Understanding Diabetes
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to a chronic disorder that affects millions across the globe.
Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, affects millions of people worldwide. This November, as we observe Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s important to understand the condition and the steps individuals can take to manage or prevent it.
Diabetes occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is essential for transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells, where it’s used for energy.
There are three common types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels. Usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, it requires careful management throughout life.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most preventable type of diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance. The body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity or poor diet. It often develops gradually and can often be managed through lifestyle modifications, medications or insulin therapy.
- Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While often resolving after pregnancy, women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision and slow-healing sores. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, eye damage and increased risk of infections.
Several factors increase your risk of developing diabetes. These include:
- Family history of diabetes – there is a genetic component
- Obesity – excess body weight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes
- Physical inactivity – lack of regular exercise contributes to insulin resistance
- Age – the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age
- Race and Ethnicity – some racial and ethnic groups have a higher predisposition to developing diabetes
Prevention Strategies
If you’re considered high risk for diabetes and have not been diagnosed, that’s great news! You can begin prevention strategies that focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to lower your risk.
- Maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise and a balanced diet
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week
- Eat a healthy diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins; limit processed foods, sugary drinks and unhealthy fats
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. HINT: This is a standard part of your annual wellness exam that’s completely covered by insurance as part of the covered preventive care procedures.
Those diagnosed with diabetes use a variety of methods to manage the disease including medication, lifestyle modifications, regular blood sugar monitoring, and education or support. Whether you’ve received a diabetes diagnosis, want to avoid the diagnosis or help others who have been diagnosed, education is important. To start, there are resources available through our medical insurance provider, your preferred physician or through organizations like the American Diabetes Association.
