Sep 22, 2018
Diabetes: Did you know it is a leading cause of death in the United States
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, an organ located behind your stomach. Normally, the pancreas releases a substance called insulin into the blood. Insulin helps the body to use sugars and fats that are broken down from the foods we eat. When a person has diabetes, the pancreas:- Does not make insulin
- Makes only a little insulin or,
- Makes insulin, but the insulin does not work as it should.
What causes diabetes?
Health care providers do not yet know what causes diabetes. The following factors may increase your chance of getting diabetes:- Family history of diabetes
- African-American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian-American race or ethnic background
- Being overweight
- Age (Chances increase with age)
- Taking certain medicines
- Being pregnant*
What are the types of diabetes?
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes — The pancreas makes little or no insulin. A person with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to survive. This type occurs most often in people who are under 30 years old.
Type 2 diabetes — Insulin is made but it doesn't work as it should. Nine out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type occurs most often in people who are over 40 years old and overweight.
How is diabetes managed?
Diabetes is managed through proper diet, exercise and, if needed, medication. People with diabetes must use home and office tests to monitor the levels of sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides (a type of fat) in their blood. Steps are then taken to keep the levels of these substances as normal as possible. Type 1 diabetes is controlled with:- Insulin shots
- Meal planning
- Exercise
- Diet and exercise
- Medicine taken by the mouth
- Insulin shots (less common)
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are often severe and sudden. These symptoms include:- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- A need to urinate often
- Weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry)
- Weak, tired feeling
- Blurred vision
Type 2 diabetes
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes often go unnoticed. These symptoms build up over time and include:- Blurred vision
- Slow healing sores or cuts
- Itchy skin (usually in the vaginal or groin area)
- Yeast infections
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- A need to urinate often
How can I know if I have diabetes?
Your health care provider can perform blood and urine tests to see if you have diabetes. Normal blood sugar is between 70 mg/dl and 100 mg/dl. The standard diagnosis of diabetes is made when two blood tests show that your fasting blood sugar level (blood sugar before you have eaten anything) is 126 mg/dl or greater.Can diabetes be cured?
No. A cure for diabetes has not yet been found. However, diabetes can be treated and controlled. Most people with diabetes manage their disease and lead normal lives. Without proper care, diabetes can lead to:- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Eye damage and blindness
- Gum disease
- Serious infections in feet, sometimes requiring amputation
- Damage to nerves, resulting in pain or loss of sensation
What should my blood sugar level be?
Blood sugar ranges may be different for each person and can change throughout the day. Your health care provider will tell you what range is good for you. If your blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dl or more than 180 mg/dl for three days in a row, call your health care provider.What are the symptoms of low blood sugar?
Most people have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when their blood sugar is less than 60 mg/dl. (Your health care provider will tell you how to test your blood sugar level.) When your blood sugar is low, your body gives out signs that you need food. Different people have different symptoms. You will learn to know your symptoms. Common low blood sugar symptoms include the following:Early symptoms
You may:- Feel weak
- Feel dizzy
- Feel hungry
- Tremble
- Feel shaky
- Sweat
- Have a pounding heart
- Have pale skin
- Feel frightened or anxious
Late symptoms
You may:- Feel confused
- Have a headache
- Feel cranky
- Have poor coordination
- Have bad dreams or nightmares
- Be unable keep your mind on one subject
- Feel a numbness in your mouth and tongue
- Pass out
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