Quick Facts: Understanding Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month. More than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it.

While we’ve all heard the term “diabetes” before, and may have some knowledge about it, it’s important to know the what and how behind it, as well as the different types. Today I’ll be discussing some quick facts. Look out for next week’s post about action steps in prevention and care.

Quick Facts: What is Diabetes?

• Diabetes is a top cause of preventable death in the United States.

• Having diabetes means your glucose (sugar) levels in your blood are too high.

• When you eat, most of your food turns into glucose. Your blood carries the glucose to other parts of your body. This is how you get energy and feel energized.

• When you have diabetes, your body has trouble turning glucose into energy. Instead of being used by your body, glucose builds up in your blood.

• Over time, the high levels of glucose in your blood can be quite damaging.

• Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition.

Quick Facts: What are the types?

There are different types of diabetes that are very distinct. They are:

1. Type 1 Diabetes

   • There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. It usually develops in childhood to young adulthood. With Type 1, the pancreas doesn't make insulin or makes very little insulin. Insulin helps blood sugar enter the cells in your body for use as energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood.

   • Type 1 makes up about 5%–10% of all cases of diabetes.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

   • Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It usually develops after age 45. With Type 2, the body begins to resist insulin or produce less of it. This results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream.

   • Prediabetes is an indicator of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Having prediabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for you to be formally diagnosed.

   • Type 2 makes up about 90%–95% of all cases of diabetes.

3. Gestational Diabetes

   • Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can't make enough insulin during your pregnancy. Glucose levels in the blood elevate. This typically resolves after the baby’s birth. Gestational diabetes can lead to risks for the health of the baby and mother. For example, gestational diabetes can make it more likely that you or your baby will develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

   • About 6% to 9% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.

Quick Facts: What are the Symptoms?

1. Type 1 Diabetes

   • The symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop quickly, typically over the course of several weeks. They Include:

     • Being very thirsty or hungry

     • Feeling more tired than usual

     • Urinating more than usual

     • Losing weight for no reason

     • Having cuts or bruises that are slow to heal

     • Having blurry vision

     • Feeling numb or tingly in your hands or feet

2. Type 2 Diabetes

   • Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are the same as type 1. However, they often develop over several years. Many people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms for a long time without noticing them. Some people may never notice any symptoms.

3. Gestational Diabetes

   • Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn't cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Increased thirst and more-frequent urination are possible symptoms.

Quick Facts: What are the Risk Factors?

1. Type 1 Diabetes

   • Family history: People with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing it themselves.

   • Age: Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, but it’s most common during childhood to young adulthood.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

   • Many things can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. For example, you may be at risk if you:

     • Family history: Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes.

     • Age: Are over age 45

     • Conditions: Have prediabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

     • Race or Ethnicity: Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American

     • Physical Activity: Not meeting the CDC guidelines for physical activity

3. Gestational Diabetes

   • Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

     • Pregnancy: Have had gestational diabetes previously or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds previously

     • Conditions: Have polycystic ovary syndrome (when your body produces more male hormones than normal), obesity, or prediabetes

     • Race or Ethnicity: Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American

     • Physical Activity: Not meeting the CDC guidelines for physical activity

Overall, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your concerns or risks for diabetes. If you have risk factors or notice any symptoms, ask your doctor about getting tested.