About diabetes

Common questions about diabetes

1. What is type 2 diabetes?
   Diabetes means that a person's blood glucose levels are above normal. When people have type 2 diabetes, either their bodies are not making enough insulin, are not able to use insulin the right way, or both.^,
2. What causes type 2 diabetes?
   The cause of diabetes is unknown, but family history, low levels of physical activity, and being overweight can play a part in a person developing type 2 diabetes. ^,
3. What happens when you have diabetes?
   Most of the food you eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for your body to use for energy. Your pancreas makes insulin to help this glucose get into the cells of your body. Glucose is needed for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or the cells can't use insulin the right way. This causes glucose to build up in your blood and makes it unavailable to your body for energy.^,
4. What are the symptoms of diabetes?
   Some people may have no symptoms. When blood sugar is very high, the most common symptoms of diabetes include urinating often, being extremely thirsty and hungry, unusual weight loss, being tired more often, being irritable, and blurry vision. If you haven't been diagnosed as having diabetes but have one or more of these symptoms, check with your healthcare provider. ^,
5. How many people have diabetes?
   According to the American Diabetes Association, about 7% of all Americans have diabetes. That's about 20.8 million children and adults. Of these, about 6 million are undiagnosed. ^,
6. Is there a cure for diabetes?
   While there continues to be advances for diabetes treatments, there is not yet a cure. Making healthy food choices, regular exercise, and the proper treatment can help people better manage their diabetes.
7. What is hypoglycemia?
   Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a low level of glucose in the blood that people with diabetes need to be prepared to treat. ^, Your blood glucose level can get too low if you: ^,
   
   • - Take too much insulin or blood-glucose lowering pills
   • - Wait too long to eat after taking insulin
   • - Do not eat enough food
   • - Are more active than usual
   • - Drink alcohol

Although hypoglycemia can happen suddenly, in most cases hypoglycemia is mild and you will recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia in time to take action. ^, These include feeling weak, confused, shaky, irritable, hungry, or tired. You may sweat a lot or get a headache. If the hypoglycemia becomes more severe, you may pass out.

Talk with your healthcare provider about what to do when you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia. You will want to know how to treat your mild hypoglycemia. Those around you will need to know how they can help you if your hypoglycemia becomes severe. For example, someone may need to give you an injection of glucagon to get your blood sugar back to normal.

Also talk with your healthcare provider if you have hypoglycemia several times a week. The two of you may need to change to your diabetes care plan.