Understanding Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are the two most common types of diabetes. While people with both T1D and T2D need to get to and keep their blood glucose (sugar) at goal, they differ in the causes and their treatment plan.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are the two most common types of diabetes. While people with both T1D and T2D need to get to and keep their blood glucose (sugar) at goal, they differ in the causes and their treatment plan.

Some signs of diabetes are being tired, thirsty, hungry,  peeing a lot, losing weight without trying, seeing blurry, having sores that heal slowly, and tingling in the hands or feet. See your healthcare team if you have any of these signs. Taking care of diabetes will help you get healthy and lower your risk of problems.

Prediabetes is when your blood glucose (sugar) is high, but not high enough to be diabetes.  Learn how to lower your blood glucose and slow down the chance of having diabetes. Pre-diabetes is when the insulin you make is not working well. Your healthcare team can teach you how to plan your meals, be more active and lose some weight to lower your risk of diabetes.

There are several misconceptions surrounding diabetes. Educating individuals about the accurate causes, symptoms, and management of diabetes can help dispel these myths and promote better understanding and support for those living with the condition.

Low blood glucose (sugar), or hypoglycemia means your blood glucose is below 70 mg/dL. Risk of low blood sugar is higher in people with diabetes who take insulin or certain pills that may cause low blood glucose if your dose is too high, or you eat less or are more active than usual. Hypoglycemia is more severe when your blood glucose is below 54 mg/dL and can lead to passing out or having a seizure. If you are not able to help yourself, ask for help or call 911 right away.

Hyperglycemia refers to high blood glucose levels in the body. It is commonly associated with diabetes but can also occur in other medical conditions or as a result of certain medications or lifestyle factors. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's cells, and its levels are regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When the body doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia. 

Being pregnant along with diabetes can be hard to care for at the same time. To keep both the mother and baby healthy, close follow up is needed. It is key for pregnant women with diabetes to get special care and follow their care plan to get to and keep their blood glucose (sugar) at goal to prevent diabetes problems. You should speak often with your healthcare team to discuss any worries, change your care plan if needed, and make sure both you and your baby are safe and well.

Diabetes prevention involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco use. Additionally, regular medical check-ups to monitor blood glucose levels and assess risk factors are essential. By making these lifestyle changes and managing risk factors effectively, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes complications can affect various organs and systems in the body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels. Common complications include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, foot ulcers, and increased risk of infections. Proper management of diabetes through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular medical check-ups is crucial in preventing or delaying these complications.