In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled. Here are four common questions about diabetes and what you need to know.
1. What are the first signs of being a diabetic?
Some of the symptoms of diabetes include:
Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
Are very thirsty
Lose weight without trying
Are very hungry
Have blurry vision
Have numb or tingling hands or feet
Feel very tired
Have very dry skin
Have sores that heal slowly
Have more infections than usual
If you start to experience any of these symptoms, immediately reach out to your provider.
2. What are the different types of diabetes and what do they mean?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main types of diabetes affecting Americans: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when your body stops making insulin. Your body is believed to react this way due to an autoimmune reaction.
Most people fall into the Type 2 diabetes category. Type 2 diabetes is when your body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t control your blood sugar at normal levels. This type of diabetes develops over many years but can be avoided or delayed with certain life changes, such as losing weight, eating healthy food and being active.
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. It fades away after the baby is born, but it does increase the risk of the mom and child having type 2 diabetes in the future.
3. How can I check if I have diabetes?
More than 1 in 3 people in the United States have prediabetes – and do not know it. Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. This can put you at a higher risk of having Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. So, how can so many people in the nation have prediabetes and not realize it? Usually, people don't experience symptoms until they've progressed to Type 2 diabetes. A convenient way to find out if you have prediabetes is to take a blood sugar test at your next doctor’s visit.
The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, which is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, dietary habits, and exercise habits. Are you curious if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes? It takes just 60 seconds to take the test below and find out!
4. Can diabetes be cured?
Despite a lack of a cure for diabetes, it is manageable. With medication and lifestyle adjustments, you can live a healthy, active life. Speak to your health care provider about the most effective diabetes management plan. Check out these resources for more information about managing diabetes:
Tria Health & Diabetes Management
If you are currently diagnosed with diabetes, Tria Health can assist you in managing your medications and finding a treatment plan that works for you. Diabetes is a disease that can be managed and prevented if you know what to do. At Tria Health, our pharmacists are certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES). They educate patients on medication management, diet, and exercise so patients with diabetes can live happy and active lives and reduce the risk of serious health complications.