Did you know that, each day, nearly 3,300 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes? Sadly, many people first learn they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications—heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease, or amputation.
In fact, 8.7 million people in the U.S. are not even aware they have diabetes. It’s not only costly to your health; it’s an expensive disease to treat. The American Diabetes Association confirms diabetes continues to be one of the nation’s most expensive chronic health care conditions, with an estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes of $412.9 billion.
So, what are the three types of diabetes? And how can you improve your chances of not getting Type 2 diabetes, the form of the disease that is the most common?
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when too much sugar builds up in the body’s blood stream. This usually happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, does not use insulin effectively, or both.
What is insulin?
Insulin is an important hormone or chemical that regulates glucose or blood sugar levels in the body.
“Our bodies take the food we consume and change it into glucose. The cells in our bodies use this sugar to give us energy. Insulin serves as a guide, facilitating the transfer of this sugar from the bloodstream into the body's cells,” said Molly Miller, APRN, who specializes in endocrinology at SSM Health Medical Group.
This movement of glucose from the blood to the cells is crucial for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. When there is insufficient insulin to regulate these levels, diabetes can occur.
Type 2 diabetes
The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is most likely to develop within people 45 or older who have a family history of diabetes and are overweight. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are most at risk for developing this disease.
There is no defined cure for Type 2 diabetes, but remission is possible for those who can commit to significant lifestyle changes. Weight loss, healthier eating habits, or even bariatric surgery are all options that can help patients with Type 2 reach remission.
“Prevention is the best medicine. Focusing on adopting a healthier lifestyle with better eating habits and increased physical activity can help prevent diseases like Type 2 diabetes,” Miller said.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease. Individuals with Type 1 have immune systems that mistakenly destroy “beta cells” – cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. With this essential hormone’s production being limited, sugar begins to accumulate in the body’s bloodstream and can lead to several long-term complications, including:
- Eye damage
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Heart disease and even stroke
Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes rely on synthetic insulin, regular blood sugar checks, and other lifestyle modifications to keep blood sugar levels regulated and lead healthier lives.
Gestational diabetes
During pregnancy, women’s bodies experience shifts in hormone production. The placenta, a temporary organ that forms in the woman’s body to provide nutrients and oxygen to the baby, can block the mom’s ability to use or make insulin.
“Gestational diabetes often presents itself without noticeable symptoms and is usually diagnosed through a blood glucose test during pregnancy,” Miller said. “However, some common signs are feeling excessively thirsty, frequent urination, feeling unusually hungry, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing wounds or infections, dry mouth, and high blood pressure.”
If left untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to birthing complications and can increase the mother’s chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.”
Diabetic super foods
Whole wheat and high-protein foods can help aid the slow release of sugar throughout our bloodstreams. This helps reduce high spikes in blood glucose levels, especially if you consume a meal or snack that is high in sugar or carbohydrates.
Support for your new diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with diabetes is often discouraging and overwhelming for patients. It’s important to understand lifestyle changes don’t have to happen all at once. SSM Health offers a network of care resources that help nurture patients through these changes.
“We offer diabetes education classes and even have dieticians on staff to help patients navigate new and healthier lifestyles,” Miller said. “Your first step to navigating this diagnosis is to come talk to your provider about your next steps forward. It’s important to realize you're not alone on this journey. We have a dedicated care team committed to seeing you thrive one step at a time.”
SSM Health endocrinologists specialize in treating patients with diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, thyroid disorders, and general endocrinology. SSM Health providers are passionate about helping patients manage their lifelong conditions and serve as strong patient advocates who offer the best possible care and collaborate closely with a patient’s primary care providers.
Take control of diabetes. Learn more and schedule an appointment with an SSM Health provider today.
