Facts For Diabetics
Essential information to help you manage your diabetes effectively
Understanding Diabetes
Knowledge is power when it comes to managing diabetes. Here are some essential facts and information to help you on your health journey.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin, which acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body's cells for use as energy.
Type 1 Diabetes
In Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin. The immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age.
- Requires insulin therapy
- Not preventable
- About 5-10% of people with diabetes have Type 1
Type 2 Diabetes
In Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it, but over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.
- Can often be managed with lifestyle changes
- Risk can be reduced through healthy habits
- About 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2
Common Symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry, even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss (Type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (Type 2)
If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can decrease the risk of developing complications.