A whopping 34.2 million Americans have diabetes. And, even more people are unaware that they are at high risk for developing prediabetes or progressing to Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is often considered a transition step to Type 2 diabetes, but with important lifestyle changes Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
In all forms of diabetes, the body's ability to make or properly use insulin is affected. Insulin is a hormone that is made by the pancreas, and it helps your cells store and use energy from food. If you have diabetes, glucose collects in the blood but doesn’t get transported into the cells. Thus, your body is not getting the energy it needs. Also, the high levels of glucose circulate through the body, damaging cells along the way.
Diabetes increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke and may lead to kidney, eye and nerve damage.
The causes of diabetes are complex and still not fully known. Although food doesn't cause diabetes, it is part of the strategy for managing the disease.
There are three main types of diabetes:
You can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes by making changes to your eating style, being physically active and by losing a certain amount of weight if you have a body mass index (BMI) that is categorized as overweight or obese. These steps also lower your risk for diabetes complications. Visit a registered dietitian nutritionist to learn about lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes include going to the bathroom frequently, being unusually thirsty, losing weight without trying, feeling tired or irritable, blurred vision, frequent illness or infection and poor circulation such as tingling or numbness in the feet or hands. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You may need to have one of the following tests for diabetes:
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, a registered dietitian nutritionist, or RDN, will work with you and other members of your healthcare team to help you manage your blood glucose levels and reduce your risk of possible complications. Some goals your care team may work with you on include:
People with Type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections or an insulin pump. People with Type 2 diabetes can help control blood sugar levels through food choices, physical activity and, for some people, a combination of medication and insulin injections.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, an RDN can create a simple eating plan for you. This plan will take into account your medications, lifestyle and any other health issues. The expert advice of an RDN can help you achieve your goals for managing your diabetes while ensuring you get the nutrients your body needs.