
Diabetes is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed, have a loved one with diabetes, or simply want to learn more, this guide breaks down the basics to help you understand what diabetes is and how it can be managed.
What is Diabetes?
At its core, diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. When we eat, our bodies break down carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which enters the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose move into cells where it can be used for energy.
In people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, doesn’t use insulin effectively, or both. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which, if left unmanaged, can cause serious health issues over time.
Types of Diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes
Often diagnosed in children and young adults, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form of diabetes, Type 2 occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it.
It’s often linked to lifestyle factors like diet, weight, and physical activity, though genetics also play a role.
3. Gestational Diabetes
This type develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is delivered.
However, it increases the mother and child’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
While these are the most common types of diabetes, there are also the following:
Monogenic diabetes syndromes: Such as neonatal diabetes and maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). MODY is a rare form of diabetes that runs in families.
Diseases of the pancreas: Such as cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis and some forms of pancreatic cancer..
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a type of diabetes that has characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It's also known as type 1.5 diabetes.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. More than a third of people in the U.S. have prediabetes, but most don't know. Prediabetes can lead to diabetes. Steps can be taken to treat it or slow down it’s progression.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Extreme hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Dry skin
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild and may take many years to be noticed. People with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes may sometimes not experience symptoms.
A simple blood test can diagnose type 2 diabetes. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should see your doctor about getting your A1C tested.
Why Early Diagnosis and Management Matter
Diabetes is a manageable condition, but early diagnosis is critical. Without proper treatment, high blood sugar levels can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss, and nerve problems.
The good news? Advances in medical care, technology, and lifestyle interventions make it possible to live a full and healthy life with diabetes.
How is Diabetes Managed?
While management strategies vary by type, the key components typically include:
Medication: Insulin for Type 1, oral medications or injectable therapies (including insulin) for Type 2.
Glucose Monitoring: Using tools like glucometers or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).
Healthy Eating: A balanced diet with controlled portions of carbohydrates.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Routine Checkups: Regular visits with healthcare providers to monitor and adjust treatment plans.
eddii’s Role in Diabetes Management
At eddii, we understand that living with diabetes can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve designed the eddii app and eddii-care to make management and care easier, more engaging, and tailored to your needs. From the app to our personalized care team, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Understanding diabetes is the first step toward taking control of your health or supporting someone who lives with it. If you’d like to learn more about how eddii can help, explore our resources or reach out to our team today.
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