Diabetes is a reaching epidemic proportions.
The normal level for fasting blood sugar is less than 100mg/dl. Many things such as food, activity, medications, stress and illness can have an affect on blood sugars.
People with blood sugar levels that are higher than normal (100 to 125mg/dl) but not yet in the range for diabetes may have a condition called “pre-diabetes” or “impaired fasting glucose.”
There is no such thing as borderline diabetes or “a touch of sugar.” If your doctor tells you that you have pre-diabetes, you have a much greater chance of developing diabetes. To help delay or prevent the onset of diabetes, lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, increasing your activity and losing weight may help. Ask your health care team how you can make these changes.
When you have diabetes, your body’s insulin is not working properly to keep your blood sugar in the normal range.If you have two fasting blood sugars of 126mg/dl or higher, you have diabetes.
There are basically two types of diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes MUST take insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes MAY or MAY NOT take insulin. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type 1 and the number of people being diagnosed with Type 2 is growing at an alarming rate.
Studies have proven that keeping blood sugars as close to normal as possible can prevent or delay long-term problems from diabetes. These problems can affect your eyes, heart, nerves, feet and kidneys.
Fasting Glucose Test
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“Normal”
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“Pre-Diabetes”
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“Diabetes”
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Less than 100mg/dl>
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100 to 125mg/dl
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126 mg/dl or higher
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Major Risk Factors
Major risk factors for developing diabetes include:
- Overweight
- Family history
- Advanced age
- History of gestational diabetes or baby birth weight over 9 (nine) pounds
- Race or ethnicity
Warning signs of diabetes may include:
- Increased urination
- Unusual fatigue
- Increased thirst
- Dry and itchy skin
- Dry mouth
- Frequent infections
- Change in vision
- Slow healing wounds
- Increased hunger
Different people have different symptoms; some people have no symptoms at all. If you have diabetes, your physician will refer you to a certified diabetes education team who will assist you in making your own treatment plan.
For information about the Lennon Diabetes Center at Huron Hospital, call (216) 761-4286.