What You Need to Know About Diabetes

From Prevention to Treatment

Diabetes is a health condition that causes higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. Our bodies will break down most of what we eat into sugar (glucose) and then release it into our bloodstream. When the amount of glucose in our blood increases, it signals the pancreas to release insulin.

Insulin is a natural hormone that the body uses to control blood sugar levels. When insulin is released, it moves glucose from the blood and into our cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use. When the body can’t produce enough insulin to move the glucose into our cells or the cells aren’t responding to the insulin as well as they should, this leads to higher-than-normal levels of glucose in the blood. This condition is known as diabetes.

How does diabetes happen?

The way diabetes develops depends on the type of diabetes a person has. There are different types, and the most common are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system mistakenly sees the cells in the pancreas that make insulin as foreign invaders and destroys the cells. Over time, this destruction leaves the body unable to make enough insulin to survive. Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed during childhood, but it can occur at any age.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body is not using insulin as well as it should; this is called insulin resistance and causes blood sugar levels to rise. To overcome this resistance, the pancreas will release extra insulin in an attempt to bring blood sugar levels back to normal. Over time, the insulin-making cells can’t make enough insulin to keep up. This causes higher-than-normal blood sugar and leads to type 2 diabetes.

Multiple factors can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, such as having certain medical conditions, older age, eating an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise/physical activity, and being overweight. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and usually develops in people aged 45 or older, but it can also develop in children, teens, and young adults.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that is diagnosed or develops during pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormones are released by the placenta to support the baby’s growth. Sometimes, these hormones can make the mother’s body less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance). This leads to a buildup of glucose in the blood and results in higher-than-normal blood sugar. Often, gestational diabetes disappears after giving birth.

Is prediabetes the same as diabetes?

No, prediabetes means that the blood sugar is higher-than-normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. However, prediabetes is a warning that tells us lifestyle changes need to be made. Prediabetes occurs before diabetes, and if no changes are made, there is a high risk of developing diabetes.

Diagnosis

There are different tests used to diagnose diabetes. Each test measures the amount of glucose in the blood. Usually, each test needs to be repeated on another day to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes. Testing should be done in a health care setting such as a doctor’s office or lab.

A1C

The A1C test measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. A score of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. A score of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a score of less than 5.7% means the blood sugar levels are normal.

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)

The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) measures the blood sugar level after at least 8 hours of fasting. A score of 126 mg/dL or more indicates diabetes. A score of 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, and a score of less than 100 mg/dL indicates the blood sugar levels are normal.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

This test measures the blood sugar level 2 hours before and after drinking 75 grams of sugar. A score of 200 mg/dL or more indicates diabetes. A score of 140 to 199 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, and a score of less than 140 indicates normal blood sugar.

Symptoms

If you have any of the diabetes symptoms below, speak to your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested:

• Frequently feel very hungry
• Urinate frequently, especially at night
• Have wounds that heal slowly
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue: feeling tired or weak all the time
• Having numb or tingling hands or feet
• Lose weight without trying
• Feel very thirsty

Dangers of Leaving Diabetes Untreated or Uncontrolled

Diabetes can increase your risk for severe health problems, especially if left untreated. Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar – it affects other parts of the body as well. It can increase the risk of developing conditions such as:

• Heart disease, such as heart attacks or heart failure
• Kidney disease, which can cause the kidneys to fail and cause a need for dialysis or even a transplant
• Eye disease, which can lead to worsening vision or even blindness
• Nerve damage, which can lead to pain, reduced blood flow, and even amputation of limbs, such as a foot amputation
• Stroke: The chances of having a stroke are 2 times higher in those with diabetes than in people without diabetes.
• Oral disease, such as gum disease, is higher in those with diabetes than in those without.
• Hearing loss
• Diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a life-threatening condition that is caused by a build-up of ketones. The body creates ketones when it breaks down fat for use as energy. It can lead to a diabetic coma or even death.

Preventing Diabetes

Certain types of diabetes, such as autoimmune diabetes (Type 1 diabetes), can’t be prevented. However, you can reduce the risk of developing other types, such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes, with lifestyle behavior changes such as:

• Weight management: Those who are overweight are at higher risk of developing diabetes. Work with your healthcare provider to achieve a weight that is healthy for you.
• Physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. Spread this time over 3 days or more per week.
• Nutrition: Eat a healthy diet, such as one that contains nonstarchy vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, lean protein, and low-fat dairy or nondairy alternatives. Minimize the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, and highly processed foods. You can speak with your healthcare provider to find a diet that’s right for you.
• Limit alcohol intake
• Adequate sleep: Aim for consistent, uninterrupted sleep (usually 7 to 9 hours).

Managing and Treating Diabetes

Managing diabetes involves making healthier choices and support from your healthcare team. There are different ways to manage or treat diabetes:

1. Monitoring blood sugar: You can check your blood sugar (glucose) by using a glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how often to check your blood glucose and what your goal levels should be.
2. Medications: Your doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help you control your blood sugar levels. There are many medication options for treating diabetes, including injectables or oral (taken by mouth) medications. You can speak with your healthcare provider to find what works best for you.
3. Make regular appointments: Stay up-to-date with your appointments and visits with your healthcare team so that you can be sure you are on track with your health plan.
4. Ask questions: if you are ever unsure about anything, such as your care plan, diet, or medications, always ask your healthcare provider for more information.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

If you are unsure about whether you have diabetes, you can check with a healthcare provider for testing and information. You should especially see a healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms previously listed above.

To see if you are at increased risk for having type 2 diabetes, you can use the form provided by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The link is provided here and in the references section below.  The form is available in English and in Spanish. If you score a 5 or higher on the form, you are at a higher risk of having type 2 diabetes and should speak to your doctor about testing and prevention of diabetes.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should stay up-to-date with your healthcare provider and follow up with them regularly.

Diabetes can be a life-changing event, but it can be managed by making lifestyle changes and working with a healthcare provider to find out what works best for you. Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about diabetes.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on medical issues and before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment.

_References

_{American Diabetes Association (ADA): Diabetes Diagnosis}

_{American Diabetes Association (ADA): Diabetes Complications}

_{American Diabetes Association (ADA): Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes?}

_{American Diabetes Association (ADA): Standards of Care in Diabetes 2025}

_{Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Symptoms of Diabetes}

_{Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Type 2 diabetes}

_{National Institutes of Health (NIH): Type 1 diabetes}

_{National Institutes of Health (NIH): Type 2 diabetes}

_{National Institutes of Health (NIH): Gestational Diabetes}

_{National Institutes of Health (NIH): How Much Sleep is Enough?}