November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise far above what’s healthy. This disease affects millions of Americans, but with medical testing and healthy lifestyle choices, it’s very preventable. That’s why it’s essential to understand it.

What is Diabetes?

Normally when we eat something, our body releases insulin that allows our cells to absorb the sugar from our bloodstream. In a person who has diabetes or prediabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t respond to insulin correctly. This causes blood sugar levels to rise above normal levels for prolonged periods of time, which can lead to many health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, or stroke.

What are the different types of diabetes?

Type I diabetes occurs when the body stops producing insulin entirely. It is usually diagnosed early in childhood, though it can sometimes manifest in adults. While the disease is genetic and lasts one’s whole life, patients can manage their blood sugar levels using diet, lifestyle changes, and insulin injections. 

Gestational diabetes occurs only in females and results when pregnancy-related body changes affect the ability to make enough insulin. It typically goes away after birth but can increase the mother’s and the child’s risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.

Type II diabetes is a progressive disease, typically starting with insulin resistance, leading to prediabetes, and developing to type II diabetes if not managed at early stages.

Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition in which the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond to insulin as they should. Over time, excessive sugar in the bloodstream causes the pancreas to produce higher levels of insulin in an effort to move glucose into the cells. As this continues, the cells become less responsive to insulin—a process known as resistance. Eventually, the pancreas can no longer keep up, and blood sugar levels rise, potentially leading to prediabetes or Type II diabetes. Individuals with insulin resistance may have an A1C within the normal range but still experience physical signs such as darkened skin, new skin tags, or increased abdominal weight. When insulin resistance is suspected, a fasting insulin lab can be requested from a healthcare provider.

Prediabetes is a related condition that precedes Type II diabetes. It occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated but aren’t yet high enough to qualify as diabetes. Prediabetes can be thought of as a “warning sign” – you may be at risk of developing diabetes, but there’s still time to change direction. With help from your doctor, you can adopt healthy lifestyle habits and avoid Type II diabetes entirely.

Type II diabetes: arises later in life, and is caused by a mix of factors, including genetics, weight, age, and diet. It occurs when cells stop responding to the insulin the body produces, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Type II diabetes is very common, and accounts for more than 90% of diabetes cases in the United States. Once this disease develops, you must manage it for the rest of your life. The good news is that it can be prevented in most people and sometimes maybe reversed with lifestyle interventions if caught early enough. Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help.

How common is diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious health concern for many people. It’s estimated that over 37 million Americans are diabetic – more than 11% of the population. Of those people, around 20% are undiagnosed and unaware they have the disease.

Prediabetes is even more common. More than one in three Americans – around 96 million people – has prediabetes, and around 80% don’t know it. A great way to catch prediabetes is to request an annual A1C lab at your primary care visit.

Do I have diabetes?

Certain symptoms can indicate diabetes or prediabetes. If you are experiencing unusual hunger or fatigue, blurry vision, tingling in the hands and feet, slow-healing sores, or increased urination (especially at night), you should talk to your provider immediately. However, diabetes and prediabetes often have no symptoms at all. This is why testing is so important.

What can I do to prevent diabetes?

The first step in preventing diabetes is knowing your risk. A simple blood sugar test (such as an annual A1C, fasting glucose, or fasting insulin lab) can determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes, and your provider can help you understand your other risk factors, such as lifestyle and family history. With your provider’s assistance, you can form a plan of diet with a registered dietitian, exercise and medication (if needed) to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, visit HaywoodMedicalGroup.com or call 800.424.DOCS to schedule a check-up with your provider and learn what you can do to stay healthy.

If you currently have prediabetes or diabetes and would like help with your nutritional needs, ask your provider for a referral to our outpatient registered dietitian.

For more information on diabetes, visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes and www.diabetes.org.