Diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from correctly utilizing glucose – the fuel that is made from the carbohydrates we eat. There are several types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes- In Type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes was previously known as juvenile onset diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes- In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body cannot use the insulin properly. This is the most common type of diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes- This type of diabetes effects pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It is a temporary condition that affects one in 20 pregnant women.
- Prediabetes- This condition occurs in people that have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, although not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetic.
If you have diabetes, working with a team, including your physician, a diabetes nurse and a diabetes dietitian, will help you establish a plan for treatment. Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
Diabetes is a risk factor for many other conditions and complications, including heart disease, eye problems, kidney disease, foot problems and depression. But there are many things you can do to manage your disease and prevent complications:
- Choose a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet and exercise.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Have your feet, kidney function and eyes checked regularly.
- Take any medications prescribed by your physician.
- Work to maintain a normal glucose level.
More than 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes. Only about 9 million people know they have prediabetes, a potentially reversible condition. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Risk for developing type 2 diabetes may be reduced or eliminated by weight loss, healthier eating, and increased physical activity.
MyMichigan is committed to providing self-management tools to help you stay in control of your diabetes, including:
You may want to check with your insurance plan to see which programs and services are covered.
