Diabetes signs, symptoms & risk factors

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects blood sugar levels and can occur at any age.

Blood sugar tests can diagnose diabetes and should be done annually after the age of 35, or earlier if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, helps move sugar from the bloodstream into your cells so they can use it for energy. Having diabetes means your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it efficiently, leading to excess sugar in your blood and urine. Over time, this buildup of sugar can lead to serious complications, including:

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

Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes symptoms

Diabetes signs and symptoms vary depending on your type of diabetes, and how high your blood sugar is. Common Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive hunger
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Itchy skin
• Blurry vision

Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are similar. However, the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes usually come on more quickly. Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes generally come on slowly over a period of years. Sometimes, people with Type 2 diabetes don't notice any symptoms before they're diagnosed.

If you notice that you are experiencing any of these symptoms of diabetes, schedule an appointment with an Advocate Health Care doctor to discuss them.

Diabetes causes and risk factors

What causes high blood sugar?

Insulin resistance is often the cause of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). If you have insulin resistance, the cells in your body stop responding to the signals from insulin, and your body will require more insulin to function properly.

It’s also possible to have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and this is especially common for people with Type 1 diabetes. In both cases, it's important to know your signs and symptoms so you can manage accordingly.

Diabetes risk factors

Some factors can put you at an increased risk of diabetes. For example, family history, race and illnesses affecting the pancreas may play a role in the development of Type 1 diabetes. Older age, weight problems and low activity levels can raise your Type 2 diabetes risk. Black people, Asian Americans and Hispanics all have a higher risk of diabetes than White people.

Types of diabetes

The main types of diabetes include Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Treatment and management depend on your type and unique situation.

• Prediabetes: If your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, you have prediabetes. Those with Type 2 diabetes often had prediabetes and may have experienced signs and symptoms.
• Type 1: Often developing early in life, Type 1 diabetes is believed to be the response of an autoimmune reaction that leads the body to not produce insulin. Family history or exposure to viruses may play a role in having Type 1 diabetes.
• Type 2: The most common type of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes develops over the course of many years and is related to lifestyle factors that lead to insulin resistance, like being overweight and inactive.
• Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy, when the body can’t produce enough insulin. Warning signs include the common symptoms of diabetes, including sugar in the urine. If managed correctly, you can have a healthy pregnancy with no compilations for your baby. Many people see their blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery.

Diabetes prevention and treatment

Leading a healthy, active lifestyle can help prevent diabetes, especially if you’re prediabetic or have risk factors. Treatment plans to manage your diabetes depend on your type of diabetes, and your plan may change over time.

• Prediabetes: It’s possible to prevent diabetes from developing by reducing risk factors and taking steps to improve your lifestyle. This includes changing your diet and food choices, exercising, losing weight and quitting smoking.
• Type 1: Since those with Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, taking insulin as prescribed and monitoring blood sugar levels is a vital part of daily management. This is done through shots or a wearable insulin pump, which also monitors blood sugar levels. People with Type 1 diabetes also need to pay close attention to their diet and limit saturated fat, sugar and salt.
• Type 2: Diet and exercise are the foundation of managing Type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar monitoring is also important and can help prevent future and long-term complications. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help your body respond to insulin and reduce high blood sugar levels.
• Gestational diabetes: During pregnancy, it’s important to eat healthy foods, stay active and monitor your weight gain. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe medication.

Can diabetes be cured?

There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes. Those with Type 2 diabetes may achieve remission through healthy lifestyle changes.