Are You At Risk For Diabetes?

Understanding the Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Diabetes mellitus is a group of health problems that affect how the body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. People with diabetes have high blood sugar because their body doesn’t make enough insulin, doesn’t use insulin properly, or both.

Main Types of Diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: The body’s immune system attacks the pancreas, destroying the cells that make insulin. People with type 1 need insulin to survive.

• Type 2 diabetes: The body makes insulin but doesn’t use it well (called insulin resistance). Over time, the body may also make less insulin. This type is more common in people who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes.

• Gestational diabetes: This type happens during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it raises the mother’s risk of getting type 2 diabetes later.

• Other types: Rare forms caused by certain genes, pancreatic disease, hormone problems, or medications.

  
  

Causes and Risk Factors: You’re more likely to develop diabetes if you:

• Are older

• Have a family history of diabetes

• Are overweight or not very active

• Belong to certain ethnic groups (such as American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic, Asian, or Black)

• Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

• Have other health conditions that affect metabolism

  
  

How Common Is Diabetes?

• About 13–16% of adults in the U.S. have diabetes. It’s more common in older adults and some minority groups.

• Prediabetes (blood sugar higher than normal but not yet diabetes) affects about 34–38% of adults.

• Many people don’t know they have it, especially younger adults.

  
  

Common Symptoms:

• Peeing often

• Feeling very thirsty or hungry

• Feeling tired

• Blurry vision

• Losing weight without trying

• Cuts or sores that heal slowly

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

Type 1 diabetes usually shows up quickly. Type 2 and prediabetes can develop slowly and sometimes have no symptoms.

How Diabetes Is Diagnosed: Doctors use blood tests to check for diabetes:

• A1C test: 6.5% or higher = diabetes; 5.7–6.4% = prediabetes

• Fasting blood sugar: 126 mg/dL or higher = diabetes; 100–125 mg/dL = prediabetes

• Glucose tolerance test: 2-hour blood sugar 200 mg/dL or higher = diabetes; 140–199 mg/dL = prediabetes

If you don’t have clear symptoms, tests are usually repeated to confirm the diagnosis.

Managing Diabetes with Food:

• A healthy eating plan is key to controlling blood sugar.

• There’s no one “perfect” diet, but meals should include whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

• Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can help improve blood sugar and lower your risk of diabetes.

• Low-carb and Mediterranean-style diets can help control blood sugar and protect your heart.

• Working with a registered dietitian can improve your results and help create a plan that fits your lifestyle.

Partner with MI Partner Health

If you have concerns about diabetes, talk to one of our healthcare providers. We offer evaluation, testing, and personalized management to support your well-being.