Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting over 37 million people in the United States, including 23% of adults who remain undiagnosed. Under normal circumstances, the body converts food into glucose, and insulin is produced to help cells use glucose as energy. However, in diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot process it effectively.

There Are Three Main Types of Diabetes

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Type 1 diabetics do not produce insulin and must have daily shots to replace it. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood. It is estimated 5-10% of people have this type of diabetes. 

Type 2 diabetes (90-95% of cases) usually occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin, or your cells become resistant to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed later in life. It can often be delayed or prevented through lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising, and eating healthy.

Gestational Diabetes affects pregnant individuals who have no prior history of diabetes. This condition occurs when the body cannot produce sufficient insulin during pregnancy, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While gestational diabetes typically resolves after childbirth, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Prediabetes refers to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to warrant a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Approximately 96 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes, with more than 80% unaware of their condition. If diagnosed with prediabetes, it serves as an urgent call to take preventive action.

Risks and Management

Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed effectively.

  • Type 1 Diabetes management has been significantly improved with advancements like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices.
  • Type 2 Diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes, including:
    • Losing even 5% of body weight
    • Eating a healthy, balanced diet
    • Incorporating regular physical activity

If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Kidney damage
  • Amputation
  • Nerve damage
  • Blindness

Additionally, individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death when contracting illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Early detection of diabetes is crucial for preventing long-term health complications. Common symptoms include:

  • Increased thirst or hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing sores
  • Frequent infections
  • Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
  • Erectile dysfunction

Next Steps

If diagnosed with prediabetes, it’s critical to take proactive measures to improve your health. Consider enrolling in Life in 24, a CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program offered in Guilford County. This evidence-based program is designed to help individuals with prediabetes or at high risk for Type 2 diabetes make sustainable lifestyle changes that lower their risk of developing diabetes by up to 50%.

What Does Life in 24 Offer?

  • Expert Coaching: Participants receive guidance from trained lifestyle coaches.
  • Group Support: Engage with a supportive community of peers working toward similar health goals.
  • Education: Learn practical strategies to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and manage stress.
  • Sustainable Changes: Focus on realistic goals such as achieving a 5–7% weight loss and maintaining healthy habits long-term.
  • Convenient Access: Classes are available in-person or online, making it easy to fit the program into your schedule.

Evaluate Your Risk: Take this pre-diabetes test to assess your likelihood of developing diabetes.

For more information about the Life in 24 program or to enroll, contact:

Managing Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Focus on lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management. You may also require medications and consistent blood sugar monitoring.
  • Type 1 Diabetes: Regular visits with a primary care provider and specialists like endocrinologists are essential to managing the disease effectively.

By acting now—whether through lifestyle changes or participation in programs like Life in 24—you can reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications and lead a healthier, more active life.

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