Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms and Risk Factors

According to the CDC, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, but about 1 in 4 adults with the condition don't know they have it.

Whether you've recently been diagnosed, are concerned about your risk or simply want to learn more, understanding diabetes can help you make informed decisions about your health. With the right care and support, your diabetes can be managed.

What is diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar, also called glucose, which your body needs for energy. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps move glucose from your blood into your body's cells.

When your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it well, sugar builds up in your blood. Over time, high blood sugar can harm your blood vessels and organs. This can lead to serious health problems.

There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes is when your body's immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin to control their blood sugar.
• Type 2 diabetes is when your body doesn't use insulin as well as it should or doesn't make enough of it. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes.

While both types of diabetes affect blood sugar, their causes and treatments are different.

What about prediabetes

Prediabetes is when your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called type 2 diabetes. It often has no clear symptoms, but it raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people notice changes in how they feel. Others, especially those with type 2 diabetes, may have few or no symptoms.

Common signs of diabetes include:

• Feeling more thirsty than usual
• Needing to urinate more often
• Feeling hungry more often
• Losing weight without trying
• Feeling tired more often
• Having blurry vision
• Having cuts or sores that take longer than usual to heal

Type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear quickly while type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop slowly, making them harder to notice.

Because symptoms aren't always easy to spot, regular checkups and blood sugar tests are important, especially if you have a higher risk of diabetes.

If you notice any of the symptoms above, make an appointment to talk with your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) about getting tested.

Risk factors for diabetes

The risk factors for diabetes depend on which type you have. Family history may increase your risk of type 1 diabetes, although doctors and APPs don't fully understand what causes it.

Since diabetes doesn't always cause symptoms, knowing your risk factors can help you and your doctor or APP decide when you should be tested. These factors include:

• Family history: Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
• Age: Your risk of diabetes increases as you get older, although younger people can also develop type 2 diabetes
• Weight: Having extra body weight, especially around your waist
• Physical activity: Not getting enough regular exercise or movement
• Other health conditions: Having high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Gestational diabetes: Having diabetes during pregnancy can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life

Diagnosing diabetes

Your primary care doctor or APP can use several blood tests to check you for diabetes. Some measure your blood sugar at a specific time, while others show your average blood sugar over several months.

Common tests include:

• A1C test: Shows your average blood sugar over the past two to three months.
• Fasting blood sugar test: Measures your blood sugar after you haven’t eaten for at least eight hours.
• Oral glucose tolerance test: Checks how your body handles sugar after you drink a special sugary drink.
• Random blood sugar test: Measures your blood sugar at any time, even if you’ve recently eaten.

These tests can help your doctor or APP find out if you have diabetes or prediabetes, sometimes before you notice any symptoms.

Learning about diabetes is an important step in taking care of yourself and lowering your risk of problems. Whether you have diabetes, prediabetes, or just want to know more, understanding the condition and making healthy choices can help. Regular checkups, eating well, staying active, and talking with your doctor or advanced practice provider (APP) are all ways to stay healthy.

If you think you might have diabetes or are at risk, don’t wait. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or APP today. They can help you create a plan to keep you healthy and feeling your best.

*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

To schedule an appointment with Levi Jelks, NP, please contact Village Medical – Riverdale, at 770-960-8855 or visit us at 189 Medical Way, Suite A, Riverdale, GA 30274. We look forward to caring for you and supporting your health every step of the way.