Diabetes is a common chronic condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar. When your body can't make enough insulin, or doesn't use insulin properly, excess sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood and urine. When glucose builds up in your bloodstream, it can result in high blood sugar.
Left untreated, it can cause serious, life-threatening complications. But there is hope – and help. Achieving normal blood sugar levels can delay or prevent many of these complications and improve quality of life.
Some symptoms to watch for include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss them. Different types of diabetes can cause different symptoms. And some people don't notice any symptoms before they're diagnosed.
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You'll fall into this category if you have elevated blood sugar levels, but not high enough blood sugar levels to be in the diabetic range. You may experience some signs and symptoms associated with Type 2 diabetes at this stage.
This type of diabetes is considered an autoimmune condition. With Type 1 diabetes, your body stops producing insulin at an early age. Genetics, family history or exposure to certain viruses increases your risk of developing this type of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. About 90%–95% of people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. It develops slowly and is closely related to lifestyle factors such as obesity and inactivity. Lifestyle factors can also lead to insulin resistance over time, which can, in turn, lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Sometimes during pregnancy, your body can't produce enough insulin, and you may develop gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can be managed with no complications for your baby. People with this type of diabetes often have their blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery.
Hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, can often point to diabetes or prediabetes, and high blood sugar is often caused by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance happens when your body stops responding to insulin signals, resulting in your body requiring more insulin to function properly.
It's also possible to have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and this is especially common for people with Type 1 diabetes. In both cases, it's important to know your signs and symptoms so you can manage accordingly.
The exact cause of diabetes can vary based on the type. Some causes can include:
Lifestyle habits and genetics will always put you at a higher risk for developing diabetes, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Other risk factors can include:
Some risk factors put you at a higher chance of developing Type 1 diabetes versus Type 2 diabetes.
If you suspect you might have diabetes, your provider will often use a blood test to see the amount of glucose in your blood.
The three most common tests used to diagnose diabetes include:
It can often take a couple of tests before a complete diagnosis is made as blood sugar can fluctuate over time. Blood sugar tests should typically be done annually after age 35 or earlier if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes.
If you receive a diabetes diagnosis, you'll work with your provider to come up with a treatment plan that works for you. Treatment plans will vary depending on the type of diabetes you have. For example, if you're prediabetic, a treatment plan could involve changing your diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight – all with the goal of improving your blood sugar levels.
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Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have slightly different approaches but also involve lifestyle changes alongside medications or blood sugar monitoring. People with Type 1 diabetes don't produce insulin, so insulin shots or a wearable insulin pump are common. Monitoring and limiting saturated fat, sugar and salt intake is also a must.
Those with Type 2 diabetes may also use medication to help manage blood sugar levels and help the body respond to insulin. Primarily, Type 2 diabetes is managed with diet, exercise and blood sugar monitoring.
If you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, your provider will monitor your weight gain while prioritizing a healthy diet and regular exercise. In some cases, you may take medication to help manage the condition.
Diabetes cannot be cured, but there are actions you can take to help prevent your risk of developing the condition. Leading an active lifestyle, managing your weight and prioritizing a healthy diet can help prevent diabetes, especially if you're prediabetic or have other risk factors. Many achieve remission with Type 2 diabetes through healthy lifestyle changes.