What You Need to Know About Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or is not able to use insulin effectively by the cells. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make. Diabetes can lead to heart attacks, strokes, blindness, loss of circulation, and other conditions. Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be controlled with changes in lifestyle – diet and exercise – and treatment.

Types of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1: This occurs when your pancreas can’t make insulin, which is a hormone that helps change your blood sugar into energy. Only about 5% of people with diabetes have this type. Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in children and young adults but may occur at any age.

Type 2: The most common type, Type 2 is linked to lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or inactive. It's also linked to genetics. This is caused by your body not efficiently using insulin, which causes your body to have trouble keeping your blood sugar at normal levels. This typically affects middle-aged and older people, but it is becoming more common in young people.

Gestational: This happens when you have high blood sugar during pregnancy, and usually goes away after the baby is born. Gestational diabetes affects how your body regulates your blood sugar levels, which can impact your pregnancy and your baby’s health. 

Symptoms of Diabetes

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar symptoms. The most common symptoms include

• Blurred vision
• Cuts and bruises that heal slowly
• Hunger and fatigue
• Frequent urination and increased thirst
• Losing weight without trying (people with diabetes are unable to absorb and use the energy from sugar in the blood)
• Dry, itchy skin
• Vaginal/yeast infections

Typically, there are no symptoms of gestational diabetes. Doctors usually test women who are pregnant to see if they have gestational diabetes.

If you are experiencing symptoms or diagnosed with diabetes, we can help you! As your trusted partner in care, Dr. Chaula Patel in the Bronx, NY can help you control your blood sugar and establish a healthier lifestyle and diet.

By Chaula Patel, MD

August 30, 2022