Diabetes and Insulin What You Need To Know

## Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin well. Glucose, or sugar, builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, a gland behind your stomach. Insulin helps glucose get from your blood into your cells.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

* Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or young adulthood.

* Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It usually develops in adulthood, but it can also occur in children and adolescents. With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin well.

Risk factors for diabetes

Some risk factors for diabetes include:

* Family history of diabetes

* Overweight or obesity

* Physical inactivity

* Certain ethnicities

* High blood pressure

* High cholesterol

* Gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy)

Symptoms of diabetes

Some symptoms of diabetes include:

* Increased thirst

* Frequent urination

* Increased hunger

* Weight loss

* Fatigue

* Blurred vision

* Slow-healing sores

* Frequent infections

Diagnosing diabetes

Diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test. There are different types of blood tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes, including:

* Fasting blood glucose test

* Oral glucose tolerance test

* HbA1c test

Your doctor will recommend the best blood test for you based on your individual situation.

Treating diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed. Treatment for diabetes may include:

* Healthy eating

* Regular exercise

* Insulin therapy

* Other medications

The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. This can help prevent serious complications, such as:

* Heart disease

* Stroke

* Kidney disease

* Eye damage

* Neuropathy

Preventing diabetes

There is no sure way to prevent diabetes, but some lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk, including:

* Eating a healthy diet

* Getting regular exercise

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Quitting smoking

* Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol

If you have any of the risk factors for diabetes, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.