Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin (Type 1) or when the body can't effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2). Over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. More than 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and approximately 1 in 5 don't know they have it.
Symptoms
Increased thirst and dry mouth, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, fatigue and weakness, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts or sores, frequent infections (skin, gum, bladder), tingling or numbness in hands or feet, and irritability.
Treatments
Type 1 requires lifelong insulin therapy (injections or pump). Type 2 is managed through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management), oral medications (metformin, sulfonylureas), and injectable medications including GLP-1 receptor agonists. Blood sugar monitoring, HbA1c testing, and regular screening for complications are essential. Advanced options include continuous glucose monitors and, for some, bariatric surgery.
Risk Factors
Family history of diabetes, overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, age 45 or older, prediabetes, history of gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and being of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander descent.
Prevalence
Approximately 38.4 million Americans (11.6% of the population) have diabetes, with Type 2 accounting for 90–95% of cases. An additional 97.6 million adults have prediabetes. Diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States.
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