Nov. 29, 2023
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 38 million people in the United States have diabetes—that means that about 1 in 10 people are living with the condition, but 1 in 5 of those people don’t know they have it. People who have diabetes are at higher risk for serious health complications, including kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, stroke, or loss of toes, feet or legs. It is important to understand diabetes, your risk factors, symptoms and how to effectively manage the condition if you are diagnosed with it. Our Lee Health Solutions Certified Diabetes Education team helps break down the facts and shares more about the resources to help someone live a healthy life.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should, resulting in too much blood sugar or glucose in the bloodstream. With type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, and there is no known way to prevent it. Whereas with type 2 diabetes, the body can’t use insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes can also develop at any age, but it can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Risk factors include being overweight, not eating a healthy diet and being sedentary (not active). Family history also increases the risk of both types of diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor to discuss getting tested for diabetes: feeling very thirsty, urinating more often than usual, blurry vision, feeling tired and/or having sores that are slow to heal. People who have type 1 diabetes may also have nausea, vomiting or stomach pains. Many people living with type 2 diabetes don’t know it because they don’t notice any symptoms, which is why regular screenings and physical exams are important. Physicians may order one or more of the following tests: A1C blood test, fasting blood glucose test or glucose tolerance test.
How is diabetes managed?
“If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar, but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis) or diabetes, please know that these are common conditions, and you can still live a healthy lifestyle,” said Laura Cross, BSN-RN, CDCES, certified diabetes care and education specialist at Gulf Coast Medical Center. “It’s best to work with a team of healthcare professionals to learn the best ways to manage your diabetes, and there is plenty of support available at Lee Health.”
If you or someone you know is facing diabetes or even prediabetes, Lee Health Solutions, a department of Lee Health, offers three educational programs:
- Diabetes Prevention: For people diagnosed with prediabetes.
- Diabetes Self-Management: For people diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Pregnancy and Diabetes: For women who have diabetes and become pregnant or are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
These programs are offered in the mornings, afternoons and evenings, and one-on-one appointments are also available, as well as virtual appointments. Call 239-424-3127 to register for the program that fits your needs. To learn more, visit www.LeeHealth.org/diabetes.