Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar(insulin) in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both.
Understanding Diabetes
It is important to first understand the normal process by which food is broken down and used by the body for energy. Several things happen when food is digested:
- A sugar called glucose enters the bloodstream. Glucose is a source of fuel for the body
- An organ called the pancreas makes insulin. The role of insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel.
People with diabetes have high blood sugar because: their pancreas does not make enough insulin; their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond to insulin normally; and both of the above.
It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children with type 1 diabetes can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives.
Symptoms often include fatigue, increased thirst, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss in spite of increased appetite.
Risk Factors
The exact cause is unknown. Genetics, viruses, and autoimmune problems may play a role.
This is the most common form of Diabetes. Many are unaware they are at high risk. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.
Symptoms often include blurred vision, fatigue, increased appetite, increased thirst, and increased urination.
Risk Factors
- Age over 45 years
- A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
- Gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
- Heart disease
- High blood cholesterol level
- Obesity
- Not getting enough exercise
- Polycystic Ovary Disease (in women)
- Previous impaired glucose tolerancehttp
- Some ethnic groups (particularly African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic Americans)
To calculate your risk, click on the picture below:
Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. There is no effective screening test for type 1 diabetes in people who don't have symptoms.
Type 2
Maintaining an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent type 2 diabetes. Click on the picture below to get tips on diet and exercise from diabetes.org.
To prevent complications of diabetes, visit your health care provider or diabetes educator at least four times a year. Talk about any problems you are having.
Regularly have the following tests:
- Have your blood pressure checked every year (blood pressure goals should be 130/80 mm/Hg or lower).
- Have your glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) checked every 6 months if your diabetes is well controlled, otherwise every 3 months.
- Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked yearly (aim for LDL levels below 100 mg/dL).
- Get yearly tests to make sure your kidneys are working well (microalbuminuria and serum creatinine).
- Visit your ophthalmologist (preferably one who specializes in diabetic retinopathy) at least once a year, or more often if you have signs of diabetic retinopathy.
- See the dentist every 6 months for a thorough dental cleaning and exam. Make sure your dentist and hygienist know that you have diabetes.
- Make sure your health care provider inspects your feet at each visit.
Information from this page was taken from ADA (American Diabetes Association)
Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar(insulin) in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both. 
