In an ideal world, everyone would be aware of their risk for type 2 diabetes and take steps to lower it. Unfortunately, with an alarming increase of the number of people in the U.S. developing type 2 diabetes and obesity rates continuing to climb, that’s not the world we live in. 

Instead, November, just before the holidays get under way, is American Diabetes Month where we take the time to remind ourselves that getting screened for diabetes and getting routine a1c tests is important to prevent you or loved ones from developing this condition. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes and prediabetes increases every year. For this reason, we created a guide on diabetes awareness, and prevention tips so you can live life uninterrupted.

What Are the Different Types of Diabetes?

There are two major types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Although they present with different symptoms, they have the same underlying cause—an impaired ability to produce insulin. Depending on your symptoms, you may be diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body fails to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually appears in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. It is not linked to lifestyle and does not increase with age. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance. It is a lifestyle disease that increases with age. This means with increasing age the body’s ability to process glucose decreases, resulting in insulin resistance.

Let’s Not Forget Prediabetes and Gestational Diabetes

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prediabetes affects 96 million Americans.

Of those with prediabetes, 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes often has no symptoms, so it’s important to get tested if you think you may be at risk. People with prediabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It can lead to complications for both mother and child if left untreated. Gestational diabetes is treated by managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and if necessary, insulin injections. By keeping blood sugar levels under control, you can help prevent complications for both yourself and your baby.

What are the signs of diabetes?

There are many different symptoms of diabetes, and they can vary depending on the type of diabetes. However, some common symptoms include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Excessive hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing wounds

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to serious health complications if it's not properly managed.

Don’t Become Another Statistic And Get Your Blood Sugar Levels Checked At AFC Urgent Care Rocky Hill

The best way to find out if you have diabetes is to see a doctor. AFC Urgent Care Rocky Hill offers checkups and screenings for diabetes. When you see us, a provider will ask about your family history of the disease and whether you have any symptoms. Our provider will do a physical exam and order blood tests to check your levels of sugar in the bloodstream and urine samples for evidence of sugar in the urine.

If you do have diabetes, we’ll help point you in the right direction with a specialist to get on a management plan. You can walk-in or make an appointment to see us any day of the week! We have hours from M-F from 8am to 8pm and weekend hours from 8am to 5pm.