Learn more about diabetes

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Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when there is too much sugar in your body for a prolonged period of time.  

Diabetes Mellitus is the medical term used in a clinical setting. 

There are 3 types of Diabetes:

• Type 1
• Type 2
• Gestational

Common symptoms of diabetes:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Prediabetes is a condition where the amount of sugar in your blood is high, but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. This is a situation that should alert you to the fact that you may develop diabetes if action is not taken.  There is hope because slowing or halting the progression to diabetes can be done with lifestyle changes and weight loss. With prediabetes, there is insulin resistance, where your body is unable to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. It works like a key and allows the sugar that is in your blood to enter the cells so you can have energy to do the things you enjoy! People are often unaware if they have prediabetes due to a lack of symptoms. By getting a simple blood sugar test, you can find out if you have prediabetes. Speak to your doctor or health care provider if you should get one. Lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight can often reverse or slow down the progression to diabetes. By making these changes, you can help your body use insulin more effectively, lower your blood sugar levels, and reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. 

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It is a condition where there is too much sugar (also called glucose) in your blood. Glucose is the main source of energy for your body and insulin is the hormone that helps you use glucose. Insulin acts like a key, which opens the door to the cells, so glucose can enter in and not build up in your blood. In Type 2 Diabetes your blood sugar (glucose) increases because your pancreas, which makes insulin, isn’t working well and cannot make enough to keep your blood sugars at a good level. Blood sugar can also rise because your body is unable to use insulin properly. If high blood sugars are left untreated, complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and feet can happen. Symptoms of high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, include: having to go to the bathroom frequently, feeling extremely thirsty, feeling tired, having blurry vision, having increased hunger, losing weight without trying, genital itching, and having cuts or wounds that don’t heal quickly. The good news is that Type 2 Diabetes can be managed successfully with lifestyle changes. These include healthy eating, being active or getting regular exercise, monitoring your blood sugars as well as your other numbers (like blood pressure), reducing your risk of developing complications, healthy coping, and problem solving. Sometimes it may become necessary to start medications so management of your meds is very important. With the help of your healthcare team and making healthy choices, you can help keep your blood sugar levels under control and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems. 

Type 1 Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar (glucose) in your blood because your pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is the key that opens the door so sugar (glucose) can move out of the blood and enter the cells. This helps your body produce the energy you need so you can do the things you enjoy. Only a small percentage of those with diabetes have this type. In Type 1 Diabetes, you are unable to make insulin because the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas have been destroyed by your own body attacking them. This is an autoimmune disorder. Because you have no insulin, insulin injections are necessary for survival. Although the onset happens more often during childhood, this disease can also develop in adulthood. Symptoms, which include fatigue, increased thirst, increased urination, and unexplained weight loss, may happen quickly— over a few days or weeks. For children, this is especially true. Seeing your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms is very important. Managing Type 1 Diabetes includes taking insulin, eating healthy, monitoring your blood sugar often, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. It is important to get regular check-ups with your doctor as well as follow your treatment plan closely. With the help of the healthcare team and making good choices, you can keep your blood sugar levels under control and live healthy rewarding lives!