Diagnosing diabetes can be scary, especially since some of us may be diabetic or pre-diabetic without even knowing it. The point is, it’s not a condition you want to develop, because it requires constant monitoring and management to stay healthy.

The latest statistics of Americans with Diabetes is staggering and continues to rise every year. 

There are multiple types of diabetes, which makes it important to know your health status in order to avoid developing any of the types. If you are worried about your blood sugar levels spiking this winter holiday season from candy, sweets and/or holiday treats, you can get these levels tested before and after the holidays. 

Let us help break down some more knowledge about diabetes for you on American Diabetes Month. Here are 5 important facts you should know.

1. What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which your body doesn’t produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body turn food into energy. People who have diabetes don’t have enough insulin, or what they have isn’t being used properly. Diabetes can be a lifelong condition, but it can be managed. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. They are both serious diseases. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes. It has become increasingly common among children, adolescents, and young adults over the last few decades. There are different types of diabetes, and they each require different treatments.

2. You Can’t Forget About Gestational Diabetes and Prediabetes!

Type 1 and 2 may be the more common types of diabetes, but you can’t forget about gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Sometimes, women who have never had diabetes before can develop this type during pregnancy and could potentially cause complications for their babies. Usually, gestational diabetes goes away after your baby is born, however, it may, in turn, increase your risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

Now, let’s not forget that the rest of you are sitting on the couch munching on snacks and are living a sedentary lifestyle. If you’re not going to the doctor as often as you’re supposed to be or checking your blood sugar levels, you might fall in that category of being pre-diabetic or diabetic without even knowing it. 

Prediabetes doesn’t necessarily have specific warning signs, but according to the CDC if you are:

• Overweight/obese
• Are active less than 3 times a week
• Have poor diet
• Have a family history of diabetes

Then chances are you might develop full blown diabetes if you’re not too careful. If you’re curious about the symptoms of diabetes you can read the list here.

3. Diet is Important for People with Diabetes

There are no easy answers when it comes to diet, but it’s important to keep in mind that a healthy diet isn’t only good for reducing your risk of diabetes — it’s good for general health too. There are certain foods that are good for people with diabetes, and others that aren’t so good for you.

4. Exercising with diabetes isn’t easy

Exercising is an essential part of managing your diabetes. However, if you have diabetes, this doesn’t mean that you should go for a run as soon as you wake up! You need to consult with your doctor first. Exercising with diabetes can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. You will have to take special care and monitor your blood sugar levels more carefully while exercising. You can learn more about diabetes management here.

5. Complications of diabetes

The complications of diabetes can be serious, but they can often be avoided with proper diabetes management. These complications can include heart disease, eye disease, kidney disease, and amputation. Heart disease is the most common complication of diabetes, and it is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes. But this doesn’t have to be the case. If you have diabetes, you can take steps to protect your heart and reduce your risk of death from heart disease.

Get Your Blood Sugar Levels Checked at AFC Urgent Care West Springfield

Diabetes is a serious condition, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to prevent and control the disease, even if you have been diagnosed with it. The best way to manage diabetes is to keep yourself informed and learn everything you can about the condition. 

If you think you might have symptoms of diabetes or are concerned about your blood sugar levels (a1c levels) it is important to get checked out. At AFC Urgent Care West Springfield, you can get a full check and get blood work to know your blood sugar levels and overall physical health. You easily walk-in to our center or make an appointment online any day of the week!