Diabetes: Are you at risk?

Diabetes affects over 38 million people in the United States and is one of the leading causes of disability and death, yet one of every five people with diabetes doesn’t know they have it.

November is American Diabetes Month, and it’s important for people to learn about the different types of diabetes, the warning signs, who is most likely to get diabetes, and how to lower your risk.

What are the types of diabetes?

There are multiple types of diabetes including gestational, type 1 and type 2. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes, affecting over 90% of people with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar levels) or when your body cannot use the insulin it produces properly.

What should I know about type 2 diabetes?

•  Type 2 diabetes is prefaced by prediabetes. If you already have prediabetes (elevated blood sugar levels), this extra risk factor makes you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
•  Type 2 diabetes mainly affects adults, while type 1 diabetes occurs most often in children.
•  Type 2 diabetes results in too much sugar circulating in your blood, which can damage your eyes, heart, kidneys, and other systems in your body if not treated.
•  Type 2 diabetes develops slowly over time. Your symptoms could go unnoticed for many years if you don’t know what to look for.

What are the warning signs that you may have diabetes?

Keep in mind that diabetes symptoms usually progress slowly over time. Some of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Excessive or increased thirst
•  Slow healing of cuts or sores
•  Frequent vaginal or penile yeast infections
•  Skin conditions (such as bacterial or fungal infections)
•  Blurred vision
•  Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
•  Unexplained weight loss
•  Fatigue
•  Increased urination

Learning the early warning signs of diabetes is critical. Stay vigilant and seek medical care when needed to help protect your health.

Who gets type 2 diabetes?

Anyone can get type 2 diabetes, although some people are at greater risk than others.

Certain risk factors for diabetes are controllable, while others are not. Your chances of developing type 2 diabetes increase if:

•  You are overweight or obese
•  Your parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes
•  You have prediabetes
•  You are physically active less than three times a week
•  You have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
•  You are Black, Hispanic, or Latino
•  You are over age 45 (although diabetes can strike at any age)

How can you avoid diabetes?

While you can’t change your age, genetics, or family history, there are many things you can do to help lower your diabetes risk, such as:

•  Eating a healthy diet
•  Exercising more often
•  Losing weight if you are overweight or obese

Monitoring your blood sugar levels is also essential, especially if you are high-risk. A healthcare provider will typically check your blood sugar levels at least once a year if you’re pre-diabetic or have other risk factors. There may be medications and/or insulin therapies that your clinician can prescribe as well.

vybe cares about your health

Yes, diabetes is extremely common – but you can do things to reduce your risks. We’re here to support you with a broad range of testing and treatment. If you do have diabetes, you can still live a healthy life by making a few lifestyle changes.

Your vybe provider can evaluate any wound complications and refer you to a specialist if necessary. We can also help treat bacterial or fungal infections and other diabetes complications.

vybe is open seven days a week with extended weeknight hours for your convenience. With 15 locations throughout Greater Philadelphia, it’s easy to find a vybe center near you. Walk in or schedule an appointment today!

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