8 Things Most Don't Realize About Diabetes

Nearly 39 million people in the United States have diabetes, putting them at risk of complications like kidney failure, vision loss, heart disease, and permanent nerve damage. 

Even though diabetes is common, many people don’t know what causes it, how it’s treated, or if they’re at risk of developing it.

At Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness, Dana Trippi, DO, and her team help people learn all they can about diabetes so they can manage their risks. Here are eight facts about diabetes and its potential impact on your life.

1. There are several types of diabetes

The three primary types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. 

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is when your immune system destroys pancreas cells that produce insulin. This autoimmune disease was once called juvenile diabetes because it often develops during childhood.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, occurring when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or use insulin the way it should. It often affects people who are obese or overweight; today it’s common in kids as well as adults.

Gestational diabetes

This type of diabetes affects some pregnant women. Diabetes can’t be passed to developing babies but can affect babies (and moms-to-be) in other ways, some life-threatening.

2. Diabetes can affect anyone

Many people think diabetes only affects those with poor eating habits, a family history of diabetes, or weight issues. The fact is, diabetes can — and does — affect people of all ages, health profiles, and walks of life.

3. You can have diabetes and not know it

Diabetes symptoms can be subtle, especially initially. The CDC estimates that of the nearly 39 million Americans with diabetes, roughly 9 million don’t know it. Regular doctor visits and glucose testing are essential for diagnosing diabetes as early as possible.

4. Diabetes isn’t caused by eating sugar

It’s true that people with diabetes have to be careful about the sugars they ingest. But eating sugary foods or drinks doesn’t cause diabetes; instead, diabetes is caused by factors that can include your diet, weight, family history, and lifestyle habits.

5. Diabetes affects your health in many ways

Diabetes changes your life and health in many ways. Without proper management, it can cause or contribute to kidney disease and kidney failure, nerve damage, vision loss, hearing loss, skin ulcers, infections, and heart disease. It can even increase your risk of lower-limb amputation.

6. You might be able to prevent it

Type 2 diabetes is associated with modifiable risk factors — factors you can change. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and taking other steps could help prevent Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

7. You might be able to reverse it

Likewise, if you have Type 2 diabetes, you can reverse it or put it into remission through healthy lifestyle changes. Remission isn’t a cure; it simply means your symptoms aren’t active. Ongoing medical management is still necessary to prevent symptoms from recurring.

8. Proactive management is essential

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires regular doctor checkups, blood tests, and other lab testing to monitor your condition and how well you’re managing it.

Depending on the results of your exams and tests, we may suggest changes to your therapy or even new therapies, like injectable medicines that can help manage your glucose and insulin levels more effectively.

Learn more about diabetes management

If you have diabetes or you’re at risk of developing it, our team is ready to help. To learn more, request an appointment online or over the phone today with Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, Nevada.