Diabetes affects 1 in 9 Americans and is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Here’s what you need to know.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most food into sugar (glucose) and releases it to your bloodstream. When blood sugar goes up the pancreas releases insulin, which acts as a key to let blood sugar into your cells for use as energy.
If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it makes, resulting in too much sugar staying in your bloodstream.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Diabetes Association, 38.4 million Americans have diabetes, approximately 11.6 percent of the U.S. population. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, accounting for about 5-10 percent of all diabetes cases. Common symptoms include increased thirst and urination, unintended weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for 90-95% of all diabetes cases. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough. Type 2 is often linked to obesity and tends to be diagnosed in adults. Common symptoms are similar to type 1 but also include increased hunger and slow-healing sores.
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. However, it increases the mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Fatigue, thirst and frequent urination are common symptoms but often are mild or go unnoticed.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that 98 million American adults (more than 1 in 3) have prediabetes.
Risk Factors for Diabetes
There are certain risk factors for diabetes you can’t control, but many that you can.
Age: The older you are, the greater your risk for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. However, the opposite is true for type 1, which usually develops in children and young adults.
Family history: Having a close relative (mother, father, sister or brother) with type 2 diabetes increases the risk.
Ethnicity and race: White Americans are at the greatest risk for type 1 diabetes, but African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaskan native, Asian American and Pacific Islander are at greater risk for type 2.
Inactivity: A lack of physical exercise, as well as being overweight or obese, increases the risk for type 2.
Certain numbers: High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels add to the risk of prediabetes and type 2.
Living Well and Lowering the Risk
Diabetes, especially type 2, gestational and prediabetes, is linked to lifestyle. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in preventing or delaying the onset. It is never too late or too early.
- Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
- Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Manage your stress and establish sound sleeping habits.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Get regular health check-ups and screenings to monitor blood sugar levels.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control (CDC); American Diabetes Association