About Diabetes
According to the CDC, 2022, every year, around 230,000 adults in Texas find out they have diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-lasting health condition that happens when the body has trouble with insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the body's cells for energy.
There are three forms of diabetes:
1. Type 1: Happens when your body does not make enough insulin.
2. Type 2: Happens when your body cannot use insulin well. The cells stop responding to insulin, so sugar starts building up in the blood instead of being used for energy. This is the most common form of diabetes.
3. Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes isn't a type of diabetes. It’s a warning sign that means the blood sugar in the body is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Talk to your health care provider if you:
- Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night.
- Are very thirsty.
- Lose weight without trying.
- Are hungrier than normal.
- 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.
Some symptoms take years to develop, while some people may not experience any symptoms at all. It’s important to know the risk factors, especially for type 2 diabetes.
Who is at Risk for Diabetes?
Type 1
You are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes if you:
- Have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes.
- Are a child, teen, or young adult.
Type 2
You may be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have a family history of diabetes.
- Are overweight.
- Are not physically active.
- Eat a diet high in sugar and processed foods.
- Are age 35 or older.
- Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or hormonal imbalances.
- Experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Take the 60-second type 2 diabetes risk test
Gestational Diabetes
You may be at risk for gestational diabetes if you:
- Had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy.
- Have given birth to a baby over 9 lbs.
- Are overweight.
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Diabetes is diagnosed by a medical expert using a simple blood test. Detecting and treating early for diabetes can reduce the risk of developing complications of diabetes.
What is the Treatment for Diabetes?
Some diabetes cases can be managed through diet and exercise while others may require medication. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how to best manage your diabetes and how to stay healthy.
Learn more about diabetes management
How can Diabetes be Prevented?
Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
- Staying active.
- Eating foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Avoiding sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbs.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Not smoking.
- Limiting alcohol.
- Managing stress levels.
- Attending regular medical checks ups.
- Understanding the causes and knowing the warning signs for diabetes.