Did you know that your IE browser is outdated?
Diabetes often develops without warning signs. According to the CDC, more than 38 million people in the U.S. live with diabetes, and many do not even know they have it. That is why it is important to know the basics, especially the differences between prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
What Is Diabetes
Diabetes is a health condition where your body has trouble managing blood sugar. It can happen when your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin the right way. Over time, too much sugar in the blood can cause serious problems, including heart disease, vision loss, and kidney damage.
There are three main types: prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels rise above normal but are still below the diabetes range. It does not usually cause symptoms, so many people do not know they have it. The good news is that you can take steps to turn things around.
According to the CDC, over 98 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes. That is about 1 in 3 adults. Most do not know they have it.
Even with prediabetes, you may start noticing the following symptoms:
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Being thirstier
- Using the bathroom more often
The best way to stop prediabetes from turning into type 2 diabetes is to make small lifestyle changes.
Maryland’s HealthChoice Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a free, year-long program for eligible Medicaid members. It includes weekly or monthly sessions with a trained coach, group support, and tips for eating healthier, staying active, and managing stress.
People in the program often lose 5–7% of their body weight and feel more energetic. Research shows that DPP can lower your risk of getting type 2 diabetes by up to 58%, and even more if you are over 60.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes develops when your body no longer produces insulin. It often appears in children or young adults, but can start at any age. This form progresses quickly and requires daily insulin and regular blood sugar checks to stay healthy.
Common diabetes symptoms include:
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired or sick
- Needing to urinate more often
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Blurred vision
If you notice these signs, get tested right away. People with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin, blood sugar checks, and ongoing care from a provider.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and usually develops gradually. Your body still produces insulin, but has trouble using it effectively. Because symptoms can be mild or absent early on, many people live with it for years without knowing.
Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but the chances go up if you are over 45, carry extra weight, or have close family members who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Signs to look for:
- Fatigue
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Slow-healing cuts
- Blurry vision
Eating well, being active, and taking medicine if needed can help manage type 2 diabetes and avoid complications.
How Jai Medical Systems Supports You
At Jai Medical Systems, we are here to help support you in your health journey in a variety of ways. If you qualify, you can join the HealthChoice Diabetes Prevention Program at no cost. We also offer health education classes to help you make informed decisions about your care.
Topics include diabetes care and management, weight management, asthma, smoking cessation, and hypertension. Classes are available both online and in person, and transportation may be provided if you need it.
If you are ready to make a healthy change, call 1-888-JAI-1999 or talk to your provider to learn more about how to join.