Diabetes 101

When we eat, our body releases insulin to help move sugar from the blood into our cells for energy. In people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly. This leads to high blood sugar, which can cause serious health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, and stroke. 

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes happens when the body stops making insulin. It usually starts in childhood but can also appear in adults. People with Type 1 need to manage their blood sugar with insulin, healthy eating, and lifestyle choices. 

Type 2 Diabetes develops later in life and is the most common type. It occurs when the body stops responding to insulin, leading to high blood sugar. Factors like genetics, weight, age, and diet can play a role. While Type 2 diabetes can’t be cured, it can often be prevented or managed with healthy eating, exercise, and weight control. 

Gestational Diabetes affects some women during pregnancy when their bodies can’t make enough insulin. It usually goes away after birth but increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes for both mother and baby later in life. 

Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes. It’s a warning sign, but the good news is that healthy lifestyle changes can prevent Type 2 diabetes. 

Do I Have Diabetes? 

Some common signs of diabetes include: 

• Feeling extra hungry or tired 
• Blurry vision 
• Tingling in hands or feet 
• Slow-healing cuts or sores 
• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night 

However, many people with diabetes or prediabetes don’t have symptoms. That’s why testing is important. 

How Can I Prevent Diabetes? 

The first step is knowing your risk. A simple blood sugar test can show if you have diabetes or prediabetes. Your doctor can also help you understand other risk factors, like your family history and lifestyle. By eating healthy, staying active, and managing your weight, you can lower your risk and keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. 

Take our free diabetes health risk assessment to learn more about your risk for diabetes