American Diabetes Month: Complications, the Importance of Screenings and How to Lower Risk

14 November 2024

Posted in

American Diabetes Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of diabetes through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise and weight management. Equally vital is the role of regular diabetes screenings, which can lead to early detection and more effective management of the condition. In this blog, we speak with Deepa Philip, M.D., a board-certified endocrinologist with INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center, to learn more.

“Managing diabetes requires dedication, but it’s not about perfection,” Philip says. “We instead look for progress and we like to celebrate each small step toward better control.”

The basics

At a glance: Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This condition occurs due to issues with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar.

In a healthy body, the digestive process breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters the bloodstream.

This rise in blood sugar signals the pancreas to release insulin.
Insulin acts like a key, allowing glucose to enter cells, thereby reducing blood sugar levels to a normal range.
Excess glucose is stored in the liver and muscles for later use.

In diabetes, this process is disrupted, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision.
Long-term unmanaged diabetes can lead to serious health issues.

There are three main types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease attacking pancreatic insulin cells, typically arising in children and young adults.
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, occurs when the body resists insulin or lacks production, typically affecting adults but increasingly younger people.
Gestational diabetes arises in pregnancy and typically resolves post-birth yet heightens future type 2 diabetes risk.

The facts

What to know: Diabetes is a significant global health issue, affecting over 460 million people across diverse demographics.

In the U.S., over 38 million people have diabetes, with millions more undiagnosed.

The Southern region, including states like Oklahoma, often shows higher prevalence rates due to lifestyle factors.

Diabetes is prevalent across all age groups but is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults.

However, type 2 diabetes rates have increased in children and young adults.

Both men and women are affected by diabetes.

Women with gestational diabetes are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy.

Lifestyle factors and genetics are among the most common risk factors.

Sedentary behavior, poor dietary habits and obesity are leading risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
For type 1 diabetes, variants in genes can make certain people more prone to autoimmune attacks on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
For type 2 diabetes, some gene variations can affect insulin production, insulin action and glucose metabolism.

What is prediabetes?

Key points: Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. This stage serves as a crucial warning, indicating an increased risk of developing diabetes if no lifestyle changes are made.

In the U.S., an estimated 96 million adults have prediabetes, accounting for about one in three individuals.

Approximately 84% of those with prediabetes are unaware they have the condition.
Without intervention, many people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.

Many warning signs can indicate prediabetes or diabetes and require a trip to your doctor.

Increased thirst and frequent urination are among the most common signs as your body tries to rid itself of excess glucose through urine.
High blood sugar levels can affect your body's ability to use glucose for energy, leading to persistent fatigue and tiredness.
Elevated glucose levels can cause swelling in the lenses of your eyes, resulting in blurred vision.
High sugar levels can impair circulation and affect the body's natural healing process, leading to slower recovery from cuts and bruises.
In type 1 diabetes, the body breaks down muscle and fat for energy due to the inability to access glucose, leading to weight loss.
Some people experience excessive hunger as the body fails to process glucose effectively.

The importance of diabetes screening

Why it matters: Diabetes screening is a vital process that helps identify people at risk for diabetes or those in the early stages of the disease. Fasting blood sugar tests, A1C tests and oral glucose tolerance tests are three ways to screen for diabetes.

Fasting blood sugar tests measure blood glucose levels after an overnight fast.

A result of 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, while 126 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.

A1C tests measure the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

An A1C level of 5.7% to 6.4% signals prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance tests assess how your body processes glucose.

After fasting, you consume a sugary drink, and your blood sugar is tested periodically over several hours.
A reading of 140 to 199 mg/dL suggests prediabetes, while 200 mg/dL or more confirms diabetes.

Screening is recommended for anyone who falls under certain risk factors:

People aged 45 and older
Those with a family history of diabetes
People with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher
Blood pressure levels of 140/90 mm Hg or higher
Sedentary lifestyle
Women who had diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds

What happens if diabetes isn't managed well

What to know: If not well managed, diabetes can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye problems and increased risk of infections.

Cardiovascular disease is more common in individuals with diabetes due to high blood sugar levels.

Over time, damaged blood vessels contribute to the development of atherosclerosis – a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
This can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Neuropathy (nerve damage) can occur when high blood sugar damages nerves.

Physical symptoms include pain, tingling or loss of sensation.
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type, affecting the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms.

Nephropathy (kidney damage) is a kidney-related complication that arises when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys' delicate filtering units, known as nephrons.

Over time, this damage impairs the kidneys' ability to efficiently filter waste from the blood, leading to kidney disease.

Retinopathy is an eye condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

It occurs when high blood sugar levels over time cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina.
This damage can lead to vision problems and, if left untreated, may result in vision loss.

Increased risk of infection occurs due to several reasons.

Elevated glucose in the bloodstream can impair the immune system, making it less effective at fighting off pathogens.
High blood sugar can impair circulation, delaying the healing process and increasing the likelihood of infections taking root.
The environment created by high blood sugar is also favorable for bacterial growth.

Ways to lower risk

What it means: Taking proactive steps to lower the risk of developing diabetes can significantly enhance your overall health and well-being.

Maintain a healthy diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Limit your intake of processed foods, sugars and saturated fats.
A diet high in fiber and low in saturated fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise regularly and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.

Activities include brisk walking, cycling or jogging.
Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels and supports weight management.

Manage weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Even modest weight loss can have a significant impact on your health.

Manage stress by incorporating stress-reducing practices such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises into your routine.

Chronic stress can affect blood sugar levels and contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Quit smoking, as it can improve insulin sensitivity, enhance blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications.

Smoking increases insulin resistance, making it more difficult for the body to use insulin effectively.

Limit alcohol consumption to moderate amounts.

Excessive alcohol intake can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Next steps: Take charge of your health today by staying informed and proactive about diabetes. If you notice symptoms, it’s crucial to reach out to your doctor for a diabetes screening. Early detection is key to managing diabetes effectively and preventing complications.