Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the pancreas’s ability to produce the hormone insulin. Insulin helps regulate the glucose level in the blood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the typical blood glucose target (before a meal) is between 80 to 130 mg/dL. With diabetes, the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin to go throughout the body, the body rejects the insulin that is produced, or it does not produce any insulin at all.

Approximately 1 Million people (12.4%) in Georgia have a diagnosis of diabetes with an additional 230,000 people with diabetes but are unaware. Between 2014 and 2018, diabetes was the cause for 104,098 hospitalizations and 154,761 ER visits in Georgia. The prevalence of diabetes in Georgia has increased by almost 20% since 2006 when an estimated 9.7% of adults had diabetes, compared to 11.4% in 2016.  In addition,  there are over 2 million Georgians who have pre-diabetes, a condition that can be prevented from becoming full diabetes through weight loss, increased physical activity, and better nutrition.

There are 4 recognized types of diabetes—

  1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas does not produce any insulin and the person with diabetes takes insulin injections to regulate blood glucose levels.
  2. In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas produces too little insulin or the body rejects the insulin being produced. This type of diabetes can often be controlled with oral medication, diet and exercise.
  3. Gestational diabetes is when pregnant women have an increase in blood glucose levels due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin.
  4. Prediabetes is a condition in which the body’s glucose levels are elevated but not to the point of a diabetes diagnosis.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of diabetes and diabetes complications can help in early diagnosis and better health outcomes by treating the condition early. The following are common symptoms of diabetes: 

  • Urinating more than usual 
  • Feeling extremely thirsty 
  • Feeling very hungry 
  • Extremely tired 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss without trying (More common in type 1) 
  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (More common in type 2) 

However, some people with diabetes have symptoms that are mild and can go unnoticed. Early detection and effective treatment of diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Taking proactive streps can ensure better health outcomes and improve quality of life. 

Constant blood glucose monitoring is crucial for optimal control. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels could lead to complications such as blindness, kidney disease, slow-healing wounds, and even death. 

Are you at risk for Type 2 diabetes? Take the Prediabetes Risk Test  to complete a risk assessment to know your risk.

Additional Resources

Download this pdf file. 2020 Georgia Diabetes Report and Action Plan

Download this pdf file. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief - Patients

Download this pdf file. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief - Providers & Pharmacies

You’ve Got Prediabetes. What now? - YouTube

 

Last reviewed 10/7/24