Related Media: The Importance of Healthy Eating When You Have Diabetes

Definition

Diabetes happens when the body does not make enough insulin to move glucose from the blood to the cells. This causes glucose to build up in the blood instead of being used by the cells for energy. Type 2 is more common in adults.

Causes

Type 2 happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas cannot make enough. This may be due to a person's genes and habits.

Risk Factors

Type 2 is more common in people with obesity and those over 45 years of age. People who are American Indian, Alaska natives, Black, and Hispanic are at higher risk. Some other common risks are:

• Prediabetes—slightly high glucose levels
• Metabolic syndrome —fat around the belly and high cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Past gestational diabetes or having a baby that weighs over 9 pounds at birth
• Poor eating habits
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Taking certain medicines, such as glucocorticoids or thiazides

Symptoms

Most people do not have problems right away. Others may have:

• Urinating more often
• Being very thirsty
• Hunger
• Blurry eyesight
• Weight loss
• Being very tired
• Frequent infections

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that check for high glucose levels. More than 1 test may be done.

These blood tests will also be done to find out whether it is type 1 or type 2:

• Insulin level or C-peptide tests to see how much insulin is being made by the pancreas
• Tests that look for antibodies that are working against the pancreas

Treatment

The goal is to keep glucose levels at close to normal levels. This can be done with:

Prevention

A person may not be able to lower the risk of diabetes. Healthy habits may help, such as exercising, staying at a healthy weight, and eating right.