What It's Like to Live With Type-1 Diabetes?

From goodhousekeeping.com

By Emily Goldman

"Living with this disease isn't easy, but it revealed a resilience I didn't know I had and taught me the true meaning of empathy." 

My mouth felt as if it were full of cotton balls, and my head was pounding. "You can't leave until you give yourself an injection," the doctor told me. I stared at her with equal parts disbelief, defiance and horror. How could I, who dreaded even routine blood draws, stab myself with a needle, even if that injection would save my life?

That day, after a year of looking for the cause of my near-constant headaches, unquenchable thirst and overall exhaustion, I became, at age 20, one of the nearly 1.6 million people living with type 1 diabetes in the United States and one of 64,000 people diagnosed each year.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Specifically, this type of diabetes develops when the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by the body's immune system; what causes the body to attack itself this way is still being researched. (Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, occurs when the body doesn't properly use the insulin it makes.)

As I sat in that doctor's office, the world around me seemed to stop. While the words left her mouth, with my mother silently crying beside me, I found my resolve to give myself a shot of insulin shrinking to the size of a needle tip. But what choice did I have?

Eight years later, I've come a long way: I've mostly overcome my fear of needles — pricking your fingers at least twice a day, every day, will do that! But I've also realized that there's so much more that goes into keeping myself alive. People living with type 1 diabetes make an estimated 180 decisions per day about management of the disease in addition to doing everything else in their lives. Those choices and responsibilities begin as soon as I open my eyes each day.

"I've come to terms with the fact that Type 1 diabetes is a part of my life."

A Day in My Life

I start each morning by checking two devices, an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), that are attached to my body. I'm privileged to be able to afford these tools— many people in the U.S. can't.

The pump holds the insulin I'll need for three to four days; it administers a programmed dose of the lifesaving liquid every hour as well as the additional insulin I need when I eat. Unlike the bodies of people who don't have diabetes, mine does not naturally produce insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells to provide energy. I change out of the pump every few days.

The CGM, a device about the size of a tube of lipstick that I place on my stomach and change every 10 days, measures glucose levels via a thin wire that sits between the layers of the skin. Every five minutes it transmits a reading to my cell phone via Bluetooth, so I can see my blood sugar level in real time. The insulin pump and the CGM connect through and app, talking to each other through what's called a closed-loop system, to keep me alive.

Each morning I wake up and prick my finger to check that my CGM is reading accurately. Next, I open my insulin pump app on my phone and type in a carbohydrate estimate for my breakfast. My pump then calculates how much insulin I need and administers it through a tiny tube inside the pump called a cannula. But food isn't the only thing that affects my insulin levels—stress, exercise, menstrual cycle, dehydration and even a cold can have an impact on my blood sugar. Any sickness— especially COVID-19 — could send my body into a period of greater resistance or sensitivity to insulin.

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I check my blood sugar frequently, doing finger pricks twice a day and looking at CGM readings on my phone about 10 times a day. I check based on how I feel, whether I'm eating and my activity levels — all of which vary hour by hour.

After breakfast, I head to work, which these days often means signing in on my laptop. Before the pandemic, I'd always have to factor in my walk to the subway station (and eat something sweet if my blood sugar was going low), silence my phone if a low- or high-glucose alert sounded during a meeting (sometimes I'd have to excuse myself to quickly eat a sugary snack then too) and/or scarf down a piece of candy before running to the subway to go home. Now, on days when I do go to the office, I make sure my co-workers know what to do in case I have a diabetic emergency, which makes a lovely first impression: "Hi, my name is Emily, and I'm diabetic — please inject me using this intimidating syringe of glucose if I pass out!"

Once I get home, I often have to eat a sugary snack again, as my blood sugar tends to drop from all the walking, and then I give myself insulin to cover the carbohydrates that usually are part of my dinner (generally a well-balanced plate of chicken, a low-carb veg like broccoli and a starch like couscous) and fight the urge to snack for the rest of the night. If I eat too late and don't give myself the right amount of insulin, I'll either have to drink a ton of water before bed (to flush out the glucose) or, more often, snack on some glucose tabs or gummy candies before I fall asleep because I gave myself more insulin than I needed to cover the dinner or dessert I ate. Naturally my blood sugar always seems to drop right after I brush my teeth!

For the most part, I've adjusted to my daily schedule. But one thing I truly miss about my life before diabetes is spontaneity. Every walk, meal and outing now needs to be planned to some degree. Gone are the days when I would order sweet-and-sour chicken and the only repercussion would be a bit of indigestion. Now, for stable blood sugars, I usually have to "prebolus," which is essentially giving myself insulin and letting it marinate for about 10 to 15 minutes, so it has time to work before I eat carbohydrates. Thrilling, I know.

The timing can be tricky. If I'm at a restaurant, for instance, and the food takes a lot longer to come than I've anticipated, the situation could become serious—fast. Since my body doesn't produce its own insulin or glucose, it can't regulate my blood sugar. If I give myself insulin and the food doesn't come soon enough afterward, I could experience hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which could cause confusion, lack of coordination and seizure in rare cases if left untreated. If I don't give myself enough insulin, I could ultimately go into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition in which there is not enough insulin in the blood and the body begins to break down fat as fuel. Like many things in life, it's all about balance.

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The High Cost of Care

Since I rely on medication to keep me alive every hour of every day and will for the rest of my life, living isn’t cheap for me — especially with insulin prices at a record high. Without insurance, one vial of insulin is around $275. I use anywhere from one to three vials — costing up to $900 before insurance — a month. But I’m lucky: Americans who don’t have medical insurance, or who have plans that cover just the bare minimum, often must choose between groceries and insulin. Paloma Kemak, a type 1 diabetic known as glitterglucose on Instagram, had to seek insulin outside the U.S. a number of times. “My insurance — as my doctor said, ‘if you can even call it insurance’— didn’t cover my insulin,” she says. “I was going through a divorce, dealing with insurance, but seeing the insulin supply in my fridge dwindle. Since I live in Arizona, Mexico isn’t too far, so I made the drive. $300-plus vs. $40? Yes, please.”

According to the journal article “Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2017,” people with diabetes incurred medical costs 2.3 times as high as those without the disease did that year. On average, they spent around $16,750 on medical bills — and that’s just an average. For those who are insulin dependent (as are all type 1 diabetics and some type 2’s), the price is likely much higher. According to the Health Care Cost Institute, in 2016 individuals with type 1 diabetes spent an average of $5,705 on insulin. That doesn’t include supplies like blood sugar test strips, oral medications and more.

Thankfully, the U.S. recently introduced legislation that, if passed, would help mitigate costs for all insured diabetics who use insulin. But until there’s a price cap on insulin for everyone, not just the insured, people will continue to ration the drug, and some will even die because of that.

My Surprising Strength

Looking back at the days just after my diagnosis, I can’t help but be in awe of myself. I moved 1,000 miles away from home, faced my fear of needles head-on and dealt with highs and lows — of both my blood sugar and my emotions. But it’s easy to see the toll this disease has taken on my body: Just look at my scars from past insulin pump sites, my callused fingers from countless finger pricks and the exhaustion from overall lack of sleep (high and low blood sugars don’t happen just during the day).

The disease can be overwhelming, but I’m no longer consumed by it. I’ve come to terms with the fact that my diabetes isn’t going away. Besides, it has brought me so much, taught me so much. Not only have I made many friends in the diabetes community, but I’ve learned that whether it’s a fear of needles or a big medical bill, you never know what battle another person is facing.

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a41695072/living-with-type-1-diabetes-personal-experience/

Can Dehydration Be a Symptom of Diabetes?

From verywellhealth.com

When you're dehydrated, you're losing more fluid than you're taking in, which affects how well your body functions. Dehydration is common in people with diabetes, a chronic condition of high blood sugar. As a result, you may feel extremely thirsty and urinate less frequently, and severe dehydration can be dangerous.

This article will explain the connection between dehydration and diabetes, why it happens, what to do about it, and when it's critical to see a healthcare provider.

Maksim Chernyshev / EyeEm / Getty Images

What Is Dehydration?

When you're dehydrated, you lose more fluid through urination or sweat than you get through food or drink. Your body is about 60% water, which keeps many body systems functioning.

If you don't have enough fluid in your body, it's not just that you feel thirsty—it affects your brain, joints, temperature, digestion, and virtually every other system that keeps you going.

When Dehydration Is Dangerous for People With Diabetes

If you become severely dehydrated and have diabetes, it can make your blood sugar spike and lead to complications that can be life-threatening. If you feel faint, are not urinating, have a rapid heartbeat or respiration, or feel confused, seek emergency medical care or call 911.

If severe dehydration is not treated, it may lead to seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.

Is Dehydration a Symptom of Diabetes?

Dehydration is very common in people with diabetes, and extreme thirst, a sign of dehydration, is one of the condition's three major symptoms. Even if you haven't been diagnosed, thirst can be an early sign that your blood sugar, or glucose, may be high.

Here's how diabetes can make you prone to dehydration. The kidneys normally reabsorb blood sugar. But if blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys can't keep up, and sugar passes into the urine, along with more fluid. You pee more. Fluid is also drawn out of cells if you are not drinking enough to keep up. These processes can lead to dehydration.

If you are mildly dehydrated, you may:

• Feel thirsty
• Have dry eyes or mouth
• Be lightheaded
• Feel tired
• Urinate less frequently
• Have dark, strong-smelling urine
  

People with diabetes are more likely to become dehydrated by:

• Not drinking enough water
• Exercising intensely
• Being out in hot, humid weather
• Drinking alcohol
  

Not Drinking Enough Water

Everyone needs to drink sufficient amounts of water, but if your blood sugar is high, it makes you urinate more, so you have more fluid to replace. You can get dehydrated if you are not drinking enough water or clear liquid to compensate for the additional fluid loss.

The medical term for excessive thirst is polydipsia, which you feel when your body is signalling you to replace the liquid.

Intense Exercise

Sweating from intense physical activity makes anyone lose fluid, but if you have diabetes, it can dehydrate you for another reason. While moderate exercise can lower your blood sugar, when you push yourself hard, your muscles can't use insulin (the substance that moves glucose from your bloodstream into your cells) as efficiently.

The glucose remains in your bloodstream because your kidneys can't keep up. You can develop glycosuria (your urine contains higher than normal amounts of blood sugar).

Hot, Humid Weather

When the weather is hot and humid, the risk of dehydration rises among everyone, including those with diabetes. The heat makes you lose fluid by sweating.

But when the sweat can't evaporate due to high humidity, your body works harder to stay cool. That means you sweat more, blood circulation increases, you breathe faster, and your body temperature may rise. These factors can reduce the amount of fluid in your body.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol lowers the amount of a hormone called vasopressin, which suppresses urination. Less vasopressin in your system means you pee more and lose fluid.

The percentage of alcohol in a drink matters. Beer can have a less dehydrating effect than spirits because beer typically has about 5% alcohol, while spirits can be over 50% alcohol.

Can Caffeine Cause Dehydration?

Expert opinion has evolved on whether caffeine is dehydrating. The idea originated in a 1928 study, which assumed that caffeine is dehydrating because it makes you urinate. However, a 2014 study asserted that drinking moderate amounts of caffeine was not dehydrating.

There is evidence that caffeine consumption may even lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, be aware of how much sugar and cream are in your coffee, which can raise your blood sugar.

Treatment and Management of Dehydration

If you have diabetes and feel symptoms of dehydration, start drinking clear fluids (preferably water) slowly. Other liquids, like sports drinks, can contain a lot of sugar, so water is your best bet.

You will know you are becoming less dehydrated when your urine becomes lighter in colour. If you are in the sun, get into the shade or into an air-conditioned building. If you are exercising intensively, slow down and rest while you rehydrate.

Is Dehydration a Symptom of Diabetes Insipidus?

Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition in which your body doesn't regulate fluids the way it should due to hormone imbalance. It shares some symptoms of diabetes mellitus, including extreme thirst and potential dehydration, but it is a different disease.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you have symptoms of severe dehydration, such as trouble breathing, feeling confused or faint, or feeling like your heart is pounding and you're breathing fast, seek immediate medical care. Severe dehydration can be fatal.

In an emergency setting, healthcare providers can take your vital signs and check your electrolyte (mineral) balance and kidney function. They can address blood sugar levels if they are too high or low and give you fluids through an intravenous (IV) line to reduce dehydration.

Summary

Dehydration is a very common symptom of diabetes. Your body is losing more fluid than it's taking in. If your blood sugar is high, your body will work overtime to eliminate it through urination, losing more fluid. Being very thirsty can be an early sign of high blood sugar.

If you feel moderately dehydrated, slowly drink water or clear liquids, and don't exert yourself. If you are in the hot sun, find shade or air conditioning. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical care.

A Word From Verywell

Diabetes can be a complex condition, and the higher risk of dehydration is a complicating factor. Your health will benefit from staying well-hydrated.

Talk to a healthcare provider about how many ounces of water you should drink each day if you're not sure. Having a clear goal is good, so you can benefit from consuming plenty of the most important fluid out there.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Why do people with diabetes often feel dehydrated?

  When you have high blood sugar, your body tries to get rid of it through the kidneys and by pulling water from your cells. That makes you pee more. As a result, you lose fluid, making you feel dehydrated.

• Does diabetes make you have to urinate frequently?

  If your blood sugar isn't well controlled, you may find you are frequently urinating as your body tries to get rid of the excess blood sugar in your bloodstream.

• Can dehydration raise your blood sugar levels?

  Yes, dehydration can raise your blood sugar levels because glucose becomes more concentrated when there is less fluid in your body. Sipping water throughout the day and staying away from sugary drinks can help avoid blood sugar spikes.

• https://www.verywellhealth.com/diabetes-and-dehydration-6501265
  

 

At risk for diabetes? Cut the carbs, says new study

From news.tulane.edu

While low-carb diets are often recommended for those being treated for diabetes, little evidence exists on whether eating fewer carbs can impact the blood sugar of those with diabetes or prediabetes who aren’t treated with medications.

Now, according to new research from Tulane University, a low-carb diet can help those with unmedicated diabetes – and those at risk for diabetes – lower their blood sugar.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, compared two groups: one assigned to a low-carb diet and another that continued with their usual diet. After six months, the low-carb diet group had greater drops in haemoglobin A1c, a marker for blood sugar levels, when compared with the group who ate their usual diet. The low-carbohydrate diet group also lost weight and had lower fasting glucose levels.

“The key message is that a low-carbohydrate diet, if maintained, might be a useful approach for preventing and treating Type 2 diabetes, though more research is needed,” said lead author Kirsten Dorans, assistant professor of epidemiology at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes, a condition that occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly and can’t regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes comprises more than 90% of those cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Type 2 diabetes can severely impact quality of life with symptoms such as blurred vision, numb hands and feet, and overall tiredness and can cause other serious health problems like heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease.

A low-carb diet can help those with unmedicated diabetes – and those at risk for diabetes – lower their blood sugar, according to a Tulane study in JAMA Network Open. (Photo by iStock)

The study’s findings are especially important for those with prediabetes whose A1c levels are higher than normal but below levels that would be classified as diabetes. Approximately 96 million Americans have prediabetes and more than 80% of those with prediabetes are unaware, according to the CDC. Those with prediabetes are at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart attacks or strokes and are usually not taking medications to lower blood sugar levels, making a healthy diet more crucial. 

The study involved participants whose blood sugar ranged from prediabetic to diabetic levels and who were not on diabetes medication. Those in the low-carb group saw A1c levels drop 0.23% more than the usual diet group, an amount Dorans called “modest but clinically relevant.” Importantly, fats made up around half of the calories eaten by those in the low-carb group, but the fats were mostly healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in foods like olive oil and nuts.

Dorans said the study doesn’t prove that a low-carb diet prevents diabetes. But it does open the door to further research about how to mitigate health risks of those with prediabetes and diabetes not treated by medication. 

“We already know that a low-carbohydrate diet is one dietary approach used among people who have Type 2 diabetes, but there is not as much evidence on effects of this diet on blood sugar in people with prediabetes,” Dorans said. “Future work could be done to see if this dietary approach may be an alternative approach for Type 2 diabetes prevention.” 

https://news.tulane.edu/pr/risk-diabetes-cut-carbs-says-new-study

Diabetes Progression: Effects of Type 2 Diabetes Over Time

From verywellhealth.com

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease; chronically elevated blood sugars can worsen diabetes over time and increase the risk of complications. However, lifestyle changes, medications, and diabetes self-management strategies can help to prevent, treat, manage, and slow the progression of the disease.

This article discusses how and why type 2 diabetes worsens and shares tips to help manage diabetes complications.

vgajic / Getty Images

Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar (glucose). Your body's ability to process and use insulin effectively plays a significant role in developing type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance happens when your body's cells do not respond as well to insulin, causing glucose to build up in the blood and raise your blood sugar level. When your body becomes less sensitive to insulin, it tries to produce more, putting you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance may worsen over time, especially if you have excess weight in your abdominal area. People who are newly diagnosed with diabetes often try lifestyle changes first (depending on their blood sugar levels at diagnosis). If lifestyle changes are not enough to improve blood sugars, medications to reduce insulin resistance will be prescribed.

Weight loss, healthy eating, and exercise can also combat insulin resistance and should be adopted in addition to taking medications.

Beta Cell Dysfunction

Beta cells are a type of cell in the pancreas that produce and release insulin. After you eat or drink something that raises your blood sugar, beta cells produce insulin to regulate your glucose levels.

Over time, when you have type 2 diabetes, it can become harder for these cells to keep up with your insulin needs. This extra work may cause these cells to stop working as they should or die, sometimes referred to as beta cell dysfunction.

Vascular Cell Complications

As type 2 diabetes progresses, it affects the body in many ways. Below are the most common ways that diabetes affects your health.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a sensation of tingling, numbness, or pain, usually in the hands or feet. This occurs due to nerve damage caused by high levels of glucose and fats called triglycerides. High levels of blood glucose can cause damage to small blood vessels that provide nutrients and oxygen to your nerves. If you have type 2 diabetes, neuropathy is more likely to develop as you age and the longer you have the condition. The risk for neuropathy also increases if you have:

• Excess body weight
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Chronically elevated blood sugar
• Vascular disease
• A smoking habit

About half of people with diabetes (all types of diabetes, not just type 2) report neuropathy as a symptom of diabetes.

Medications, physical therapy, and occupational therapy are some ways to help manage neuropathy. Achieving good glycaemic control, exercising, and not smoking can also improve neuropathy.

Retinopathy

The retina, a light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eyes, has tiny blood vessels. Too much glucose in the body can make those blood vessels swell, leak, or even grow new blood vessels. This is known as diabetic retinopathy

In its early stages, retinopathy may have no symptoms. Vision changes or seeing dark spots or streaks are symptoms in later stages. Retinopathy can lead to vision loss and blindness if untreated, so if you have diabetes, it's vital to get a comprehensive eye exam annually or as often as your eye doctor advises.

The most common causes of diabetic retinopathy include chronically elevated blood sugars, duration of diabetes, and high blood pressure. The risk for retinopathy increases over time with the condition and affects more than half of people with diabetes.

Early detection, screening, and treatment is important for eye health. People with diabetes can potentially prevent or delay retinopathy by keeping their blood sugar, lipid (fat) levels, and blood pressure under control. People with diabetes who are planning to get pregnant should have a dilated eye exam and talk to their doctor about eye health, as the risk is greater in pregnancy.

Kidney Disease

Almost 1 in 3 people with diabetes have kidney disease. In fact, it is the most common cause of kidney disease and a leading cause of kidney failure.

In those with diabetes, high glucose can cause damage to blood vessels in the kidneys. High blood pressure, common among people with diabetes, also damages the kidneys.

Risk factors that increase the chance of kidney disease include:

• Excess weight
• Having diabetes for a long time
• High blood pressure
• Smoking

The risk for kidney disease is also higher among Black, American Indian, or Latino populations.

You should check your kidneys once a year if you have type 2 diabetes. This is done through urine and blood tests.

Coronary Disease

The chance of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease (the most common type of heart disease), doubles when you have diabetes. This risk increases the longer you have diabetes.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and too little physical activity are associated with a higher risk for coronary disease. So are smoking and being overweight.

Having diabetes also raises the chances of heart issues, including heart failure and arrhythmias(heart rhythm problems), such as atrial fibrillation(irregular heart rhythm).

Regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight checks can help your healthcare provider determine if you need specific heart tests. Staying physically active and eating a healthy diet are two ways to watch out for your heart health.

Stroke

A stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain that can cause brain damage, movement problems, and emotional issues. If not treated quickly enough, it can be fatal.

If you have diabetes, you're twice as likely to have a stroke as those without the condition. Too much glucose in the blood over time can lead to more fatty deposits, or clots, in your blood vessels; these increase the risk for stroke when you have diabetes.

Your risk for stroke is higher if you:

• Have a family history of stroke
• Have high blood pressure
• Smoke

There is also a higher prevalence of stroke in people with diabetes who are Black or over age 55.

By monitoring your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol regularly with a healthcare provider—and making lifestyle changes to keep your numbers in the good range—you can lower your risk for stroke.

Improving Your Quality of Life When You Have Diabetes

Here are some ways you can improve your quality of life when you have diabetes:

• Educate yourself about diabetes. Meet with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) for diabetes self-management education and individualized medical nutrition therapy. This is a benefit usually covered by insurance.
• Know your numbers. Knowing your haemoglobin A1C, cholesterol, and blood pressure numbers can help you better control them, reducing the chances of more serious side effects.
• Monitor your blood sugar as often as your health provider advises. Make any changes needed to get your glucose into a healthy range.
• Ask for help if you're having trouble coping. It's OK to feel stressed or upset by a diabetes diagnosis. Talking to a trusted friend, support group, or counsellor may help you find solutions to better manage your diabetes.
  

End-Stage Diabetes

"End-stage diabetes" is a phrase sometimes used to refer to advanced diabetes complications. This may include kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. End-stage diabetes may occur after living with poorly-controlled diabetes for many years.

It's not common to die from diabetes. However, it is more common to have diabetes-related complications, like coronary heart disease or stroke, that could lead to death.

Slowing the Progression

Fortunately, there are steps you can take when you have type 2 diabetes to prevent complications and lower your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and other health issues.

• Maintain regular checks with your healthcare provider. These checks may include completing and reviewing lab tests and asking any questions you may have.
• Use your diabetes medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Engage in physical activity. If you're new to exercise, talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to get started.
• Eat a healthy diet. Consume more fruits, vegetables, and other high-fibre foods.
• Aim to get enough sleep. For most adults, that's about eight hours a night.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Even a 5% reduction in your weight from healthy lifestyle changes can help with cholesterol, high blood pressure, and overall health.

Summary

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease that can cause damage over time, especially when blood sugars are poorly controlled and chronically elevated. This can lead to damage throughout the body, including the eyes, kidneys, and other areas, and multiple complications. Having type 2 diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

If you have diabetes, you can help lower your chances of diabetes progression by eating a high-fibre diet, getting regular physical activity, and using diabetes medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

A Word From Verywell

Having diabetes is not a guarantee that you will have serious health problems. If you keep your blood sugar under control and monitor other health numbers, such as blood pressure and high cholesterol, that can go a long way toward staying healthy. By following recommended appointments with healthcare providers, you can catch potential issues early on and get treated for them.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can you stop diabetes from getting worse?

  Yes, people with diabetes live longer and have fewer complications with good diabetes management. Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, weight management, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management make a difference. While it's still possible to have diabetes complications if you're making healthy choices, they usually go a long way toward preventing diabetes from worsening.

• What are the stages of type 2 diabetes?

  With type 2 diabetes, your body becomes resistant to its own insulin. As a result, the body's beta cells produce more insulin to compensate for this resistance. However, beta cells can't keep up with the body's insulin needs. This leads to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
• What is the life expectancy for a person with type 2 diabetes?

  Type 2 diabetes is associated with a six-year loss in life expectancy compared to those without the condition. Healthy lifestyle choices can help increase life expectancy when you have type 2 diabetes. Keep in mind that everyone's journey with diabetes is different, and predicting generalised life expectancy is nearly impossible.

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/diabetes-progression-6741465