What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the blood due to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin—a hormone that regulates blood sugar. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, where the body fails to produce enough insulin, and Type 2, where the body cannot use insulin properly. There’s also gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, and other less common types like Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY).
Types of Diabetes:
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes
is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, the body's main source of energy, get from the blood into the cells. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can get too high.
Type 2 diabetes
is a condition in which the body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin well. This can also cause blood sugar levels to get too high.
How Insulin Works
Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, the body's main source of energy, get from the blood into the cells. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can get too high.
Insulin is produced by the pancreas. When you eat, the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin then travels to the cells in your body and helps glucose get from the blood into the cells.
Core Facts about Diabetes
- Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy.
- There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin well.
- Diabetes can lead to several serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.
- Diabetes is a major public health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide.
- There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with a healthy diet, physical activity, and medication.
Did you know: Out of the total number of Americans with diabetes in 2021, 2 million had type 1 diabetes
Causes & Risk Factors of Diabetes
The exact causes of diabetes vary by type. Type 1 diabetes is generally considered an autoimmune condition, while Type 2 diabetes is often linked to genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences. Knowing your risk factors can help in prevention and early detection. Common risk factors include family history, age, dietary habits, inactivity, and certain health conditions.
Lifestyle Factors:
Obesity:
Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.Physical inactivity:
Not getting enough physical activity can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Unhealthy diet:
Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and trans fats can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Smoking:
Smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Identifying Your Risk:
If you have any of the following risk factors for diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about getting screened for the disease:
Family history of diabetes
Overweight or obese
Physically inactive
Unhealthy diet
Smoker
Over the age of 45
Adopting Preventive Measures:
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing diabetes, including:
1. Maintaining a healthy weight
2. Getting regular physical activity
3. Eating a healthy diet
4. Quitting smoking
5. Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Recognizing Diabetes: Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests such as the A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. If you're experiencing symptoms or believe you're at risk, seeking medical advice is crucial for early intervention and management.
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop suddenly and may include:
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop gradually and may be subtle or go unnoticed. They may include:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Increased hunger
Unexplained weight loss (in some people)
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores
Frequent infections
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
“Understanding your body's signals from low blood sugar empowers you to take control of your health," -Robert Lande, Director, Diabetes Marketing, Byram Healthcare
Diagnosing diabetes
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. Diabetes can be diagnosed with a simple blood glucose test. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. The first step is to understand what your diagnosis means and the implications for your daily life. Emotional support from family, friends, and support groups, along with professional guidance from your healthcare team, will be vital as you adjust to your new reality.
Living with Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes management primarily involves insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels within the target range. This will include monitoring your blood sugar, understanding how food, activity, and stress affect your levels, and learning how to adjust your insulin dose accordingly.
Living with Type 2 Diabetes:
Managing Type 2 diabetes often requires lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, in addition to medication. Understanding how to balance these elements can help control your blood sugar levels and minimize other health risks.
Other Types of Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes, LADA, and MODY each come with unique challenges and management strategies. These less common types of diabetes also underscore the importance of tailor-made healthcare plans based on individual needs.
Initial Steps After Diagnosis:
Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will work with you to develop a diabetes treatment plan. This plan may include:
Lifestyle changes:
Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to control blood sugar levels.
Medication:
If lifestyle changes are not enough to control blood sugar levels, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Insulin therapy:
If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to take insulin to survive. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get from the blood into the cells.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and to make the recommended lifestyle changes. Diabetes is a serious disease, but it can be managed with proper care.
First Steps After a Diabetes Diagnosis:
1. Understand Your Diagnosis:
- Learn about the type of diabetes you have, its causes, and potential complications.
- Ask your doctor questions and seek clarification on any concerns.
2. Seek Support:
- Join support groups or connect with other people with diabetes.
- Share your diagnosis with loved ones and ask for their understanding and assistance.
3. Create a Diabetes Treatment Plan:
Work with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes:
- Exercise recommendations
- Medication or insulin regimen (if necessary)
- Monitoring and tracking your blood sugar levels
Did you know: The International Diabetes Federation projects that the total number of people living with diabetes will rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045
Emotional Coping Strategies:
1. Accept and Acknowledge Your Emotions:
Recognize that it's normal to experience a range of emotions, including fear, denial, or anger. Allow yourself time to process these feelings and seek support when needed.
2. Focus on the Positives:
Remember that diabetes is manageable with proper care and lifestyle adjustments. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, to maintain motivation.
3. Stay Informed and Empowered:
Educate yourself about diabetes management and self-care strategies. Attend educational classes or workshops to enhance your knowledge and confidence.
4. Practice Self-Compassion:
Avoid self-blame or guilt for having diabetes. Be patient with yourself as you make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle.
5. Seek Professional Help When Needed:
If coping with diabetes becomes overwhelming or significantly impacts your emotional well-being, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.