Diabetes

Our bodies naturally absorb sugar from the foods we consume, converting it into energy. Nevertheless, approximately one in ten Americans experience difficulties with this conversion process, potentially leading to elevated glucose levels and, consequently, a type of diabetes.

Even though Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes present with similar symptoms, they differ significantly in their underlying causes, associated risk factors, overall severity, and available treatment approaches.

Effective prevention and appropriate management of diabetes begin with acquiring accurate information on the subject and arranging a screening appointment with your Rubicon provider.

Type 1 Diabetes Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Type 1 diabetes is a persistent health condition characterized by the pancreas’s inability to produce sufficient insulin, or any insulin at all. Although it most commonly emerges during youth, this condition has the potential to develop at any point in an individual’s life.

An individual’s genetic makeup can heighten their susceptibility to developing Type 1 diabetes, and unlike Type 2 diabetes, there are currently no known methods to prevent its onset

​While Type 1 diabetes shares symptoms with Type 2 diabetes, its onset can be considerably more sudden and intense, potentially leading to an urgent medical situation.

​Common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include:

  • Feeling very tired or lethargic

  • Excessive thirst

  • Sores that are slow to heal

  • Dry, itchy skin

  • Extreme hunger

  • Frequent urination

  • Yeast infections

  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Should you be experiencing any of these symptoms, please arrange an appointment with your local primary care provider to undergo testing for diabetes

While there is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes, numerous effective treatments are available to manage your glucose levels, thereby enabling you to lead a normal, active, and satisfying life.

The primary approach to managing diabetes involves regulating insulin and closely monitoring blood sugar levels. This can be achieved through various means, including injections, insulin pumps, pens, and other specialized devices.

Adjusting your lifestyle can also play a significant role in mitigating the impact of Type 1 diabetes. It is important to adhere to your provider’s advice for managing your condition, and additional details regarding home care can be found further down.

Type 2 Diabetes Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Similar to Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that arises when your body experiences elevated glucose levels (known as hyperglycemia). Nevertheless, it distinguishes itself in how it originates and in the possibility of its prevention.

Type 2 diabetes results from your body’s inability to respond effectively to insulin, instead developing a resistance to it. While certain genetic predispositions can elevate your likelihood of acquiring Type 2 diabetes, your past health history and current health status serve as more significant indicators of your risk.

Type 2 diabetes commonly emerges in an individual’s later years and can be averted by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes:

  • Healthy nutrition

  • An active lifestyle

  • Wellness exams and screenings with your provider

Individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have usually experienced prediabetes beforehand. Prediabetes is a condition that can be reversed, characterized by elevated glucose levels that are not yet within the typical range for those with full-blown diabetes. The symptoms for both prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes resemble those of Type 1 diabetes, and these can include:

  • Feeling very tired or lethargic

  • Excessive thirst

  • Sores that are slow to heal

  • Dry, itchy skin

  • Extreme hunger

  • Frequent urination

  • Yeast infections

  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Should you wish to gain further insight into preventing and managing diabetes, we encourage you to reach out to your local primary care provider to arrange a consultation.

Home Care for Diabetes

Diabetes treatment proves most effective when complemented by a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. Below are some home practices we suggest to aid in managing your diabetes:

  • Check your blood sugar (glucose) once a day, or as instructed by your provider

  • Take all medications as prescribed by your provider

  • Avoid smoking or tobacco products

  • Eat healthy foods

  • Try losing weight (when recommended)

  • Be aware of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and know how to treat it

  • Get your eyes checked on a regular basis

  • Get a wellness exam every year

  • Get your blood and urine tested

  • Get your blood pressure checked regularly

  • Wear a necklace or bracelet that says you have diabetes

  • Check your feet every night for cuts, sores, blisters, and redness

  • Tell your provider if you have problems or worsening symptoms

Get Help Right Away If:

  • You have trouble keeping your blood sugar in the target range

  • You have problems with your medications

  • You are sick and not getting better after 24 hours

  • You have a sore or wound that is not healing

  • You have vision problems or changes

  • You have a fever

Types of Diabetes FAQ

  • Feeling very tired or lethargic

  • Excessive thirst

  • Sores that are slow to heal

  • Dry, itchy skin

  • Extreme hunger

  • Frequent urination

  • Yeast infections

  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Type 1 Diabetes

  • About 10% of affected people have this type

  • Usually occurs before the age of 30

  • Usually occurs in thin to normal weight people

  • Is not preventable

Type 2 Diabetes

  • About 90% of affected people have this type

  • Usually occurs after the age of 45

  • Usually occurs in overweight or obese people

  • More common in people with risk factors like:

    • A family history of diabetes

    • A history of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)

    • High blood pressure

    • High cholesterol and triglycerides

Gestational Diabetes

  • Occurs in about 4% of pregnancies

  • Usually goes away after the baby is born

  • More likely to occur in women who:

    • Have a family history of diabetes

    • Have previously had gestational diabetes

    • Are obese

    • Over 25 years old

Prediabetes indicates that your blood glucose levels are above the normal threshold, yet not high enough to be classified within the diabetic range. This condition also signifies an increased susceptibility to developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

If you receive a pre-diabetes diagnosis, it’s recommended to have your blood glucose levels re-evaluated within one to two years, and to consult your healthcare provider for guidance on enhancing your health through lifestyle modifications.

For both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, treatment focuses on consistently maintaining blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Empowering yourself with the knowledge to manage this is crucial in addressing your diabetes. Depending on the specific type of diabetes you have, your treatment plan will incorporate one or more of the following:

  • Monitoring your blood glucose.

  • Meal planning.

  • Exercise.

  • Oral medicine (pills) or insulin.

Preventing Type 1 diabetes remains improbable, as the precise triggers leading to its onset are still undiscovered. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes often can be averted through lifestyle modifications such as:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Eating healthy

  • Exercising

Presently, a cure for diabetes has not been found, though ongoing research continues. Nevertheless, the condition is manageable and can be effectively controlled.

If you are 45 years of age or older, it is recommended that you undergo diabetes testing, with subsequent tests occurring every three years. Should you be 45 and also overweight, you might consider more frequent testing. Furthermore, if you are under 45, overweight, and present with one or more of the subsequent risk factors, testing is also advised:

  • Family history of diabetes

  • Inactive lifestyle

  • High blood pressure

Rubicon Healthcare providers are available to schedule appointments for you to be tested for Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes.

The following organizations may help in your search for more information on diabetes: