What Is Diabetes?

Your body turns food into energy by breaking it down into sugar and releasing it into your bloodstream. High blood sugar levels trigger the pancreas to release insulin, which directs the excess sugar into your body’s cells for later use.

If your body doesn’t make insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or your body doesn’t respond to insulin the way it should (Type 2 diabetes), too much sugar (glucose) stays in the bloodstream. Over time, this excess sugar can lead to heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease.

There is no cure for diabetes, but losing weight and eating healthy food can help, along with medication and careful management of your disease.

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels gives you the information you need to adjust your nutrition therapy, lifestyle and medications to keep the levels within a target range. Working with your provider and diabetes care team, you can manage your diabetes, prevent complications and live a long and healthy life.

More people with diabetes or  endocrine or hormonal conditions in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose Norton Community Medical Associates – Endocrinology and Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute for their care than any other health system in the area. Patients can benefit from access to a broad network of providers, support services, educators and classes.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which the amount of sugar in your blood is higher than normal, but not as high as in Type 2 diabetes. Often prediabetes can be managed with nutrition therapy and lifestyle changes alone. If you have prediabetes, you may be at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to other health issues and complications if left untreated. Working with your provider and diabetes care team, you can learn how to improve your health through small, consistent changes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot make enough of its own insulin. People with Type 1 Diabetes need to inject insulin daily or use a continuous infusion pump to keep their blood sugars within a normal range. Type 1 diabetes treatment includes managing blood sugars with nutrition therapy, lifestyle and medication.

Type 2 Diabetes

When the body produces insulin, but doesn’t use it properly, the condition is Type 2 diabetes. This is the most common form of diabetes. A variety of nutrition therapies, lifestyle modifications and medications can help manage Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are age 45 or older
• Have excess weight or experience a rapid change in weight
• Have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
• Are African American, Hispanic or Latino American, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander
• Have had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
• Have had a baby with a birth weight of more than 9 pounds
• Have high blood pressure or cholesterol
• Exercise less than three times a week
• Have a waist circumference greater than 30 inches

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Many people with diabetes do not know they have the disease. Some Type 2 diabetes symptoms include:

• Being very thirsty or very hungry
• Feeling tired for no reason
• Urinating more than usual
• Losing weight for no reason
• Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
• Trouble seeing, including blurry vision
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet

Not everyone who has diabetes has these signs. If you have any of these signs or think you may be at risk, talk with your doctor.

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Take these steps to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes:

• Healthy eating habits will help you maintain your weight, lower your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol.
• Get active with 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking fast or biking. Your doctor can help you choose the best activities for you.
• Watch your weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing 5% to 7% of your body weight can lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes. If you weigh 200 pounds, 7% of your body weight is 14 pounds.

Get Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Checked

Starting at age 18, get your blood pressure checked at least once every two years. It’s important to get your blood pressure checked often, especially if you are over age 40. Talk to a doctor about getting your cholesterol checked. Most men need their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. Women at risk for heart disease need their cholesterol checked every five years.