Diabetes is a serious health condition that elevates blood sugar levels beyond healthy limits. The first step in prevention is understanding your risk. Take our free diabetes health risk assessment to learn more about your risk for diabetes. Take a Diabetes Health Risk Assessment. Normally when we eat something, our body releases insulin that allows our cells to absorb the sugar from our bloodstream. This causes blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to many health issues, including heart disease , kidney disease, vision loss, or stroke.
Type I diabetes occurs when the body stops producing insulin entirely. It is usually diagnosed early in childhood, though it can sometimes manifest in adults. Type II diabetes arises later in life, and is caused by a mix of factors, including genetics, weight, age, and diet. It occurs when cells stop responding to the insulin the body produces, causing blood sugar levels to rise. The good news is that it can be prevented in most patients. Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help.
Gestational diabetes occurs only in females and results when pregnancy-related body changes affect the ability to make enough insulin. Prediabetes is a related condition that precedes Type II diabetes. With help from your doctor, you can adopt healthy lifestyle habits and avoid Type II diabetes entirely. Certain symptoms can indicate diabetes or prediabetes. If you are experiencing unusual hunger or fatigue, blurry vision, tingling in the hands and feet, slow-healing sores, or increased urination especially at night , you should talk to your provider immediately.
However, diabetes and prediabetes often have no symptoms at all. This is why testing is so important. The first step in preventing diabetes is knowing your risk. A simple blood sugar test can determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes, and your provider can help you understand your other risk factors, such as lifestyle and family history. Schedule a check-up with your provider and learn what you can do to stay healthy. To find a provider, visit our Find a Doctor tool or call DOCS For more information on diabetes, visit www.
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