Diabetes (high blood sugar)

Overview

Your body turns food into sugar (glucose) for energy. A hormone called insulin, made by the pancreas, moves that sugar from your blood into your cells. With diabetes, sugar builds up in the blood instead.

In type 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin, so people need insulin every day. In type 2 diabetes, the most common kind, the body doesn't use insulin well. Gestational diabetes starts during pregnancy. Prediabetes means blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetes.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves. Keeping it in range, along with blood pressure and cholesterol, protects your eyes, kidneys, feet, and heart.

Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes often grows slowly over years, with mild or no symptoms. Type 1 symptoms can come on in days or weeks.

• Being very thirsty all the time
• Peeing often, including at night
• Feeling very hungry
• Feeling tired
• Blurry vision

Less common

• Losing weight without trying
• Cuts or sores that heal slowly
• Numb or tingling feet or hands
• Frequent infections, like urinary, skin, or yeast infections
• Dark, velvety skin in body folds, like the neck or armpits

Look up a symptom: Blurry vision · Fatigue · Losing weight without trying · Numb or tingling leg or foot

When to get medical care

Causes

Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. It isn't caused by eating sugar.

Type 2 diabetes comes from a mix of things: genes, extra weight, not being active, and the body not responding well to insulin (insulin resistance).

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Overweight or obesity
• Age 35 or older, though it can start in children
• Family history of diabetes
• Prediabetes or diabetes during pregnancy
• Not being active
• Being African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander

Possible complications

• Low blood sugar: From some diabetes medicines
• Diabetic eye disease: Can cause vision loss
• Chronic kidney disease: Diabetes is the top cause
• Nerve damage: Numbness and pain, often in the feet
• Foot ulcers: Sores that heal slowly
• Heart attack: Higher risk
• Stroke: Higher risk

Diagnosis

Diabetes is found with blood tests. Many people learn they have it at a routine checkup.

Questions you may be asked

• Whether you're very thirsty, pee a lot, or feel tired
• Whether you've lost weight without trying
• Whether family members have diabetes
• Whether you had diabetes during a pregnancy

The exam

They'll check your weight, blood pressure, feet, and skin, and may look at your eyes.

Tests

Common blood tests include:

• A1C test: Shows your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. 6.5% or higher means diabetes.
• Fasting blood sugar: Checked after not eating for at least 8 hours.
• Glucose tolerance test: Checks blood sugar before and after a sweet drink. Often used in pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment keeps your blood sugar in your target range. Your care team will make a plan that fits you.

Self-care

• Check your blood sugar as often as your care team suggests
• Eat regular meals with vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and fewer sugary drinks
• Move your body most days, like a 30-minute walk
• Take your medicines every day, even when you feel fine
• Check your feet every day for cuts, sores, or blisters
• Get yearly eye, kidney, and foot checks

Medicines

Your care team chooses medicines based on your type of diabetes, your health, and your goals.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Many people with type 2 diabetes start with healthy eating, activity, and metformin. If blood sugar stays high, more medicines or insulin can be added. Losing even a small amount of weight can help a lot.

How it compares

Prevention

Type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented:

• Lose a small amount of weight if you have extra weight (even 5% to 7% helps)
• Be active at least 150 minutes a week
• Choose water over sugary drinks
• Get tested if you have risk factors
• Don't smoke

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).

Living with it

• Check your blood sugar as your care team advises.
• Check your feet every day for cuts or sores.
• Wear a medical ID and carry a fast sugar, like glucose tabs.
• Get a yearly eye exam and kidney test.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• American Diabetes Association: Help line 1-800-342-2383, education, and local programs.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children and teens: Type 1 is the most common kind in children, but type 2 is rising in teens. Watch for heavy thirst, peeing a lot, and weight loss.
• Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes is checked between weeks 24 and 28. It usually goes away after birth but raises the chance of type 2 later.
• Older adults: Low blood sugar can be harder to notice and can cause falls or confusion.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Diabetes has no cure, but most people live long, active lives by keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in range. Regular checkups catch problems early, when they're easier to treat.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

Bring your numbers. They help your care team adjust your plan.

What to bring

• Your blood sugar log or meter
• A list of every medicine and supplement
• Questions about food or exercise

Questions to ask

• What should my blood sugar and A1C goals be?
• How often should I check my blood sugar?
• What do I do if my blood sugar is too low or too high?
• Which checkups do I need each year?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Diabetes (high blood sugar)