Week 1:

Understanding Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts as a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes 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.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

  • An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

  • Requires daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump.

  • Commonly diagnosed in children and young adults but can occur at any age.

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin.

  • Often develops in adults over the age of 45 but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents, and young adults.

  • Can often be managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

Gestational Diabetes

  • Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after giving birth.

  • Occurs when pregnancy hormones interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively.

  • Management is crucial to maintaining the health of both mother and baby.

Why Monitor Your Blood Sugar?

Consistent monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. It helps you:

  • Understand how different foods, activities, medications, and insulin affect your blood sugar levels.

  • Prevent and recognize the signs of blood sugar levels that are too high or too low, which can lead to serious health complications if not addressed.

  • Reduce the risk of long-term diabetes-related complications by maintaining good blood sugar control.

Your Health Journey

Managing diabetes involves daily care and making choices that affect your overall health. With the right tools and support, people with diabetes can lead healthy, active lives. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, it is crucial to stay informed and proactive in your healthcare.

We invite you to explore more about diabetes management and how you can take an active role in controlling this condition. Remember, our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us!