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Diabetes

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The road to type 2 diabetes: Diabetes: A1C Test 6.5% or above, Fasting blood sugar test 126 mg/dl or above, glucose tolerance test 200 mg/dl or above. Prediabetes: A1C Test 5.7-6.4%, Fasting blood sugar test 100-125 mg/dl, glucose tolerance test 140-199 mg/dl. Normal: A1C Test below 5.7%, Fasting blood sugar test 99 mg/dl or below, glucose tolerance test 140 mg/dl or below.
Diabetes Infographic, CDC, 2023 Diabetes Infographics | CDC 

Consuming too much sugar can lead to significant health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects the body's ability to turn food into energy. Glucose, which is a crucial energy source for the body and brain, is created when food is broken down and released into the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a critical role in allowing glucose to enter the body's cells to produce energy. Individuals with diabetes may struggle to produce enough insulin or may have trouble using it effectively. 

Diabetes has many risk factors, including age, weight, family history, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, physical activity, and gestational diabetes. Some ethnic groups, like African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, some Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, have a higher risk. It's important to be aware of these risks and take steps to minimize them. This includes eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and seeing your healthcare provider regularly. 

Hispanic and Asian subgroups are at higher risk for diabetes. Hispanics and non-Hispanic Asians collectively account for 23% of the US population. Are at a higher risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Subgroups with diabetes: Hispanics: Mexicans 25%, Puerto Ricans 22%, Cuban/Dominicans 21%, Central Americans 19%, South Americans 12%. Non-Hispanic Asians: South Asians 23%, Southeast Asians 22%, East Asians14%. Know your risk. If your BMI is 25 or more or if you are of Asian heritage with a BMI of 23 or more, ask your health professional if you should be tested for type 2 diabetes. www.cdc.gov/diabetes

Diabetes Infographic, CDC, 2019 Diabetes Infographics | CDC

 

Types of Diabetes 

  • Prediabetes is when your blood sugar level is higher than the normal range but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, you are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. However, you can prevent or delay prediabetes by adopting healthy habits through a CDC-recognized diabetes prevention program, like RESET: Small Steps, Big Change.You can learn more: RESET: Small Steps, Big Change by clicking on this link.

Type 2 diabetes is a rising threat in youth Prediabetes is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Who has prediabetes? 1 in 5 aged 12-18 years 1 in 4 aged 19-34 years Prediabetes is higher in males and people with obesity What can you do? Parents should talk to their child’s health care provider about testing for type 2 diabetes Adults aged 18 and over can take a 1-minute risk test at www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risktest

Diabetes Infographic, CDC, 2019Diabetes Infographics | CDC
  • Type 1 diabetesis a condition that is frequently diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults. Although the exact cause is uncertain, it is known to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks itself. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas is either not producing enough insulin or not producing any insulin at all. Type 1 diabetes affects only 5% to 10% of all diabetes patients.Type 1 Diabetes | CDC  

  • Type 2 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all diagnosed diabetes cases. This occurs when your cells become resistant to insulin. Typically, type 2 diabetes develops in adults 45 and older, however, it can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and regular physical activity.  Type 2 Diabetes | CDC 

  •  Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women. If left untreated, it can lead to issues for both the mother and the baby. It occurs in around 2-10% of all pregnancies but generally disappears after delivery. However, having gestational diabetes while pregnant can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes for both the mother and the baby. Gestational Diabetes | CDC

If you want to know if you are at risk for diabetes, you can take this risk test

 Could You Have Prediabetes? Take the Risk Test

Prediabetes Printable Risk Test (91 KB; pdf)

If your score is five or higher, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a blood sugar testand contact a local CDC-recognized diabetes prevention program to enroll. To find a program near you visit the CDC Program Registery 

Learn more at Diabetes Basics | CDC 

 

Additional Information 

American Diabetes Association 

Manage Diabetes  

Diabetes Kickstart 7 Self-care Steps to Manage Diabetes 

Managing Diabetes: Medicare Coverage & Resources (cdc.gov) 

Steps to Help You Stay Healthy With Diabetes | CDC 

Diabetes and Mental Health | CDC 

Prevent Complications 

Take Charge of Your Diabetes: Your Medicines | Diabetes | CDC 

Take Charge of Your Diabetes: Healthy Eyes | Diabetes | CDC 

Take Charge of Your Diabetes: Healthy Feet | Diabetes | CDC 

Take Charge of Your Diabetes: Healthy Teeth | Diabetes | CDC 

Take Charge of Your Diabetes: Healthy Ears | Diabetes | CDC 

Take Care of Your Kidneys | Prevention & Risk Management | Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative | CDC 

Keep Your Kidneys Healthy – Control Your Blood Pressure | CDC 

Make the Diabetes and Kidney Disease Connection | Chronic Kidney Disease | CDC 

Diabetes Care During Disasters