Today, nearly 3 million Texans are living with diabetes. Another 6.8 million have been medically diagnosed as having prediabetes. People with diabetes are at increased risk for developing health complications that include everything from vision problems to heart disease and stroke – as well as kidney disease and amputation. However, with early diagnosis and expert treatment, these complications can be prevented or delayed.

This month, as part of our commitment to fighting the diabetes epidemic, we want to be sure you know what diabetes is, its symptoms, treatments and where to find excellent diabetes care.

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational.
 

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that typically occurs in children, teens and young adults when their pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin needed to metabolize glucose (blood sugar), which is the fuel for all cells in the body. Without insulin, these sugars are not able to move into the body’s cells and be used to create energy. Instead, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream and causes high blood glucose levels, which damage the nerves, kidneys, heart and other organs.

People with type 1 diabetes must have daily insulin via injections or an insulin pump to live. Relying on a dedicated team of diabetes experts, like those at UT Health Diabetes, to help monitor their blood glucose levels, improve their eating habits and make necessary treatment adjustments, Type 1 diabetics are able to live long, active, healthy lives.

Specific blood tests, urine tests and autoantibody and other specific blood tests will help your primary care physician accurately diagnose type 1 diabetes and refer you to a diabetes specialist.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Lose weight without trying
• Feel very tired for no reason
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Sudden vision changes
• Increased appetite
• Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath
• Heavy, labored breathing
• Stupor or unconsciousness

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and is most often associated with being overweight and typically diagnosed in people over 45 years old. People with type 2 diabetes are said to have “insulin resistance” because their cells cannot respond to all the insulin made by their pancreas. This resistance signals the pancreas to make even more insulin, but the pancreas eventually slows down or stops because of the increasing demand to make more and more insulin.

Because the cells in the body do not respond to the insulin normally, they cannot receive the glucose they need to power the body. This causes the amount of glucose in the bloodstream to rise to unhealthy levels.

Gestational diabetes is a form of type 2 diabetes that is brought about by the extra nutritional needs of pregnancy. It usually goes away after pregnancy, but women with gestational diabetes have a very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, and have had a history of gestational diabetes, it is important to discuss this with your doctor.

Prediabetes

People who develop type 2 diabetes usually go through a period where they have "prediabetes". This means their blood sugar/glucose levels are elevated, but are not high enough to be considered diabetic. People who are diagnosed as having prediabetes should be tested for type 2 diabetes every one to two years by their primary care physician.

The key to living healthy and preventing complications from diabetes is good medical care and regular self-care by the patient.  This includes monitoring blood sugar levels, eating healthy, regular exercise and finding a dedicated team of diabetes experts, like those at UT Health Diabetes.

Many people with type 2 diabetes are able to effectively manage their condition without medicine through daily exercise, eating meals low in carbohydrates and close communication with their diabetes team. 

Pills to help with insulin resistance, pills to increase insulin production and insulin therapy are often prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, in addition to healthy eating and exercise.

Often, there are no noticeable symptoms of type 2 diabetes, or they tend to appear slowly over time. However, there are risk factors that can lead to diabetes. These include: being overweight, having a personal or family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes, being older than 45 and being physically inactive.

Specific blood tests will help your primary care physician to accurately diagnose type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms:

• Urinate a lot, often at night
• Are very thirsty
• Lose weight without trying
• Are very hungry
• Have blurry vision
• Have numb or tingling hands or feet
• Feel very tired
• Have very dry skin
• Have sores that heal slowly
• Have more infections than usual

UT Health Diabetes is committed to making life better for everyone living with diabetes. We provide exceptional, complete care for managing diabetes. The team at UT Health Diabetes is led by Dr. Ralph DeFronzo. Dr. DeFronzo is recognized worldwide for his research and discoveries leading to the development of effective treatment for individuals with diabetes. You can schedule your appointment with UT Health Diabetes today by calling 210-450-9050.

To learn more about UT Health San Antonio’s commitment to research and improving diabetes treatment, click here.