Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

Learn how to live a healthier, more meaningful life

What to Know About Diabetes

With diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it as well as it should. Diabetes is a health condition that causes too much sugar to build up in the blood. Your body needs insulin to move glucose (sugar) from the food you eat into your body's cells for energy. If you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin.

The more you know about diabetes the quicker you can manage it. And in return, the better life you can have!

Diabetes types

Type 1: The body makes little or no insulin. More on type 1.
Type 2: The body makes insulin, but can’t use it well. More on type 2.
Gestational: Develops during pregnancy in women without diabetes. More gestational.
Prediabetes: When your blood sugar level is higher than it should be.
- Not high enough for a diagnosis.
- You likely had prediabetes before type 2 diabetes.

man on bicycle in forest

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose
Glucose is a type of sugar in the blood

What Diabetes Means for Your Health

Normal insulin process:

Your food breaks down into tiny parts (glucose) when you eat
Insulin "unlocks" a cell receptor which allows glucose to enter the cell
Glucose provides energy to cells Food Insulin Cell

Type 2 diabetes food and energy processing:

Your cells starve without insulin
What you've eaten spills into your blood
This causes high glucose levels

How to prevent diabetes

You can make simple life choices that can help you manage your weight. And, can make choices to help reduce your risk factors for getting type 2 diabetes.

Eat a healthy diet
Increase exercise
Keep weight under control
Make healthy choices, don't smoke or drink alcohol

To stay healthy, make sure to manage your:

Blood glucose
Blood pressure
Cholesterol

Types of Diabetes

There are 3 types of diabetes, with type 2 being the most common. The three types are:

Type 1 diabetes

Chronic autoimmune disease
The beta cells in the pancreas produce little to no insulin
Accounts for 5% to 10% of diabetes cases

Type 2 diabetes

The most common form of diabetes
Your pancreas can produce insulin at first but your body's cells don't respond the right way.
This is known as insulin resistance.
The CDC Trusted Source notes that 90% to 95% of cases are type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

Can develop during pregnancy in women who do not already have diabetes
Affects 2% to 10% of pregnancies in the United States yearly
Needs to be managed for a healthy pregnancy and baby

Type 1 diabetes used to be known as juvenile diabetes.
This is because it's often found in childhood. The American Diabetes Association believes only about 5% of people with diabetes have type 1.

Its exact cause is unknown
Genetics and certain viruses may lead to the disease
There is no current cure or known ways to prevent type 1 diabetes
Treatment can help manage symptoms

How to Manage Diabetes

Work with your doctor to decide on a treatment plan to control your diabetes. Follow your treatment plan and ask questions if you need help. You can manage your blood glucose level through diet, exercise and medication as needed.

To keep your blood glucose levels near normal you will want to balance:
- Food intake
- Medication
- Exercise
Learn about your blood cholesterol and triglyceride (lipid) levels. Know how to keep levels within normal ranges.
Learn to track and control your blood pressure – it should not go over 140/90

Why Manage Diabetes?

Diabetes can lead to severe health problems.

stroke
vision problems or blindness
gum disease
heart disease and poor circulation
kidney failure
nerve damage
foot and skin problems

Screenings

Regular screenings can catch potential issues early. Have these tests routinely to help track your progress and total health.

Talk to your doctor about which follow-up exams are right for you. Follow your doctor’s advise on how to manage diabetes.

American Diabetes Association Recommendations
Tests and follow-up exams	How often
AIC	2 to 4 times a year
Comprehensive dilated eye exam	1x a year
Foot exam	Every visit
Urine test for microalbuminuria	1x year
Blood pressure	Every visit
Cholesterol and blood lipids	1x year
Flu shot	1x year
Pneumonia vaccine	One time – people under 65 who have a chronic illness or a weakened immune system should ask their doctor about getting another shot 5–10 years after the first one

Stay active to manage diabetes and improve your total health

Five reasons to stay active:

Helps control blood sugar levels
Lowers risk of heart disease and nerve damage
Helps keep a healthy body weight
Improves sleep and bowel functions
Enhances mental health and mood

Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is best for you!

Eat well

Make healthy food choices to control your blood sugar levels
Control your food intake
Work with your doctor or with a person who specializes in nutrition – they will help create the right meal plan for you

_{This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider's instructions.

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Last Updated: 05/14/2024