As of 2015, 30.3 million people in the United States had diabetes. Diabetes is a disease where your blood sugar is too high. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) from food get to your cells. Sometimes bodies don’t make enough or any, and then the glucose stays in your blood and can’t be converted into energy.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 – This is when the body does not make any insulin. Your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin.
- Type 2 – This is when your body does not make or use insulin properly.
- Gestational – This type of diabetes happens in some pregnant women but usually goes away after birth.
Symptoms
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Sores that do not heal
- Unexplained weight loss
Prevention
Genetic factors can play a part in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, type one diabetes cannot be prevented, but they can live very normal lives with daily insulin shots. You can take steps to prevent or control type 2 diabetes.
- Stay Active. Keeping excess weight off can help lower your risk of getting diabetes.
- Eat healthily. Drink water instead of sweet beverages. Avoid saturated fats.
- Get regular checkups. If you have a family history of diabetes, talk to your doctor.
