What Everyone Should Know About Diabetes

In 2017, it was reported that over 100 million Americans were living with diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes is a disorder of the human metabolism and is separated into three main types: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

The 5% of Americans with type 1 diabetes are generally born with the disease, and it’s diagnosed when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to help transport glucose to the cells to be converted into energy. Type 2 diabetes develops over time and is diagnosed when the body develops an insulin resistance. This can result in high levels of blood glucose, the leading cause of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed in women who have never received a diagnosis of diabetes and test positive for high levels of blood glucose throughout the duration of their pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can lead to a later diagnosis of one of the main types of diabetes in both mother and baby.

Who is at Risk?

There are many risk factors that can lead to a diagnosis of the disease. Some are based on one’s biological makeup, and others are a result of lifestyle habits. Type 1 diabetes usually develops during childhood. A child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when his or her pancreas struggles to produce insulin or stops making insulin completely. Those with direct family members with a history of type 1 diabetes are generally at an increased risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes themselves. Doctors usually recommend a blood test for those individuals with a family history of the disease.

Another risk factor of type 1 diabetes is contracting certain infections or illnesses that can damage your pancreas. This is the same for those who have had any diseases of the pancreas such as pancreatitis, gallstones, or pancreatic cancer. Damage to the pancreas can alter its ability to produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes was once referred to as adult-onset diabetes, as most patients diagnosed were adults over 45. Over the past few decades, significantly more children have been diagnosed as well as adults. There are many factors that can result in a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. One of the main culprits is thought to be the increasing obesity numbers in the United States in both children and adults. Not only does excessive weight leave you at an increased risk of diabetes, but also many other diseases as well. Those of different ethnic backgrounds also have an increased risk, which is true for Hispanic/Latino Americans, African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Alaska natives.

Signs & Symptoms

More often than not, diabetes symptoms are either nonexistent or so mild that they’re easily missed. If you are actively noticing any of these symptoms, consult your physician as soon as you can.

• Blurred Vision
• Fatigue
• Increased Thirst
• Increased Hunger
• Dry Mouth
• Frequent Urination
• Frequent UTI’s
• Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is possible that your body is not producing insulin adequately or that your body has developed an insulin resistance.

There are many ways that diabetes can be treated, and each patient’s treatment plan is a little different. The most recommended addition to a treatment plan is a diet change and an exercise regimen. Not only can these lifestyle changes help manage diabetes, but they are major ways to prevent diabetes. Doctors recommend to engage in physical activity for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. This can be anything from walking the family dog to going to an aerobics class at the local gym. A diet change would begin by excluding sugary beverages and treats and including low-fat, nutrient-rich foods such as whole grain breads, dairy products, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

Another treatment common for type 1 diabetics and sometimes necessary for type 2 diabetics is insulin treatment. Treating diabetes with regular insulin shots can help diabetics avoid complications such as ketoacidosis. This method of treatment is usually combined with diet and exercise recommendations. Additionally, medication can be prescribed to assist diabetics with blood glucose management. The effectiveness of these prescribed medications can sometimes come at a price, with side-effects sometimes being more harmful to a person than the initial condition being treated. For example, SGLT2 inhibitors, a common medication prescribed to diabetics, have recently been found to have serious side-effects that can result in ketoacidosis, need for lower-limb amputations, and rare genital infections. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects before beginning any medications to understand the risks.

There are a few complications that can come with a diabetes diagnosis. Although diabetes is treatable, the risk of stroke and heart disease increases as a result. In fact, adults with the condition are 2 to 4 times more likely to die from complications of diabetes than those who don’t have it.

You can reduce the risk of a diagnosis by following the suggested preventative measures like maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of exercise, and eating a healthy diet that doesn't include simple carbohydrates. In some cases, this can even prevent diabetes and many other serious health complications as well. A diabetes diagnosis can seem heavy, but many people with the disease live happy and healthy lives. If you have any questions regarding diabetes or are concerned about your risk, consult your physician right away.

~ Here’s to Your Health & Wellness