November is National Diabetes Month, an opportunity to raise awareness and spread knowledge about a chronic disease that affects millions of people of all ages. Understanding the basics of diabetes is a crucial first step in managing and preventing this widespread condition.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. This happens when your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or when your body cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is the hormone that helps your body process glucose. Without enough insulin, sugar builds up in your bloodstream, leading to various health complications.
What Are the Different Types of Diabetes?
While there are several types of diabetes, three are the most common: Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t use insulin properly and cannot regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leaving the body unable to produce insulin. Unlike Type 2, Type 1 diabetes is not preventable.
- Gestational Diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. However, having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Diabetes may develop with few or no symptoms, which is why it's important to discuss your risk factors with your doctor. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, slow-healing sores, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor to determine whether you should be tested for diabetes.
Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 diabetes often can be. Before developing Type 2 diabetes, many people are diagnosed with prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. You can reduce your risk or reverse prediabetes by losing weight, making healthy food choices, and staying physically active.
How is Diabetes Treated?
Diabetes can be managed, and the key aspects of managing it include:
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Taking oral diabetes medications
- Administering insulin (if needed)
- Following a healthy diet and exercise plan
The best way to manage diabetes is by working with your doctor to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.
By expanding your understanding of diabetes this November, you help spread awareness and empower others to take control of their health. Talk to your doctor today about how to manage your risk and prevent Type 2 diabetes.
published: Nov. 1, 2024, 3:59 a.m.