The most common kind of diabetes is. type 2. Weight gain and low levels of back page, get tested for diabetes. every one to three years. If you are 45 …
Kaiser Permanente Health Matters
Type 2 Diabetes: Act Now to Reduce Your Risks
D
iabetes is a condition that makes it hard for your body to turn the food that you eat into energy After you eat, your body releases a hormone insulin that causes blood sugar to enter the cells where it is used for energy When you do not make enough insulin–or your body does not use insulin well–sugar builds up in your blood causing diabetes Over the years, this high blood sugar can damage your nerves and blood vessels This may lead to heart attack, stroke, and other health problems The most common kind of diabetes is type 2 Weight gain and low levels of physical activity increase the chance that youll get type 2 diabetes People at risk for diabetes may be told that they have pre-diabetes Pre-diabetes means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal levels, but not yet in the diabetes range see the table Fasting Glucose
Diabetes Pre-diabetes Normal
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
tired a lot of the time always thirsty need to urinate often blurry vision more hungry than usual wounds or cuts that wont heal numbness or tingling of the feet frequent vaginal infections
sudden weight loss If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or other medical professional as soon as possible
Weight gain and low levels of physical activity increase your chances of getting type 2 diabetes
How do I know if I should be tested for diabetes?
If you have symptoms of diabetes, you should get tested Also if you are 45 years old and have one or more of the high-risk factors listed on the back page, get tested for diabetes every one to three years If you are 45 years or older with no high-risk factors, get tested every 5 years However, if you have had gestational diabetes, pre-diabetes, or have a very unhealthy weight, youll want to get tested every year
Less than 100
Which test will tell me if I have diabetes?
100-125 The fasting blood glucose test is the most common test used to diagnose diabetes For this test, you will need to go to the lab where they will draw your blood, usually in the morning
126 or greater
2002, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc All rights reserved
To learn if you are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, check each risk factor that applies to you:
J You have a brother, sister, or p 
arent
with diabetes J You are American Indian,
Latino, African American, or Asian/Pacific Islander J You have had a baby weighing more than nine pounds or have been told by your doctor or other medical professional that you have had gestational diabetes J You are overweight An unhealthy weight is defined as a Body Mass Index, or BMI, over 25 Body Mass Index BMI is a measure of body weight relative to height J You have high blood pressure 138/89 or greater, or low HDL cholesterol 35 or less or high triglycerides greater than 250 J You have been told by your doctor or other medical professional that you have pre-diabetes J You are a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome J You exercise less than three times a week The more boxes you checked the higher your chance of getting type 2 diabetes
after you have not had anything to eat or drink except water for about eight hours You will then be asked to get a second fasting blood glucose test on a different day This second test will confirm the results from the first test If you have any symptoms of diabetes, your doctor or other medical professional may order a random blood glucose test instead
avoid long-term damage to your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart
What can I do if I am at
risk for diabetes?
To help delay or reduce your risk of diabetes you can: Eat fewer calories Eat less fat Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Get more physical activity, at least 30 to 60 minutes every day Lose a small amount of weight about 5 to 10 percent of your body weight if you are overweight Maintain a healthy weight BMI between 18 to 25 These changes help most people living with diabetes stay healthy Many people living with diabetes will also need to take diabetes pills or insulin shots to help control their diabetes If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar and blood pressure often at home This can help you
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other medical professional If you have persistent health problems, or if you have further questions, please consult your doctor
2002, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc All rights reserved 915800054 Revised 5-05 RL 80
Source:lillydiabetes.com
