Family history. Environmental factors, such as exposure to viral illness. The presence of autoantibodies in the system, usually after a viral syndrome when the person is young. Dietary factors, such as low vitamin D consumption or exposure to cow’s milk or cereals before the age of 4 months. Geography. Countries such as Finland and Sweden have higher rates of type 1 diabetes. Weight. The more fat cells you have, the more resistant to insulin they become. Sedentary lifestyle or inactivity. Exercising helps control weight and insulin production. Race. Certain groups, such as Hispanics and African Americans, are more prone to diabetes. Age. Your risk increases as you get older. Polycystic ovary syndrome. High blood pressure. Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Metabolic syndrome. Gestational diabetes and giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds (4. 1 kg) can also increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Increased thirst Increased hunger, especially after eating Dry mouth Frequent urination (sometimes more often at night) Unexplained weight loss Weakness or feeling tired Blurred vision Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet Cuts and sores that heal slowly Itchy and dry skin, generally in the vaginal or groin region Frequent yeast infections Frequent infections of the skin and gums
Watch every bodily function that may be related to diabetes, including how you feel after you eat, if you’re thirsty more often, if you urinate more often, and how quickly you heal from cuts or sores. Write down the specific symptoms, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Make note of any feelings you experience that aren’t necessarily related to diabetes.
Tell your loved one what the different symptoms of diabetes are so that they can tell you if they have seen any changes in you or your bodily functions.
Tell your doctor any symptoms you’ve experienced and for how long. Consider using the notes you made as a reference during your exam. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Make sure your doctor is aware of any risk factors you have, including a family history of diabetes. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Ask your doctor any questions you may have about diabetes or its treatment. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Considering writing down questions before your appointment so that you don’t forget to ask during the appointment.
A1c blood test, which is also known as a glycated hemoglobin test. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This test shows your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months by showing how much blood sugar is attached to your hemoglobin. A level of 6. 5 is considered diabetic. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Random blood sugar test, which examines your blood sugar at an unspecified time. A level of 200 milligrams per deciliter indicates diabetes. [18] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Fasting blood sugar test, which is conducted after an overnight fast. If your blood sugar level is 126 milligrams per deciliter, it’s considered diabetic. [19] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Oral glucose tolerance test, which requires overnight fasting and then drinking a sugary liquid the next morning. After this, your blood sugar levels will be tested over the next 2 hours. A reading of more than 200 milligrams per deciliter is considered diabetic. [20] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Initial glucose challenge test and follow-up glucose testing analyze the blood of pregnant women who have fasted and then consumed a sugary liquid. This usually occurs at 24–28 weeks of gestation. If your blood sugar level readings are high for 2 of 3 readings, you’ll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. [21] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
5. 7–6. 4% on the A1c test 100–125 milligram per deciliter for the fasting blood sugar test 140–199 milligram per deciliter for the oral glucose tolerance test
Regular monitoring of your blood sugar at home and by your doctor Insulin therapy, including daily injections or an insulin pump Oral medication, such as metformin to stimulate your pancreas to produce more insulin (if you have type 2 diabetes) Physical activity, which may consist of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week A healthy diet, which may mean limiting calories to 1,800–2,000 a day and incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean meats and fish Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol Surgery, such as a pancreas transplant for serious cases Bariatric surgery, which is a good option for those with a high BMI and comorbid conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and others. The weight loss that follows bariatric surgery may cause type 2 diabetes to go into remission. [25] X Research source Islet cell transplantation is an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes in which healthy cells from a donor pancreas are transferred to the patient[26] X Research source
Eating a balanced and healthy diet[28] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Getting at least 150 minutes of exercise per week[29] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Losing weight[30] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Losing just 7% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes. [31] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Caring for your feet by checking them for injuries daily, keeping them clean, dry, and soft, and wearing breathable shoes and socks[32] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Caring for your oral health[33] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Limiting or avoiding tobacco and alcohol[34] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Reducing stress[35] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
