What You Need to Know About Diabetes
![](https://blackfridayzone.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-photomix-company-1001897-660x400.jpg)
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make or use the hormone insulin properly. Insulin is essential for transporting blood sugar to cells for energy production. When the body does not make enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced by the body does not work properly, the supply of blood sugar cannot be delivered to the cells. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood, and over time can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Diabetes is a lifelong condition. It needs to be managed to stay healthy.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are the two different types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells are attacked and destroyed by the body. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin for the amount of glucose in the blood. Apart from this, there is also gestational diabetes which can occur during pregnancy.
What Is Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition wherein blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not to the extent where type 2 diabetes is diagnosed. It is also sometimes referred to as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. Prediabetes is a serious condition that can be a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
It means you’re more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. About 15% of Americans have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When Are You at Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes?
If your BMI is 25 or higher, then you fall into the “overweight” category. If your BMI is 30 or higher, then you fall into the “obese” category. If you’re over the age of 50, then you have an even greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Also, if you have other risk factors, like a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or excess weight around your waist, you’re more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
What Are Some of The Signs and Symptoms I Should Watch For?
While approx 7 million people in the U.S. have undiagnosed diabetes, the symptoms are often present. Listed below are a few common signs and symptoms:
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Feeling very tired
Blurry vision
Unexplained weight loss
Wounds or blisters that don’t heal well
Swollen, red, tender gums
Tingling or numbness in your hands and/or feet
Dry, itchy skin
Frequent infections