Diabetes
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a healthcare professional. In case of an emergency, immediately call 911.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. Most of the food eaten is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into the bloodstream. When blood sugar goes up, it signals the pancreas to release insulin, which acts like a key to let blood sugar into the body’s cells for use as energy. In individuals with diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Approximately 40.1 million people—about 1 in 8—have diabetes, and more than 1 in 4 of them do not know they have the disease in the United States.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form of diabetes. The body does not use insulin properly (insulin resistance) and cannot keep blood sugar at normal levels. It is often linked to weight, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
- Prediabetes: A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. This is a critical stage where lifestyle changes can prevent the progression to full diabetes. Around 115.2 million adults have prediabetes, and about 8 out of 10 of them are unaware that they have the condition in the United States.
- Gestational Diabetes: Develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. It usually goes away after the baby is born but increases the mother’s risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Who Gets Diabetes?
Type 1 is often diagnosed in youth. Type 2 is common in adults, especially those who are overweight or have a family history. Especially, 52% of adults aged 65 and older (about 31.3 million people) have prediabetes. Regular screening is recommended for those who are older, overweight, or have a family history of the condition.
Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes
- Frequent urination, often at night.
- Extreme thirst and unexplained weight loss.
- Extreme hunger (feeling hungry even while eating).
- Very dry skin or slow-healing sores.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (neuropathy).
- Blurry vision and increased fatigue.
Stages of Diabetes (for Type 2)
The condition begins with insulin resistance (a decline in the body’s ability to utilize insulin), progresses through prediabetes, and eventually leads to full-blown type 2 diabetes. If not properly managed, the final stage is accompanied by chronic complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and feet.
Diagnosis of Diabetes
- A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar over the past 3 months.
- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
- Glucose Tolerance Test: Known as Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Measures the body’s response to a sugary drink.
Treatment of Diabetes
- Type 1: Requires daily insulin injections or an insulin pump.
- Type 2: Managed with healthy eating, active living, and oral medications (like Metformin) or insulin if necessary.
- Monitoring: Frequent blood sugar checks using a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Prevention of Diabetes
There is currently no known way to prevent Type 1 diabetes. However, Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modifications:
- Losing a modest amount of weight (5% to 7% of body weight).
- Engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week).
- Combining a 5–7% weight loss with at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58%.
Living with Diabetes
Living with diabetes requires a proactive approach to prevent complications. This includes regular foot exams to check for sores, annual eye exams for retinopathy, and kidney function tests. Consistent medical follow-ups are vital to ensure blood pressure and cholesterol remain within target ranges.
Support Groups for Diabetes
Resources
