What is Diabetes?

L H D B E N E F I T S W E L L - B E I N G N E W S L E T T E R Live Well. Work Well. Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body is able to turn food into energy. The food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. As your blood sugar goes up, your pancreas releases insulin. This allows the blood sugar to enter your body’s cells for use as energy. A person with diabetes doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t properly use insulin. There are two main types of diabetes: • Type 1 occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teens and young adults, but it can develop at any age. • Type 2 occurs when your cells don’t respond normally to insulin, which is known as insulin resistance. Out of the 34 million Americans with diabetes, approximately 90%-95% of them have Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Symptoms Diabetes symptoms vary depending on how much your blood sugar is elevated. People with Type 2 diabetes may not initially experience any symptoms. However, those with Type 1 diabetes may experience severe symptoms that can develop in a short amount of time. Signs and symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. Addressing Diabetes To properly manage diabetes, it’s important to do the following: Eat healthy. Enjoy a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, avoiding foods high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. Stay physically active. Moving your body lowers your blood sugar level by moving sugar into your cells where it’s used for energy. It’s important to aim for at least 30 minutes of movement a day. Manage stressors. Taking time to relax and unplug naturally decreases your cortisol levels. To destress try a relaxing activity, practice gratitude, learn to establish boundaries and/or focus on mindfulness breathwork techniques. Consistent sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of consistent sleep each day with the help of a relaxing bedtime routine, a cool sleep environment and by limiting screen time. What is Diabetes?