Description

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and tissues. It is also the brain's main source of fuel.

The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to an excess of sugar in the blood. The excess sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But the blood sugar levels are not high enough to be called diabetes. And prediabetes can lead to diabetes, unless you take steps to prevent it. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. But it may go away after the baby is born.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Diabetes depends on how high the level of sugar in the blood. Some people, especially if they have pre-diabetes , gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes , may not have symptoms. In type 1 diabetes , symptoms tend to come on quickly and be more severe.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes type 1 and type 2 diabetes are:

  • Feel more thirsty than usual.
  • Urinate frequently.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • The presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there is not enough insulin available.
  • Feeling tired and weak.
  • Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
  • Have blurred vision.
  • Taking slow healing of wounds.
  • Getting a lot of infections, such as gums, skin and vaginal infections.

Type 1 diabetes can start at any age. But often starts in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, can develop at any age. Type 2 diabetes is more common in people older than 40 years. But type 2 diabetes in children is increasing.

When to see a doctor

  • If you think that you or your child may have diabetes. If you notice any possible diabetes symptoms, contact your health care provider. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, before the start of the treatment.
  • If you've already been diagnosed with diabetes. After receiving your diagnosis, you will need close medical follow-up until your blood sugar levels stabilize.

Causes

To understand diabetes, it is important to understand how the body normally uses glucose.

How insulin works

Insulin is a hormone that comes from a gland situated behind and below the stomach (pancreas).

  • The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream.
  • The insulin circulates, leaving sugar to enter the cells.
  • Insulin reduces the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.
  • As the blood sugar level drops, so does the secretion of insulin from the pancreas.

The role of glucose

Glucose — a sugar — is a source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues.

  • Glucose comes from two major sources: food and your liver.
  • The sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it enters cells with the help of insulin.
  • The liver stores and makes glucose.
  • When glucose levels are low, such as when you haven't eaten in a while, the liver breaks down stored glycogen into glucose. This keeps your glucose level within a normal range.

The exact cause of most of the types of diabetes is unknown. In all cases, the sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This is because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. In the type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors. It is not clear which of these factors may be.

Risk factors

Risk factors for diabetes depend on the type of diabetes. The family history may play a role in all types. The environmental factors and the geography may increase the risk of type 1 diabetes.

Sometimes family members of people with type 1 diabetes are tested for the presence of diabetes, the immune system cells (autoantibodies). If you have these autoantibodies, you have a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. But not everyone who has these autoantibodies will develop diabetes.

Race or ethnicity may also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Although it is not clear why some people — including Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian-American people — are at greater risk.

Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are more common in people who are overweight or obese.

Complications

The long-term complications of diabetes develop gradually. The longer you have diabetes, and the less controlled your blood sugar, the greater the risk of complications. Eventually, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening. In fact, prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes. Possible complications include:

  • Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. Diabetes mostly increases the risk of many heart problems. These can include coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). If you have diabetes, you are more likely to have heart disease or a stroke.
  • Damage to the nerves from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy).Excess sugar can injure the walls of the small blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish your nerves, especially in the legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. Damage to the nerves related to digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. For men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.
  • Kidney damage from diabetes (diabetic nephropathy). The kidneys maintain millions of tiny blood vessel clusters (glomeruli) that filter waste from the blood. Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering system.
  • Eye damage from diabetes (diabetic retinopathy). Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the eye. This could lead to blindness.
  • Foot damage. Nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of many complications in the feet.
  • Skin and mouth conditions. Diabetes may leave you more prone to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Impairment of hearing. Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes.
  • Alzheimer's disease. Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease.
  • Depression associated with diabetes. The symptoms of depression are common in people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Damage to the nerves from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). Excess sugar can injure the walls of the small blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish your nerves, especially in the legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.

Damage to the nerves related to digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. For men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.

The complications of gestational diabetes

The majority of women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, untreated or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause problems for you and for your baby.

Complications in the baby may be caused by gestational diabetes, including:

  • The excess growth. Excess glucose can cross the placenta. Extra glucose stimulate the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin. This can cause your baby to grow too large. This can lead to a difficult delivery, and sometimes the need for a cesarean section.
  • Low blood sugar. Sometimes babies of mothers with gestational diabetes develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth. This is due to its own insulin production is high.
  • Type 2 diabetes later in life. The babies of mothers who have gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • Death. Gestational diabetes is not treated can lead to the death of a baby, either before or shortly after birth.

Complications in the mother may also be caused by gestational diabetes, including:

  • The Pre-Eclampsia. The symptoms of this condition include high blood pressure, excess protein in the urine, and swelling in the legs and feet.
  • Gestational diabetes. If you have had gestational diabetes in one pregnancy, you are more likely to have again with the next pregnancy.

Prevention

Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented. But the healthy lifestyle that helps to treat prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes also can help prevent them:

  • Eat healthy foods. Choose foods that are low in fat and calories and high in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eat a variety to avoid feeling bored.
  • Get more physical activity. Try to get about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity on most days of the week. Or the lens to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. For example, take a brisk daily walk. If you can't fit in a long workout, break it up into smaller sessions throughout the day.
  • Lose excess pounds.If you are overweight, losing even 7 percent of your body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs (90.7 kg), losing 14 pounds (6.4 kilograms) can help reduce the risk of diabetes. But don't try to lose weight during pregnancy. Talk with your provider about how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy. To maintain your weight in a healthy range, to work in long-term changes in their eating and exercise habits. Remember that the benefits of weight loss, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem.

Lose excess pounds. If you are overweight, losing even 7 percent of your body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs (90.7 kg), losing 14 pounds (6.4 kilograms) can help reduce the risk of diabetes.

But don't try to lose weight during pregnancy. Talk with your provider about how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy.

To maintain your weight in a healthy range, to work in long-term changes in their eating and exercise habits. Remember that the benefits of weight loss, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem.

Sometimes, medications are an option. Oral diabetes medications such as metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others) may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. But the healthy lifestyle are important. If you have pre-diabetes, have your blood sugar level at least once a year to make sure that you have not developed type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis

Type 1 diabetes symptoms often begin suddenly and are often the reason for checking blood sugar levels. Because symptoms of other types of diabetes and prediabetes come on more gradually or may not be easy to see, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has developed guidelines for the detection. The ADA recommends that the following people be screened for diabetes:

  • Any person with a body mass index higher than 25 (23 for Asian-Americans), regardless of the age, who has additional risk factors. These factors include high blood pressure, which is not the typical levels of cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome, or heart disease, and having a close relationship with diabetes.
  • Any person over the age of 35 years of age are advised to obtain an initial blood sugar screening. If the results are normal, should be evaluated every three years after that.
  • Women who have had gestational diabetes are advised to be screened for diabetes every three years.
  • Someone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes is recommended that you take the test each year.
  • Any person who has HIV is recommended to be tested.

Tests for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes

  • The A1C test.This blood test, which does not require of not eating for a period of time (fasted), displays the average of your blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. Measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells. It is also called a test of glycosylated hemoglobin. The high levels of sugar in the blood, the more hemoglobin you'll have with sugar attached. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests means you have diabetes. An A1C between 5.7% and 6.4% mean you have prediabetes. Below 5.7 percent is considered normal.
  • Random blood sugar. A blood sample will be taken at a random time. No matter when you last ate, a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or higher suggests diabetes.
  • The fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken after not having eaten anything the night before (quick). A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal. A level of blood sugar fasting glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. If it's 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.
  • Glucose tolerance test.For this test, you fast during the night. Then, the fasting blood sugar level is measured. Then you drink a sugary liquid, and blood sugar levels are tested regularly for the next two hours. A blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after two hours it means you have diabetes. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L), it means that you have prediabetes.

The A1C test. This blood test, which does not require of not eating for a period of time (fasted), displays the average of your blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. Measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells. It is also called a test of glycosylated hemoglobin.

The high levels of sugar in the blood, the more hemoglobin you'll have with sugar attached. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests means you have diabetes. An A1C between 5.7% and 6.4% mean you have prediabetes. Below 5.7 percent is considered normal.

Glucose tolerance test. For this test, you fast during the night. Then, the fasting blood sugar level is measured. Then you drink a sugary liquid, and blood sugar levels are tested regularly for the next two hours.

A blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after two hours it means you have diabetes. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L), it means that you have prediabetes.

If your doctor believes you may have type 1 diabetes, you may have a urine test to detect the presence of ketones. Ketones are a byproduct that occurs when the muscle and the fat is used to produce energy. Your provider will also, probably, to run a test to see if you have the destructive immune system cells associated with type 1 diabetes are called autoantibodies.

Your provider is likely that if you are at high risk for gestational diabetes early in your pregnancy. If you are at high risk, your doctor may test for diabetes at the first prenatal visit. If you are at average risk, you're probably going to be examined at some time during the second quarter.

Treatment

Depending on the type of diabetes you have, the monitoring of glucose, insulin and oral medications can be part of your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, keeping a healthy weight and regular physical activity are also important parts of the management of diabetes.

Treatments for all types of diabetes

An important part of the management of diabetes, as well as your health in general — is the maintenance of a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise plan:

  • Healthy eating.Yourdiabetes dietis simply a healthy eating plan that will help you control your blood sugar. You need to focus your diet on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. These are the foods that are high in nutrition and fiber and low in fat and calories. You are also going to reduce the saturated fat, refined carbohydrates and sweets. In fact, it is the best eating plan for the whole family. Sugary foods are ok once in a while. Should be counted as part of your meal plan. Understanding what and how much to eat can be a challenge. A registered dietitian can help you create a meal plan that fits your health goals, food preferences and lifestyle. This will likely include carbohydrate counting, especially if you have type 1 diabetes or using insulin as part of their treatment.
  • The physical activity.Everyone needs regular aerobic activity. This includes people who have diabetes. Physical activity reduces the level of sugar in blood by the movement of sugar into the cells, where it is used to produce energy. Physical activity also makes your body more sensitive to insulin. This means your body needs less insulin to transport sugar into the cells. Ask your supplier of the exercise. Then choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or biking. The most important thing is to make physical activity part of your daily routine. Try to do at least 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week, or at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Bouts of activity may be a few minutes during the day. If you haven't been active for a while, start slowly and build up slowly. Also avoid sitting for too long. Try to get up and move if you've been sitting for more than 30 minutes.

Healthy eating. Your diabetes diet is simply a healthy eating plan that will help you control your blood sugar. You need to focus your diet on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. These are the foods that are high in nutrition and fiber and low in fat and calories. You are also going to reduce the saturated fat, refined carbohydrates and sweets. In fact, it is the best eating plan for the whole family. Sugary foods are ok once in a while. Should be counted as part of your meal plan.

Understanding what and how much to eat can be a challenge. A registered dietitian can help you create a meal plan that fits your health goals, food preferences and lifestyle. This will likely include carbohydrate counting, especially if you have type 1 diabetes or using insulin as part of their treatment.

The physical activity. Everyone needs regular aerobic activity. This includes people who have diabetes. Physical activity reduces the level of sugar in blood by the movement of sugar into the cells, where it is used to produce energy. Physical activity also makes your body more sensitive to insulin. This means your body needs less insulin to transport sugar into the cells.

Ask your supplier of the exercise. Then choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or biking. The most important thing is to make physical activity part of your daily routine.

Try to do at least 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week, or at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Bouts of activity may be a few minutes during the day. If you haven't been active for a while, start slowly and build up slowly. Also avoid sitting for too long. Try to get up and move if you've been sitting for more than 30 minutes.

Treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

The treatment for type 1 diabetes consists of insulin injections or use an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. For some people with type 1 diabetes, transplantation of pancreas or islet cell transplantation may be an option.

The treatment of type 2 diabetes mostly consists of lifestyle changes, track your blood sugar, along with oral diabetes medications, insulin, or both.

Control your blood sugar

Depending on your treatment plan, you may check and record your blood sugar four times a day or more often if you are taking insulin. - Care testing of blood sugar is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level remains within your target range. People with type 2 diabetes who are not taking insulin usually check your blood sugar much less frequently.

The people who receive the therapy of insulin can also choose to monitor their blood sugar levels with a continuous glucose monitor. Although this technology is not yet completely replaced the glucose meter , it can reduce the number of punctures needed to check the blood sugar and provide important information about trends in the levels of sugar in the blood.

Even with careful management, blood sugar levels can sometimes change in an unpredictable way. With the help of his team of diabetes treatment, you'll learn how your blood sugar level changes in response to diet, physical activity, medications, illness, alcohol consumption, and stress. For women, you'll learn how your blood sugar level changes in response to changes in hormone levels.

In addition to daily blood sugar monitoring, your doctor will likely recommend regular A1C testing to measure your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.

Compared with repeated daily blood sugar tests, A1C testing best shows how well your diabetes treatment plan is working overall. A higher A1C level may signal the need for a change in their oral medications, insulin regimen or meal plan.

Your target A1C goal may vary depending on your age and other factors, such as other medical conditions you may have or your ability to feel when your blood sugar is low. However, for the majority of people with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C level below 7%. Ask your doctor what your A1C level is the goal.

Insulin

People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin to control sugar in the blood in order to survive. Many people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes also need insulin therapy.

Many types of insulin are available, including short-acting (regular insulin), the rapid-acting insulin, long-acting insulin and intermediate options. Depending on your needs, your doctor may prescribe a mixture of insulin types to use throughout the day and night.

Insulin cannot be taken by mouth to reduce the sugar in the blood due to which the stomach enzymes that interfere with the action of insulin. Insulin is often injected using a fine needle and syringe or an insulin pen — a device that looks like a big ink pen.

An insulin pump can also be an option. The pump is a device the size of a small mobile phone has been used on the outside of your body. A tube that connects the reservoir of insulin to a tube (catheter) that is inserted under the skin of your abdomen.

A continuous glucose monitor, to the left, is a device that measures the blood sugar every few minutes, using a sensor inserted under the skin. An insulin pump, which is attached to the pocket, is a device used in the exterior of the body with a tube that connects the reservoir of insulin to a catheter that's inserted under the skin of the abdomen. The insulin pump is programmed to deliver a specific amount of insulin continuously and with food.

Tubeless pump that works wirelessly is also available. Program an insulin pump to dispense specific amounts of insulin. Can be adjusted to give more or less insulin depending on the food, level of activity and the level of sugar in the blood.

A closed loop system is a device that is implanted in the body that links a continuous glucose monitor to an insulin pump. The monitor checks your blood sugar levels regularly. The device automatically provides the correct amount of insulin when the monitor shows that it is necessary.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved several hybrid closed loop systems for type 1 diabetes. Are the so-called "hybrid", because these systems require the user to enter something. For example, you may need to tell the device how many carbohydrates are eaten, or to confirm the levels of blood sugar once in a while.

A closed loop system that does not need any user input is not available yet. But most of these systems are currently in clinical trials.

Oral or other drugs

Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe other oral or injected drugs. Some diabetes medication helps your pancreas produce more insulin. Others prevent the production and release of glucose from the liver, which means that you need less insulin to transport sugar into the cells.

Still others block the action of stomach or intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates, decreasing its absorption, or make the tissue more sensitive to insulin. Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others) is generally the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

Another class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors can be used. They work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing filtered blood sugar. Instead, the sugar is removed in the urine.

Transplantation

In some people who have type 1 diabetes, a pancreas transplant may be an option. Islet transplants are being studied as well. With a successful pancreas transplant, which would not require treatment with insulin.

But transplants are not always successful. And these procedures pose serious risks. You need a lifetime of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of the organ. These medications can have serious side effects. Because of this, the transplants are usually reserved for people whose diabetes cannot be controlled or those who also need a kidney transplant.

Bariatric surgery

Some people with type 2 diabetes who are obese and have a body mass index above 35 it can be helped by some types of bariatric surgery . People who have had the gastric bypass have seen great improvements in their blood sugar levels. But this procedure is long-term risks and benefits for type 2 diabetes is not yet known.

The treatment for gestational diabetes

Control your blood sugar level is essential to keeping your baby healthy. You can also prevent you from having complications during childbirth. In addition to having a healthy diet and exercise regularly, your treatment plan for gestational diabetes may include monitoring your blood sugar. In some cases, you can also use insulin or oral medications.

Your provider control your sugar level in blood during labor. If your blood sugar rises, your baby may reveal high levels of insulin. This can lead to low blood sugar right after birth.

The treatment of prediabetes

The treatment of pre-diabetes usually involves a healthy lifestyle. These habits can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal. Or you could keep it from rising to the levels observed in type 2 diabetes. Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and healthy eating can help. Exercise at least 150 minutes a week, and the loss of approximately 7% of your body weight can prevent or delay diabetes type 2.

Medications such as metformin, statins and high blood pressure medications — may be an option for some people with pre-diabetes and other conditions such as heart disease.

Signs of problems in any type of diabetes

Many factors can affect your blood sugar. The problems sometimes you may need immediate medical attention.

High blood sugar

High blood sugar ( hyperglycemia in diabetes ) can occur for many reasons, including eating too much, being sick or not taking enough glucose-lowering medication. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. And watch for symptoms of high blood sugar, including:

  • Frequent urination
  • The sensation of thirst than usual
  • Blurred vision
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Headache
  • Irritability

If you have hyperglycemia, you'll need to adjust your meal plan, medications, or both.

Increase the presence of ketones in the urine

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes. If your cells are starved for energy, your body may begin to break down the fat. This causes toxic acids known as ketones, which can build up in the blood. Notice the following symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach (abdominal) pain
  • A sweet, fruity smell on the breath
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry mouth
  • Weakness
  • The confusion
  • Comma

You can check your urine for excess ketones with a test kit of ketones that you can get without a prescription. If you have excess ketones in your urine, talk to your doctor immediately or seek emergency care. This condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes.

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome

Hyperosmolar syndrome is caused by very high blood sugar that becomes the blood of thick and thick.

The symptoms of this life-threatening condition include:

  • A blood sugar reading is higher than 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L)
  • Dry mouth
  • Extreme thirst
  • Fever
  • Drowsiness
  • The confusion
  • The loss of vision
  • Hallucinations

This condition is seen in people with type 2 diabetes. It often happens after an illness. Call your healthcare provider or seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of this condition.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, it is known as low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia diabetic ). If you are taking medications that decrease the sugar in the blood, including the insulin, your blood sugar level can drop for many reasons. These include skipping a meal and do more physical exercise than normal. Low blood sugar can also occur if you take too much insulin or too much of a glucose-lowering medication that causes the pancreas to maintain the insulin.

Check your blood sugar level regularly and watch for symptoms of low blood sugar, including:

  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Weakness
  • The hunger
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Heart palpitations
  • Irritability
  • Speech difficulty
  • Drowsiness
  • The confusion
  • Fainting
  • Seizures

Low blood sugar is the best treatment with the carbohydrates that the body can absorb quickly, such as fruit juice or glucose tablets.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Diabetes is a serious disease. After your diabetes treatment plan takes a total commitment. The management of diabetes care can reduce your risk of serious or life-threatening complications.

  • Commit tomanaging your diabetes. Learn all that you can about diabetes. Build a relationship with a diabetes educator. Ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it.
  • Choose healthy foods and stay at a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing just 7% of your body weight can make a difference in your blood sugar control if you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet is one with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and legumes. And limit the amount of foods with saturated fats to eat.
  • Make physical activity part of your daily routine.Regular physical activity can help prevent prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It may also help those who already have diabetes, you maintain better blood sugar control. A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, most days of the week is recommended. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity per week. Regular aerobic exercise along with a total of at least two days a week of strength training exercises can help control blood sugar more effectively than any type of exercise alone. Aerobic exercise can include walking, biking, or dancing. Resistance training may include training with weights and body weight exercises. Also, try to spend less time sitting still. Try to get up and move around for a few minutes at least every 30 minutes or so when you are awake.

Make physical activity part of your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help prevent prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It may also help those who already have diabetes, you maintain better blood sugar control. A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, most days of the week is recommended. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity per week.

Regular aerobic exercise along with a total of at least two days a week of strength training exercises can help control blood sugar more effectively than any type of exercise alone. Aerobic exercise can include walking, biking, or dancing. Resistance training may include training with weights and body weight exercises.

Also, try to spend less time sitting still. Try to get up and move around for a few minutes at least every 30 minutes or so when you are awake.

The style of life of the recommendations for the type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Also, if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes:

  • Identify. Wear a tag or bracelet that says you have diabetes. Keep a kit of glucagon nearby in case of a low blood sugar emergency. Make sure your friends and loved ones know how to use it.
  • Schedule a yearly physical and regular eye exams. Your regular diabetes checkups aren't meant to replace yearly medical examinations or routine eye exams. During the physical, your doctor will look for any diabetes-related complications and screen for other medical problems. Your eye doctor will check for signs of eye damage, including damage to the retina (retinopathy), cataracts, and glaucoma.
  • Keep your vaccinations up to date.High blood sugar can weaken your immune system. Get vaccinated against the flu every year. Your healthcare provider may recommend the pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines, as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also currently recommends vaccination against hepatitis B if you have not had previously, and you are an adult in age from 19 to 59 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Most of the recentCDCguidelines suggest that the vaccination as soon as possible after diagnosis with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you are age 60 or older, have been diagnosed with diabetes, and have not previously received the vaccine, talk with your doctor about if it is right for you.
  • Pay attention to your feet. Wash your feet daily with warm water. Dry carefully, especially between the toes of the feet. Hydrating cream, but not between the toes of the feet. Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Talk with your doctor if you have a sore or other foot problem that does not heal quickly on its own.
  • Control of blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can help to control high blood pressure and cholesterol. The drugs may be needed, too.
  • Take care of your teeth. Diabetes may leave you prone to more-serious gum infections. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day. And if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, scheduling regular dental exams. Talk with your dentist right away if your gums bleed or look red or swollen.
  • If you smoke or use other types of tobacco, ask your doctor for help to quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of many complications of diabetes. Smokers who have diabetes are more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than non-smokers who have diabetes. Talk with your doctor about how to stop smoking or to stop using other types of tobacco.
  • If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly.Alcohol can cause either high or low sugar in the blood. This depends on how much you drink and if you eat at the same time. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation — one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men — and always with food. Remember to include the carbohydrate of any alcohol you drink in your daily amount of carbohydrates. And check your blood sugar levels before going to bed.
  • Take stress seriously. The hormones that your body can do, in response to long-term stress may prevent insulin to work properly. This will increase your blood sugar and stress even more. Set limits for yourself and prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques. And getting enough sleep.

Keep your vaccinations up to date. High blood sugar can weaken your immune system. Get vaccinated against the flu every year. Your healthcare provider may recommend the pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines, as well.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also currently recommends vaccination against hepatitis B if you have not had previously, and you are an adult in age from 19 to 59 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The most recent CDC guidelines suggest that the vaccination as soon as possible after diagnosis with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you are age 60 or older, have been diagnosed with diabetes, and have not previously received the vaccine, talk with your doctor about if it is right for you.

If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly. Alcohol can cause either high or low sugar in the blood. This depends on how much you drink and if you eat at the same time. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation — one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men — and always with food.

Remember to include the carbohydrate of any alcohol you drink in your daily amount of carbohydrates. And check your blood sugar levels before going to bed.

Alternative medicine

Many substances have been shown to improve the body's ability to process insulin in some studies. Other studies find no benefit for the control of sugar in the blood or in the reduction of A1C levels. Due to the conflicting results, there are alternative therapies that are currently recommended to help everyone to manage blood sugar.

If you decide to try any type of alternative therapy, do not stop taking the medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. Make sure to discuss the use of any of these therapies with your provider. Make sure that it does not cause adverse reactions or interact with their current therapy.

In addition, there are no alternative treatments or conventional — can cure diabetes. If you are using insulin therapy for diabetes never stop using insulin unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.

Coping and support

Living with diabetes can be difficult and frustrating. Sometimes, even when you've done everything right, your blood sugar levels can go up. But continue with your plan to control diabetes and is likely to see a positive difference in your level of A1C when you visit your provider.

Good diabetes management can take a lot of time and the overwhelming sensation. Some people find it helpful to talk with someone. Your provider will probably be referred to a mental health professional to speak with. Or you may want to try a support group.

Share your frustrations and successes with people who understand what is going on can be very useful. And you may find that others have great tips to share on the management of diabetes.

Your healthcare provider may know of a local support group. You can also call the American Diabetes Association at 800-DIABETES ( 800-342-2383 ) or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in 800-533-CURE ( 800-533-2873 ).

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your health care provider if you are having symptoms of diabetes. If your child has symptoms of diabetes, you might see your health care provider. If the blood sugar levels are very high, it is likely to be sent to the emergency room.

If the blood sugar levels are not high enough to put you or your child is at immediate risk, you may be referred to a provider who is qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes (endocrinologist). Shortly after the diagnosis, you'll also likely meet with a diabetes educator and a registered dietitian for more information about the management of your diabetes.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if you need to do anything in advance. This will likely include restricting your diet, as for a test of sugar in the blood on an empty stomach.
  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated.
  • Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes. If you are monitoring your blood glucose levels at home, keep a record of the results of the glucose, detailing the dates and times of testing.
  • Make a list of allergies and all the drugs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • Record of your family medical history. Be sure to take note of any relatives who have had diabetes, heart attacks or strokes.
  • A family member or a friend, if possible. Someone who accompanies you can help to remember the information that you need.
  • Write questions to ask their provider. Ask about the aspects of his handling of the diabetes is unclear.
  • Be aware if you are in need of some renewal of prescriptions. Your provider may renew your prescriptions while you're there.

Prepare a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your provider. For diabetes, some questions are:

  • Are the symptoms that I have linked to diabetes or something else?
  • Do I need any tests?
  • What else can I do to protect my health?
  • What are other options for controlling my diabetes?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist, such as a dietitian or diabetes educator?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider will probably ask a lot of questions, such as:

  • Can you describe your symptoms?
  • Do you have symptoms all the time, or come and go?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Do you have a family history of preeclampsia or diabetes?
  • Tell me about your diet.
  • Do you exercise? What type and how much?
Symptoms and treatment of Diabetes