Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
According to the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes is “a problem with your body that causes blood glucose levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia.” When we eat, our bodies break down foods into glucose (sugars) which get sent into the bloodstream. Insulin helps us to break down glucose to use as energy in our cells whether it is used immediately or stored for later.
Insulin is considered an essential hormone for the body as it helps turn food into energy and regulate blood sugar levels. The Cleveland Clinic says that insulin, “moves glucose from your blood into cells all over your body. Glucose comes from both the food and drinks you consume and your body’s natural release of stored glucose (glycogen). Glucose is your body’s main — and preferred — source of energy.”
Without enough insulin in the body, glucose gets backed up in your bloodstream and can lead to a condition known as diabetes. There are a few different types of diabetes—type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. If you have diabetes your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can’t use insulin well.
Type 1 Diabetes
This type of diabetes is caused when your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are too high. This occurs because the body cannot produce the hormone insulin. When a person has type 1 diabetes, the body “attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin,” which renders your body unable to produce the hormone at all. Those who have been recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes should check out these resources:
- Type 1 Diabetes Overview: Covering causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and tips for coping.
- Common Treatments Used For T1D: Covering insulin and adjunctive medications.
- Doctors Involved In Treating Diabetes: Covering the roles of endocrinologist, diabetes educator, dietitian or nutritionist, ophthalmologist, podiatrist, psychiatrist and how they will help you navigate your type 1 diabetes journey.
Click here to learn more about Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
According to The Mayo Clinic, “Type 2 diabetes is a condition that happens because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the blood. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems.”
According to The Mayo Clinic, some side effects of Type 2 Diabetes include:
- Increased thirst.
- Frequent urination.
- Increased hunger.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Blurred vision.
- Slow-healing sores.
- Frequent infections.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
- Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck.
PatientsLikeMe members have reported experiencing these top 3 symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
- Fatigue
- Back Pain
- Stress
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy. It is a type of diabetes that affects those giving birth who have not had diabetes before. In order to combat gestational diabetes, eating well and exercising are critical. Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed from a blood test 24 to 28 weeks into pregnancy.
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