Published on November 06, 2024

Diabetes Awareness: Facts, Risks, Treatments

diabetes

Diabetes affects millions of adults worldwide. This condition can have serious consequences; however, with personalized care, diabetes does not have to stop you from enjoying life.  

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a health condition that occurs when your body cannot use or make insulin properly. There are several types of diabetes: Gestational, LADA, MODY, Type 1, and Type 2. The most common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin. Type 2 occurs when your body cannot use insulin correctly, so your blood sugar levels fluctuate. There is no cure for diabetes, but proper treatment and medication can control symptoms and prevent complications.

Facts

In the United States, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has doubled in the last 20 years. Other facts about diabetes in the United States include:

  • Approximately 38 million adults have diabetes.
  • It is the eighth leading cause of death.
  • Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diagnosed cases.
  • Diabetes is the number one cause of adult blindness, kidney failure, and lower-limb amputations.
  • 40% of people with a healed diabetic foot ulcer will develop a new ulcer within a year.

Risks

The risks associated with diabetes can significantly affect one’s quality of life. These risks encompass a wide range of health issues, such as:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Diabetes-related eye disease
  • Neuropathy
  • Foot Complications
    • Nerve damage
    • Poor Circulation
    • Foot ulcers
    • Limb loss
  • Skin Complications
    • Bacterial/Fungal infections
    • Itchiness
  • Stroke

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment and prevention of diabetes is different for each person. Type 2 diabetes is more easily prevented, while Type 1 diabetes is not. Diabetes treatment and prevention options include:

  • Medication management
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eating healthy
  • Exercising regularly
  • Quitting smoking

Consulting with your primary care provider is the best way to create a personalized treatment plan to help manage diabetes. In some cases, endocrinologists are utilized in the management process.  

Sources:

Enas Al Zaghal, MD, Kaitlin Brau, MD, Diabetes Basics | Diabetes | CDC , Lower Your Risk of Diabetes Complications | ADA