Diabetes: Types, Risk Factors, Symptoms - diabetes management in Katy, TX

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disease that affects your ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin. Insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy. When you have diabetes, either your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react well to insulin, so glucose cannot enter the cells as easily and builds up in the bloodstream instead. If you are looking for diabetes management in Katy, TX we can help you.

If left untreated, high blood sugar levels could lead to complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and stroke. You can manage diabetes with diet changes, exercise, and medication which help lower blood sugar levels by making more glucose available. Understanding the different types of diabetes will help you know what you need to do in order to prevent or control it with a diabetes holistic approach in Katy, TX. 

Types of Diabetes 

One of the more common types is Type 1 Diabetes. This one is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys its beta cells. These beta cells produce insulin, which helps your body break down sugars for energy. 

Another type of Diabetes is Type 2 Diabetes, which is the most common kind of diabetes. People with this type usually grow up overweight or obese and develop insulin resistance. The pancreas then makes too much insulin to compensate, and blood sugar levels rise over time. Type 3 Diabetes, also known as gestational diabetes, affects pregnant women only during their pregnancy but can lead to other types of diabetes if not treated. 

Symptoms of Diabetes 

There are three primary types of diabetes, and each class has unique symptoms. 

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas stops producing insulin. This type of diabetes usually develops during childhood or early adulthood. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. 

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It develops when the body can't use insulin properly or make enough insulin. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, weight gain, fatigue, and blurred vision. 

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born but increases the risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, weight gain, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Early diagnosis of these types of diabetes is critical because they can cause serious health problems if left untreated. People who think that they may have diabetes should see a doctor immediately. 

Risk Factors for Diabetes 

There are some risk factors for diabetes that you should be aware of. These include: being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, being physically inactive, and having high blood pressure or cholesterol. Other factors that increase the chances of developing diabetes include: 

● Having a family history of diabetes 

● Being overweight or obese 

● A lack of physical activity 

● High blood pressure 

● Having high cholesterol levels 

● Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy 

● Having other health problems 

Conclusion 

Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to high blood sugar levels, heart disease, and other life-threatening illnesses. We already covered the basics of diabetes as well as some of the most common risk factors for developing it which include age, family history, obesity, and physical inactivity. 

If you think you may be at increased risk for developing diabetes or already have it but don't know what to do about it, contact Tree of Life today for an appointment today. We offer comprehensive diabetes management in Katy, TX including dietitian consultations and medical nutrition therapy services along with proactive management strategies.