Diabetes

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​What is Diabetes?

​Diabetes is a disease that causes sugar in your blood to be too high. Blood sugar, also called blood glucose, comes from the food you eat and gives your body energy. Insulin is a hormone your body makes to help your body use glucose to make energy. When your body does not make insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes, glucose stays in your blood. Too much glucose in your blood over time can give you many health problems.

There are 4 kinds of diabetes:

    1. Type 1 - The body does not make insulin. This kind of diabetes happens to people when they are very young. If you have type 1, you will need to take insulin every day.
    2. Type 2 - The body does not use insulin well or stops making insulin. If you have Type 2, you may have to take pills or insulin.
    3. Prediabetes - Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet at the sugar levels of type 2 diabetes
    4. Gestational (jes-TAY-shun-al) - Some pregnant women get this kind of diabetes. It goes away most of the time after the baby is born. Even if it goes away, women who had this kind of diabetes can get Type-2 later in life. Their children are also at risk of getting diabetes sometime in their lives.

Prediabetes Test 

Click the link to take the 1-minute test - Could I have Prediabetes? 

How do I know if I have Diabetes?

Without having a blood test that will check the glucose in your blood, it is hard to know if you have diabetes. You will want to talk to your doctor if you have these signs, or symptoms:

    • Feel the need to urinate (pee) a lot
    • Feel very thirsty a lot
    • Feel very hungry a lot
    • Lose weight without trying
    • Feel tired a lot of the time
    • Not being able to see as well as you once did

Can I be healthy with Diabetes?

Yes, you can have diabetes and be healthy. It takes some work, but as you make healthy choices and have your diabetes in control, you will see that it is possible to be healthy and have diabetes. Here are some tips to prevent diabetes:

    • Get at least 2 hours of physical activity a week 
    • Keep your weight in a healthy range
    • Eat healthy foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables
    • Drink more water and less sugary drinks 
    • Do not smoke

Find tips on how to manage your diabetes, eat healthy and get more exercise in the links below:

​Diabetes Education Reso​urces