federation
2. Centers for Disease Control
3. American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org)
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov)


Each November, Siemens Healthineers raises awareness about this serious, but manageable, chronic condition. We are passionate about helping patients lead healthy lives and partnering with clinicians to aid them in managing their patients’ conditions. With so many diabetics undiagnosed, understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and long-term impact is a crucial first step toward making communities around the world healthier.

Want to make an impact? Here are some ways you can take part in spreading awareness:

  • Share this page and infographic with your patients, on social media, and family and friends.
  • Watch this video of a doctor in Texas who strengthened an entire at-risk community
  • Do you know your A1c? Learn why HbA1c monitoring is important and talk to your doctor about getting tested.
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