(Inspired by article written for the WOW in November 2024)

It is unknown how one type of diabetes is acquired. It can develop at any age, even as a young child. It is an autoimmune disease. Normally, cells in the pancreas produce insulin. Insulin regulates blood glucose. With this autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas. It is not clear why this happens, but without those cells, the pancreas can’t create enough of the hormone, insulin, to help move blood glucose into cells of the body for energy. This is known as type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common. With type 2, either your body does not produce enough insulin, or your body doesn’t use insulin properly. This also results in too much glucose in the bloodstream. Too much glucose in the bloodstream can lead to a lot of complications. Type 2 diabetes occurs mostly with
people 45 years and older, and it is beginning to affect an increasing number of younger people. There is also gestational diabetes. It impacts some women when they are pregnant. Just like the other types, blood sugar levels are too high, and it can be dangerous for the expecting mother and baby. For a time, elevated blood sugar, called hyperglycemia, can go undetected for many years.

Hyperglycemia can happen to people with or without diabetes. It is typically temporary for people without diabetes. People who have diabetes can become hyperglycemic if they are not taking enough insulin or other medication.

Some people may not have symptoms. Others have symptoms that are so mild and therefore, may go unnoticed. Common symptoms include:

  • Frequent thirst and dry mouth
  • Urinating frequently
  • Fatigue
  • Hunger
  • Weight-loss even though you may be eating more
  • Blurred vision
  • Wounds heal slower
  • Shortness of breath
  • Numbness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Slow healing sores
  • Frequent skin and vaginal yeast infections

When not managed properly, diabetes can cause devastating health problems like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations. Medically speaking, it is said that diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Many of the things that you can do for prevention are the same
things you do to help manage diabetes.

Committing to a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing and managing diabetes. It can be challenging and often includes education. Take your medication as recommended by your physician. Eat nutritional foods that include vegetables, fiber, and nutrients, excluding processed foods and sweets. Staying physically active, getting proper rest, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing your blood pressure is also important.

In honor of your health and perhaps a loved one who didn’t get the chance, consider making a commitment to do better.