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Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body uses sugar in the blood. (5) There are different types of diabetes that vary by cause and the way they impact the body. There are chronic diabetes conditions and potentially reversible diabetes conditions. (5)
Type one diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes elevated blood sugar levels. This disease is not reversible. Those with type 1 diabetes have an immune disease that destroys insulin producing cells. (2) Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to keep blood sugars stable and to prevent a life-threatening condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis also known as DKA.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA is a very serious condition anyone with diabetes can get. However, people with type 1 diabetes are at greater risk of this complication due to their complete dependence on insulin therapy. DKA can lead to coma or even death if not treated as an emergency. (1) Therefore, knowing the signs of DKA can protect you or someone you know with diabetes. The following symptoms are common in someone developing DKA: (1)
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is more common in older adults (6). This disease can be reversible. (5) This type of diabetes has two main causes that lead to higher blood sugar. First, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin allowing blood sugars to rise. (6) Second, insulin resistance in the body does not allow the sugar to be efficiently used, keeping blood sugars elevated. (6)
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that requires medical intervention and lifestyle management to maintain blood sugar levels less than 100 mg/dl. Doctors will routinely check a blood test called a glycated hemoglobin A1C or HbA1C. (5) The following AIC levels indicate the average blood sugar level: (4)
| AIC Level | Average Blood Sugar Level |
|---|---|
| 6% | 126 mg/dl |
| 7% | 154 mg/dl |
| 8% | 183 mg/dl |
| 9% | 212 mg/dl |
| 10% | 240 mg/dl |
| 11% | 269 mg/dl |
| 12% | 298 mg/dl |
Your doctor will work with you on aiming for an appropriate AIC level. Many people with diabetes aim to keep their AIC under 6.5% but each person will have different goals based on their individual assessment and disease process.
Medical management of type 2 diabetes can include a variety of treatments based on your doctor’s assessment and your symptoms. Some common treatment options can include: (6)
Prediabetes is a type of diabetes that can potentially be reversed if diagnosed early and interventions are followed (3). Before most people develop type 2 diabetes, they have prediabetes. (3) Prediabetes will elevate blood sugar levels higher than normal, but the blood sugar levels are not consistently high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. (3)
Not everyone with prediabetes will develop diabetes, especially if changes are made to your diet and activity. (3) Lifestyle changes can have a drastic impact on whether prediabetes will progress to irreversible type two diabetes.
Small lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on reversing prediabetes. (3)
Weight
Consider your weight? If you are overweight your risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease increase. Work with your doctor on a plan to manage your weight and lose unwanted pounds. (3)
Smoking
Diabetes increases your risks for high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. (3) Smoking increases those risks even more. If you smoke, make a plan to quit! Click here for tips to quit smoking.
Nutrition
Changing your diet to affect blood sugar levels is one of the most important lifestyle changes someone can make when diagnosed with diabetes. Click here for more information on healthy eating with diabetes. (3)
Diabetes can show up in many ways. Early detection of diabetes can greatly improve your outcomes. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of having increased blood sugar: (6)
There is no specific diet for diabetes. Therefore, it is important to consider the following criteria when creating your meal plan: (6)
Changing your diet to eat healthy can greatly impact managing diabetes and potentially reversing prediabetes. The American Diabetes Association provides invaluable nutrition advice for those with diabetes. Click here to learn more.
There are many things people can do to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range. Some common self-management activities include:
Understanding your diagnosis can provide you with information to make the best decisions for your health and quality of life. Here are some suggestions to ask your doctor with your next visit: