John Hopkins Understanding Diabetes
An Evolving Landscape • While diabetes is on the rise in the United States, the last decade has brought major advancements in how we understand, manage, and treat the disease.
1 DIAGNOSING DIABETES • The causes of diabetes vary by type, but all forms can lead to too much blood sugar and problems either producing enough insulin or using it.
What Types of Diabetes Are There? • Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are the most widely known, but there are less common types, including cystic fibrosis–related diabetes and diabetes after pancreatic surgery.
RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES • Only about 5% of people with diabetes have type 1. Immune-system genes, family history, and the environment may play a role in developing the disease.
RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES • Having excess weight or obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise can play a role, as can age and racial and ethnic background.
Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose • Since blood glucose values fluctuate throughout the day, it is important to measure your levels as recommended by your health care provider and have your A1C tested on a regular basis.
HOW THE BODY CONVERTS FOOD INTO INSULIN • Cells in the pancreas produce this essential hormone to deal with glucose from carbohydrates you eat.
Dealing with Hypoglycemia • Low blood glucose may be common for some people with diabetes, but it needs to be taken seriously.
HYPERGLYCEMIC EMERGENCIES • Without insulin treatment, blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes can spike to dangerously high levels and cause a life-threatening condition.
Routine Care and Vaccinations • A general rule of thumb for a person living with diabetes is to visit a health care provider every three to six months.
YOUR HEALTH CARE CHECKLIST • Which procedures you should schedule, how often, and what your goals should be.
2 DIABETES AND YOUR BODY • The disease can be managed effectively when diagnosed early, but if left untreated it can cause serious damage.
The Impact on the Brain • The high and low blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can impair cognitive abilities, create a greater risk of stroke, and trigger depression.
HOW THE DISEASE AFFECTS THE EYES • For people with diabetes, the retina, which detects light, is especially sensitive to damage.
An Elevated Risk of Heart Disease • People with diabetes are two to four times more likely than the general population to develop a heart-related illness. Those risks are increased by smoking and high blood pressure.
WHAT ARE ACE INHIBITORS? • These commonly prescribed medications prevent the formation of a hormone that constricts blood vessels.
TREATING CHOLESTEROL ISSUES • Statins can help lower bad cholesterol by as much as 50 percent. Here is a primer.
PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE • Caused by fatty buildups in the arteries, this disease prevents normal circulation and can cause pain or fatigue.
The Health of the Digestive Tract • Uncontrolled blood sugar can injure nerves in your stomach, gut, liver, and pancreas, causing gastrointestinal problems.
Kidney Complications • Diabetes can damage the kidneys, which filter waste from the blood.
What It Means for the Nervous System • Depending on the nerves that are affected, diabetes can cause pain and numbness in the legs, feet, and hands.
THE QUESTION OF FEET • Because diabetes can slow circulation to the extremeties, people with the disease are at risk of foot ulcers and other complications.
The Risk to Skin, Muscles, and Bones • Blisters, chronic wounds, stiff hands, and osteoporosis can all be signs of diabetes.
Anemia, Infections, and the Immune System • Diabetes can impact...
