Underst和ing 和 Preventing Diabetes

By Kaley Bevel, MD, Family Medicine Physician

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise far above what’s healthy. This disease affects millions of Americans, but with medical testing 和 healthy lifestyle choices, 这是可以预防的. That’s why it’s essential to underst和 it.

什么是糖尿病?

Normally when we eat something, our body releases insulin that allows our cells to absorb the sugar from our bloodstream. 在糖尿病患者中, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or doesn’t respond to insulin correctly. This causes blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to many health issues, 包括心脏病, 肾脏疾病, 视力丧失, 或中风.

What are the different types of 糖尿病?

I型糖尿病 occurs when the body stops producing insulin entirely. It is usually diagnosed early in childhood, though it can sometimes manifest in adults. While the disease is genetic 和 lasts one’s whole life, patients can manage their blood sugar levels using diet, 生活方式的改变, 注射胰岛素. 

II型糖尿病 arises later in life, 和 is caused by a mix of factors, including genetics, weight, age, 和 diet. It occurs when cells stop responding to the insulin the body produces, causing blood sugar levels to rise. II型糖尿病 is very common, 和 accounts for more than 90% of 糖尿病 cases in the United States. Once this disease develops, you must manage it for the rest of your life. The good news is that it can be prevented in most patients. 均衡饮食, engaging in regular physical activity 和 maintaining a healthy weight can help.

妊娠期糖尿病 occurs only in females 和 results when pregnancy-related body changes affect the ability to make enough insulin. It typically goes away after birth but can increase the mother’s 和 the child’s risk for type 2 糖尿病 later in life.

前驱糖尿病 is a related condition that precedes II型糖尿病. It occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated but aren’t yet high enough to qualify as 糖尿病. 前驱糖尿病 can be thought of as a “warning sign” – you may be at risk of developing 糖尿病, but there’s still time to change direction. 在医生的帮助下, you can adopt healthy lifestyle habits 和 avoid II型糖尿病 entirely.

糖尿病有多普遍??

Diabetes is a serious health concern for many people. It’s estimated that over 37 million Americans are diabetic – more than 11% of the population. Of those people, around 20% are undiagnosed 和 unaware they have the disease.

前驱糖尿病 is even more common. More than one in three Americans – around 96 million people – has pre糖尿病, 和 around 80% don’t know it.

我有糖尿病吗??

Certain symptoms can indicate 糖尿病 or pre糖尿病. If you are experiencing unusual hunger or fatigue, 视物模糊, tingling in the h和s 和 feet, 创伤愈合缓慢, or increased urination (especially at night), you should talk to your provider immediately. However, 糖尿病 和 pre糖尿病 often have no symptoms at all. This is why testing is so important.

What can I do to prevent 糖尿病?

The first step in preventing 糖尿病 is knowing your risk. A simple blood sugar test can determine if you have 糖尿病 or pre糖尿病, 和 your provider can help you underst和 your other risk factors, such as lifestyle 和 family history. With your provider’s assistance, you can form a plan of diet, exercise 和 medication (if needed) to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, schedule a check-up with your provider 和 learn what you can do to stay healthy. If you don’t have a primary care provider, visit the Find-A-Doc 呼出或呼叫 800.424.文档 与…有联系.

For more information on 糖尿病, visit www.疾病预防控制中心.gov /糖尿病 和 www.糖尿病.org.