Diabetes General Information and Tips

There are several types of diabetes.

• Prediabetes: This type happens before Type 2 diabetes and is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed Type 2.
• Type 1 diabetes: This type is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
• Type 2 diabetes: This type is the most common form of diabetes and means your body isn’t making enough insulin or your body’s cells aren’t responding normally.
• Gestational diabetes: This type is developed during pregnancy and usually goes away afterward. If you have gestational diabetes, you’re at higher risk of developing Type 2 later in life.
• Type 3c diabetes: This type of diabetes happens when your pancreas experiences damage, which affects its ability to produce insulin. Having your pancreas removed also results in Type 3c.
• Maturity-onset diabetes of the young: This type happens when an inherited genetic mutation affects how your body produces insulin.
• Neonatal diabetes: This type is rare and occurs within the first six months of life.
• Brittle diabetes: This is a form of Type 1 diabetes that’s exhibited by frequent and severe episodes of high and low blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. Check out this video about Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• Slow-healing sores or cuts
• Frequent skin and/or vaginal yeast infections

If you or your child are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.

Watch this video on treatment options for Type 2 diabetes.

It is normal to feel shocked, scared, overwhelmed or even angry, but it’s important to remember that diabetes is a manageable disease. Learning how to manage and cope with your disease while getting the support you need is important and will help ease any fear or anxiety you may have.

Managing stress and sickness

If you are feeling sick, it’s important to take special care of yourself as sickness can raise or lower your blood sugar levels.

It is natural to feel stress. Stress can teach you new skills, motivate you or strengthen you. Other times stress can harm your health, especially if it is consistent. Learning ways to reduce and mange stress can improve your blood glucose levels and overall health.

Tips to manage stress:

• Take a walk, relax or do something you enjoy.
• Eat healthy, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly.
• Get support through friends, family members or professional counseling.
• Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga.
• Set realistic goals.
• Stay positive.

If you find yourself denying, forgetting or ignoring your diabetes you may have what is known as “diabetes burnout.” If you feel you have diabetes burnout, contact your healthcare provider.

Healthy habits are important to establish. Here are a few healthy habits you can start to help manage your diabetes:

• Stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and other problems. If you smoke, consider taking a look at our smoking cessation program.
• Make sure you get an adequate amount of sleep. Diabetes can affect sleep patterns due to waking up frequently to urinate. Try going to bed earlier if you find yourself feeling tired during the day.
• Avoid or limit alcohol intake as it stimulates your appetite, which can make weight control difficult.
• Take care of your feet. Diabetes can cause damage to the circulation and to the nerves of the feet. Learn more about foot care.
• Focus on your dental care. When blood glucose is high, gum and mouth infections are more common. Learn more about dental care.