What is Diabetes?

Each day, approximately 2,200 people are diagnosed with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are unable to produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life. The result is an increased amount of sugar in the bloodstream, which can lead to complications if left untreated. Often people first become aware they have diabetes when they develop one of the complications such as blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, heart disease and stroke. Yet, it's possible to avoid these life-threatening complications by knowing the risk factors for diabetes.

Two Major Types of Diabetes

Type I diabetes (formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes) typically begins in children or young adults but can develop in individuals at any age. People with Type I diabetes are unable to produce insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot move sugar into the cells creating a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream. Increased levels of blood sugar can cause problems with the kidneys, legs and feet, eyes, heart, nerves and blood flow if not treated.

Type I is a little more difficult to manage because people with Type I diabetes must have insulin to live. People with Type II diabetes may require insulin, but they are not dependent upon it in order to live. It's important to realize, however, that most of the complications associated with Type I and Type II diabetes are the same.

Type II diabetes is generally inherited and is the most common type of diabetes. People with Type II diabetes make some insulin but not enough to regulate their blood sugar levels. Their bodies may also be unable to use the insulin created. Among those at risk for Type II diabetes are:

People with a family history of diabetes
People who are overweight
People who do not exercise regularly
People with low HDL or high triglycerides
Certain racial and ethnic groups
Women who had gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that develops during a pregnancy but disappears when the pregnancy is over

Racial and ethnic groups such as Native Americans, Hispanics and African-Americans experience higher rates of diabetes than the population at large.

Individuals at risk for developing diabetes should have screening tests every three years. Tests are fast, easy to perform and inexpensive. The test requires a drop of blood from your fingertip and results are generally available within minutes.

Diagnostic tests, which are done to confirm a diagnosis that is already suspected from the patient's symptoms, are more extensive. In a diagnostic test, samples of blood from a vein are sent to a lab for analysis.

Treatment options for diabetes consist primarily of insulin and/or oral diabetes medications, exercise and diet.

While diabetes is a chronic disease with no cure, it certainly is manageable. Covenant’s Diabetes Self-Management program can teach people how to manage their diabetes through proper education, counseling, classes and support groups.

Signs and Symptoms

Type I Diabetes