Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding the fundamentals of this condition is the first step toward effective management. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, this guide will help you grasp the essential concepts and terminology you need to know.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises, it signals your pancreas to release insulin, which acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream, which over time can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes, but the three main types are:
Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, so the body makes very little or no insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive. It’s usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but can develop at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type of diabetes. With Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin properly and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults, though increasingly it’s being diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults.
Gestational Diabetes: This develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health problems. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born, but it increases your risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Common Symptoms and Warning Signs
Diabetes symptoms can vary depending on how much your blood sugar is elevated. Some people, especially those with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, may not experience symptoms initially. Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Essential Terminology
Understanding diabetes means learning a new vocabulary. Here are some key terms:
Blood Glucose: The main sugar found in the blood and the body’s primary source of energy.
Insulin: A hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to use sugar from carbohydrates for energy or to store for future use.
A1C: A blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. It’s different from daily blood sugar monitoring.
Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar that occurs when the body has too little insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar that can result from too much insulin, delayed or skipped meals, or excessive exercise.
Carbohydrates: One of the main nutrients in food, which includes sugars, starches, and fiber. Carbs have the greatest effect on blood sugar levels.
Living with Diabetes
While there is no cure for diabetes, you can live a long, healthy life by taking steps to manage your condition:
- Monitor your blood sugar: Regular testing helps you make informed decisions about food, physical activity, and medications.
- Take medications as prescribed: Whether it’s insulin or other diabetes medications, taking them as directed is crucial.
- Eat a balanced diet: Work with a dietitian to create a meal plan that helps control blood sugar while providing necessary nutrients.
- Stay physically active: Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar and improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
- Attend regular check-ups: Regular visits with your healthcare team help catch and address problems early.
Remember, diabetes management is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but with knowledge, support, and consistent care, you can lead a fulfilling life with diabetes.
Next Steps
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, your most important next step is to schedule a comprehensive check-up with your healthcare provider. This visit will help establish your baseline health status and create a personalized management plan.
Your healthcare team may include a primary care physician, an endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in hormone-related conditions like diabetes), a certified diabetes educator, a dietitian, and other specialists as needed.
Understanding diabetes is the first step toward taking control of your health. With proper management, you can minimize complications and maintain your quality of life.