There are 30 million people in the United States that have diabetes, but 1 in 4 don’t know they have it. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disabilities in the US. Left untreated and uncontrolled, it can cause blindness, nerve damage, and kidney problems.
There are 3 types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: this type of diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce it’s own insulin. Insulin is an important hormone that allows sugar into cells so they can use it for energy. Since people with Type 1 Diabetes can’t make insulin, they have to take it every day.
Type 2 Diabetes: Most people have type 2 diabetes – 9 out of 10 diabetes have type 2. With type 2, your body produces insulin, but it doesn’t use it well and therefore cannot keep blood sugar at normal levels.
Gestational Diabetes: this occurs when a women get diabetes while pregnant – this could put the pregnancy and the baby at risk. It can also be an indication of the child having type 2 diabetes later in life.
Risk factors:
Having pre-diabetes (blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes).
Being overweight.
Being 45 years or older.
Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes.
Being physically active less than 3 times a week.
Ever having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.
Prediabetes:
Prediabetes is a health condition where your blood sugar levels are above normal, but not high enough to fall under type 2 diabetes. Nearly 85 million Americans have prediabetes and 90% don't know that they have it. But there is some good news! If you are prediabetic, the CDC has a great program to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes called the National Diabetes Prevention Program or NDPP. Click here to see if you're at risk for prediabetes.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, formulating a plan with your doctor is crucial. Most diabetic plans include:
Following a healthy eating plan.
Being physically active.
Testing your blood sugar.
Giving yourself insulin by syringe, pen, or pump, if needed.
Monitoring your feet, skin, and eyes, to catch problems early.
Getting diabetes supplies and store them according to package directions.
Managing stress and deal with daily diabetes care.
There are many national programs to help you and your family learn how to live with diabetes such as the National Diabetes Education Program.
If you're concerned about your blood sugar, call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/home/index.html
https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/about/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/socialmedia/infographics.html
https://www.cdc.gov/features/livingwithdiabetes/index.html