Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of conditions that interferes with how the body uses glucose - a form of sugar – for energy. In diabetes, glucose cannot get into the cells. Normally, the pancreas [an organ in the body] makes a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps glucose get inside the cells.

In a person with diabetes , the pancreas either:

• does not make enough insulin [Type 1 diabetes]
• makes insulin, but the cells don’t use it well. [Type 2 diabetes].

In both types of diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood because it cannot get into the cells.

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Who gets diabetes?

You may be at higher risk for diabetes if you:

• have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
• are overweight
• lead an inactive lifestyle
• have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• are African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Pacific Islander or Asian American.

The causes of type 2 diabetes are unknown, but it may run in families and some people may inherit it.

Early detection is important! About 1 in 20 Americans has diabetes. Many don’t even know it!

If diabetes is left untreated, it can cause life-threatening health problems. These can include:

• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• stroke [brain attack]
• poor circulation which can lead to amputations
• foot problems
• eye problems
• nerve damage
• kidney disease
• diabetic coma

Get tested – it’s easy! Take this simple test from the American Diabetes Association to see if you are at risk for having diabetes.

Your health-care provider can use simple blood tests to check for diabetes.

• If you are 45 or older, get a blood test every 3 years.
• If you are at higher risk, get tested sooner and more often.
• If you think your child may be at risk for diabetes, ask your child’s health-care provider about getting him or her tested.

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Symptoms of diabetes

Symptoms for each type of diabetes are similar – but they may follow different patterns.

 Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. Symptoms may include:

• constant thirst
• a frequent need to urinate
• extreme hunger
• rapid weight loss
• nausea or vomiting
• blurred vision
• lack of energy

Untreated, Type 1 diabetes can lead to coma.

Type 2 appears gradually. Many people have no clear symptoms. If present, symptoms may include any type 1 symptom. Other symptoms may include:

• frequent infections
• dry, itchy skin
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• slow-healing wounds
• tiredness

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Diabetes can be managed

You can usually lower high blood glucose by balancing meals, physical activity, and weight control. Sometimes, medication is also needed.

• Diet: Your health-care provider and a dietitian may give you a special meal plan to keep blood glucose levels steady.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity lowers blood glucose – and helps ensure good physical and mental health. Consult you health-care provider before beginning an exercise program.
• Weight control: Weight loss alone may bring blood glucose back to normal – especially in type 2 Diabetes. Talk to a health-care provider before changing your diet or beginning a weight control plan.
• Medications: Insulin is always prescribed for type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, insulin and/or diabetes pills can also lower blood glucose.
• Monitoring your blood glucose: Testing and equipment methods vary. Frequent monitoring helps you and your health-care provider see how treatment is working.

You and your health-care provider can work together to control diabetes and avoid complications.

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For more information, contact the following Diabetes resources:

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