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With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy. With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. There isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, but losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can really help. Other things you can do to help:
Types of DiabetesThere are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant). Type 1 DiabetesType 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). This reaction stops your body from making insulin. Approximately 5-10% of the people who have diabetes have type 1. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop quickly. It’s usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to take insulin every day to survive. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes. Type 2 DiabetesWith type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults (but more and more in children, teens, and young adults). You may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get your blood sugar tested if you’re at risk. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
Gestational DiabetesGestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health problems. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. However, it increases your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby is more likely to have obesity as a child or teen and develop type 2 diabetes later in life. PrediabetesIn the United States, 96 million adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. More than 8 in 10 of them don’t know they have it. With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes raises your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. But there’s good news. If you have prediabetes, a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program can help you take healthy steps to reverse it. Newly Diagnosed We make sure that’s not the end of the story.
Look—we know it can be hard to hear that you have diabetes.You probably feel overwhelmed and confused. You're asking yourself, “What now?” Well, the good news is you have a community to fall back on. You don’t have to maneuver this by yourself. You have the support of countless others who have felt the same shock. Your diagnosis is simply the first step. There are ways you can manage your diabetes—through diet, exercise, medical support and emotional help. Dig in. Take action. And know that we have everything you need to help you live a long, healthy life surrounded by people who know exactly what you’re going through. Getting started with type 2To use glucose as energy, your body needs insulin. But with type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well—and your body’s cells can’t use glucose for the energy it needs. When glucose stays in your blood, it can cause serious problems. While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, there are ways to manage your condition—through a balanced diet, an active lifestyle and (in some cases) medicine. Take your medicineMedicine can be another key to managing your type 2 diabetes. Work with your doctor to see what medicines can help you keep your blood sugar in your target range. Some people take both pills and insulin or insulin by itself. If you’re starting new medicines, ask your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator the following questions:
Read more on type 2 Living with type 1If you have type 1 diabetes, it means that your pancreas does not produce insulin. It requires monitoring your blood sugar and administering multiple daily insulin injections with a pen, syringe or a pump. If you’ve just learned you have type 1 diabetes, know that you have an array of tools at your disposal to help you manage it. Finding ways to manage your blood sugar levels, your insulin intake, diet and exercise, and working with your diabetes care team, can help you feel healthier and help you stay on top of your condition. Remember, millions of people live healthy lives with type 1. Find others with type 1 and ask them what they do to stay healthy. You may be curious about an insulin pump, and find someone who uses one. You can get tips and tricks that will make life just a little bit easier. The important thing is to share your feelings with those around you and don’t feel shame in asking for help. Reaching out is key to living a vital life with type 1. Read more on type 1 Type 1 Self-Care ManualThe Type 1 Diabetes Self-Care Manual can help you navigate any challenge with confidence. It covers everything, from blood sugar goals to complications and special considerations by age.
Calling all types: eat well and moveNo matter if you live with type 1 or type 2, diet and exercise are two of the most powerful tools you have. Not only do they help you control your blood sugar, but they can mean the difference between feeling run down and feeling great. Eat healthyNew diets can feel restrictive and there is no one-size-fits-all diet. While you need to make changes in what and how much you eat, you have access to plenty of guidance. Start with an ADA-approved cookbook and remember to:
Get activeAnother part of living a full and healthy life with diabetes is being active. No matter what you do or how you approach it, know that any type of physical activity helps lower your blood sugar. Other benefits of physical activity include:
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have questions about which activities are right for you. Some types of good physical activity to consider include:
We’re here to help.What should I do if I have diabetes?What to do:. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan. Ask your doctor about what type of exercise is appropriate for you. ... . Keep an exercise schedule. ... . Know your numbers. ... . Check your blood sugar level. ... . Stay hydrated. ... . Be prepared. ... . Adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed.. What should you not do if you have diabetes?Your main goals should include staying away from unhealthy fats, liquid sugars, processed grains, and other foods that contain refined carbs. Avoiding foods that increase your blood sugar levels and drive insulin resistance can help keep you healthy and reduce your risk of future diabetes complications.
What happens if you have diabetes?With diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it as well as it should. When there isn't enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
Can you live a normal life with diabetes?Yes, odds are good that you can live a long, healthy life with diabetes, but only if you are working to control it now, not sometime later. So see your doctor regularly, take all of your medications, stay active, and learn more about the foods you eat. For your health, get involved in your own diabetes care.
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What to do if you have diabetes
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