What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are too high. Glucose comes from the carbohydrate foods we consume. Once glucose is absorbed and enters the bloodstream, a hormone known as insulin is secreted from the pancreas to help glucose enter our cells to give us energy.
In the case of type 1 diabetes the beta cells of the pancreas simply do not produce insulin; this type is classified as an autoimmune disease and is not reversible. In type 2 diabetes the pancreas produces and secretes insulin; however, the amount of insulin is insufficient to control blood glucose levels or the body has built up a resistance to it. Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes which can occur in pregnant women. If you’re curious about blood sugar level numbers that signify diabetes, click here. Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults or LADA is also sometimes called type 1.5. Persons with LADA may not need insulin at first, but typically over time they need more and more insulin.
What Are Symptoms of Diabetes?
There are many symptoms of diabetes which include extreme fatigue, frequent thirst, frequent urination, insatiable hunger, unexplained weight loss or cuts and bruises that are slow to heal. Some people may have one or more symptoms and some people may not easily identify symptoms.
What Health Implications Are Associated with Diabetes?
Without sufficient insulin glucose continues to circulate in the bloodstream and over time this can cause serious health complications. When diabetes is left untreated, damage to the eyes, ears, kidneys and nerves may occur. Additionally, poorly managed diabetes can significantly increase one’s risk of atherosclerosis (heart disease) and stroke. Click here to learn more about these various health complications in depth. 
Diabetes Facts and Statistics
From the American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
- An estimated 79 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States
- It is estimated that 7 million people in the U.S. are unaware they have diabetes
- Diabetes can be managed and even prevented with a few healthy lifestyle changes
Who Is At Risk for Diabetes?
Risk factors for diabetes include factors you can change (lifestyle) and factors you can’t change:
- Increasing Age
- Family History of Diabetes
- Race or Ethnicity
- History of Gestational Diabetes
- Physical Inactivity
- Tobacco Use
- Obesity
- Impaired Glucose Metabolism
Unsure of whether you or a loved one may be at risk? Take this quick test to assess your risk for type 2 diabetes.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
There are several testing options to diagnose diabetes including a A1C test greater or equal to 6.5% (average blood sugar over previous 2-3 months), fasting blood glucose greater than 126 mg/dL , oral glucose tolerance test with blood sugar greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL after 2 hours, or a random glucose also greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL.
Preventing and Managing Diabetes with Good Nutrition
For many, diabetes can be an overwhelming diagnosis that demands major lifestyle changes and requires special education. Luckily, there are ample resources online to help you educate yourself, regain control of your life, and improve your numbers and overall health. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, research has shown that weight loss of 5-10% through moderate diet changes and increased physical activity play a vital role in the prevention and management of diabetes and its complications. To learn how you can successfully manage your diabetes through dietary lifestyle changes, consult a registered dietitian who can work with you one-on-one to develop a comprehensive and individualized eating plan to get your health on the right track! Check out these smart food choices and diabetic-friendly recipes! Here are some other great resources if you have diabetes from the National Diabetes Education Program! Stress management, blood sugar checks and medications your health care team prescribes are also important components of diabetes self-management!
Support American Diabetes Awareness Month!
Want to know how you and your friends and family can get involved and make a difference for American Diabetes Month? Be sure to explore the American Diabetes Association® community page for information on local events, expos, programs, and more!
by Dorothy Hanrahan, BS, BA
MS Candidate Human Nutrition, 2014
Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions
Eat Fit Health, Intern