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In the United States, 11.5 million women or 10.2 percent of women age 20 and older have diabetes -- but only about 25 percent of those women know they have it. As American Diabetes Month begins, it is important for women to learn how they can prevent diabetes and to know how diabetes can uniquely affect women.

Some of the unique side effects in women include the possibility of experiencing frequent yeast and bladder infections, according to Blount Memorial Diabetes Management Center program coordinator and registered nurse Dawn Hollaway. Some women also may experience vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. "Also, women with diabetes are more likely to have a heart attack, and at an earlier age, when compared to women without diabetes. Diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States," she adds.

Other high risks for both males and females with diabetes include gum disease, retinopathy, glaucoma, diabetic nephropathy, kidney disease, neuropathy or nerve damage, heart attack and stroke. "Most individuals with type 2 diabetes also have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so that increases his or her risk for heart attacks and strokes," she says.

To reduce the risk of developing diabetes, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise on a regular basis. Hollaway says that loss of 5 to 7 percent of total body weight can greatly reduce an adult's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. "By doing some form of activity, whether it is walking, using a treadmill or stationary bike -- for at least 30-45 minutes, three to four times per week -- you also can greatly lower your risk for diabetes."

Hollaway reminds that exercise can be increased in your daily routine by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or by parking farther away from a building. She says that exercise not only helps with losing weight and preventing diabetes, but also it helps lower blood pressure, overall cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and can increase HDL levels (good cholesterol) while lowering LDL levels (bad cholesterol).

"Women need to eat more fruits and vegetables and decrease carbohydrate and fat intake," Hollaway says. "We also need to increase monounsaturated fat in our diet. We can do this by using canola oil, avocado oil and olive oil."

Hollaway says you also need to take time for yourself by visiting a primary care physician and having yearly lab work. Your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure need to be checked on a regular basis. "Since not everyone has symptoms when their blood sugar levels are elevated, it can take some people three to five years before they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes," she says. Also, be aware of the symptoms of diabetes, which can include frequent urination, dry mouth, extreme hunger, tiredness, and sores or cuts that are not healing in a timely manner.

The Blount Memorial Diabetes Management Center is having its annual Diabetes Services Fair from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday in the Blount Memorial Hospital auditorium. The event is to assist attendees in learning more about diabetes and community resources. People with diabetes and their family members, as well as those with a family history of diabetes, are encouraged to attend the free event. For more information, call 977-5767.

The Women's Health column is provided by the staff and associates of Blount Memorial Hospital. It appears every Sunday in Women's Times. For more information on this column call 983-7211.