Diabetes is a long-term health problem that affects how your body handles sugar, which is your main source of energy. More people in our community are getting diabetes, so it’s important to learn about it. Knowing the different types, symptoms, and how to manage it can help everyone stay healthy.

Why is diabetes serious?

Short term problems
If your body doesn’t have enough insulin to use sugar for energy, it starts breaking down fat instead. This can cause something called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA makes your blood too acidic and can lead to kidney problems, brain swelling, coma, or even death. It happens fast and makes people very sick.

Long term problems
Sometimes, people with diabetes don’t feel sick, even if their blood sugar is too high. Over time, high sugar levels can damage your blood vessels and nerves, even if you feel fine. This increases the chance of stroke, heart attack, nerve pain, blindness, and kidney failure. It can even lead to amputations. Taking care of your blood sugar can help lower these risks.

Types of diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes
  The body doesn’t make insulin, a hormone that helps sugar enter your cells. It usually starts in children or young adults.
• Type 2 Diabetes
  This is the most common type. It usually happens in adults and is linked to being overweight, eating unhealthy foods, and not exercising enough. The body either doesn’t make enough insulin or stops responding to it properly.
• Gestational Diabetes
  This happens during pregnancy when the body can’t make enough insulin. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it increases the mom’s risk of getting Type 2 diabetes later.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Common signs of diabetes include:

• Feeling very thirsty and needing to pee a lot
• Feeling very tired
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or sores that take a long time to heal
• Losing weight for no clear reason (more common with Type 1)

If you notice these symptoms, talk to a doctor right away.

How to Prevent and Manage Diabetes

If you’re at risk for Type 2 diabetes, making healthy changes can help you avoid it. People with Type 2 diabetes can sometimes lower their need for medicine—or even stop needing it altogether—with these tips:

• Healthy Eating
  Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary and processed foods.
• Cut Back on Sugar
  Avoid sugary drinks like soda and watch out for hidden sugar in foods like ketchup, pasta sauce, cereal, and yogurt. Always check food labels!
• Exercise Regularly
  Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Walking, swimming or biking are great options.
• Manage Your Weight
  Losing even a little weight can help your body use insulin better and lower blood sugar.

For people who already have diabetes:

• Check Your Blood Sugar regularly to stay on top of it.
• Take Your Medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
• Visit Your Doctor Regularly to catch any problems early.

Diabetes affects many people in our community, but you can take steps to stay healthy. Learn the symptoms, take care of yourself, and see your doctor to check your blood sugar and A1c levels (a test for diabetes). Together, we can make our community healthier!