Diabetes impacts nearly 24 million Americans – if you don’t have the condition, you probably know someone who does. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar for energy, and can be divided into two main categories: type 1 and type 2.

• Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but can occur at any age, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin – a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have this form of the condition.
• Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes – more than 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and many more are unaware they are at high risk for the condition. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin and/or the body cannot utilize insulin effectively, which can lead to serious long-term complications.

Blood sugar control is an essential aspect of diabetes management, and it’s important to understand your blood sugar goals to best manage your diabetes.

Risk factors

Type 2 diabetes is developed due to both genetics and lifestyle choices, including not making healthy food choices and lack of physical activity. Some people are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others including:

• Those over age 45
• Those with a family history of diabetes
• Those who are overweight
• Those who do not exercise regularly
• Those with low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
• Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives)
• Women who had gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth

Common symptoms

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and irritability
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infection

Patients with type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms, and it’s important to get regular blood tests. People should talk to their healthcare providers if they experience these symptoms.

Consequences

When your diabetes is not controlled properly and your blood sugar stays too high for a long time, it can damage blood vessels and nerves. This damage can affect many of the organ systems in your body and can raise your risk of complications, such as:

• Stroke
• Eye problems
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Sexual dysfunction
• Nerve damage to feet

The good news is that it is possible to reduce the risk of complications of diabetes through careful management of your overall health.

Management

To help reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications, talk with your diabetes healthcare team (primary care provider, endocrinologist and diabetes educator) about how to manage your ABCs – A1C, Blood pressure and Cholesterol.

• A1C testing shows what your blood glucose has been over the last three months. The A1C goal for many people is between 6.5 – 7 percent. High blood glucose levels can harm your heart and blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes.
• Blood pressure goals for most people are 130/80. High blood pressure can contribute to heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
• Cholesterol goals for most people include an LDL of less than 100 and an HDL of more than 40. LDL cholesterol can build up and clog blood vessels, causing heart attacks or strokes; HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your blood vessels.