Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body metabolizes sugar, that if left unmanaged, can cause serious health issues, according to Rasha Al Samara, M.D., an Internal Medicine Physician with Piedmont Primary Care Lawrenceville.

“Fortunately, people who understand diabetes and embrace recommended lifestyle modifications can live a full and vibrant life,” Dr. Al Samara said.

Diabetes is a disease caused by the insufficient production of insulin in the body, Dr. Al Samara explained. The onset of diabetes can stem from your body not making enough insulin, or your body not responding to insulin (insulin resistance). When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, it is unable to convert glucose to energy. This results in too much blood glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream, which can cause serious health issues over time if not managed.

So, how does insulin work and why is it important?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps control your blood sugar level, Dr. Al Samara said. “Insulin allows cells to absorb glucose and use it for energy,” she explained. “If your pancreas doesn’t work as it should, it may not make or release enough insulin to control your blood sugar, which in turn can damage your heart, eyes, feet, kidneys and nerves.”

How many different types of diabetes are there?

Diabetes comes in two forms, Type 1 and Type 2. Symptoms of diabetes can vary and will depend on your blood sugar levels, Dr. Al Samara said.

Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas makes very little or no insulin. It can start at any age, but more often begins in childhood or teenage years. “Symptoms tend to be severe and can come on suddenly,” Dr. Al Samara said. “Family history may also play a significant role, as well as environmental factors.”

Type 2 diabetes, the more prevalent type, can develop at any age but is more common in people over 40. “It is unfortunately increasing rapidly in children and is also closely associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle,” Dr. Al Samara said. “Type 2 diabetes may not display symptoms until very late in the course of the disease.”

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for diabetes depend on the type, Dr. Al Samara explained.

Type 1 diabetes: Race or ethnicity raises your risk of developing Type 1 diabetes and can also play a role in developing Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes: Although it's unclear why, certain populations — including Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian Americans — are at a higher risk.

Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes: More common in people who are overweight or obese.

Gestational diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and is most often temporary, correcting itself after the mother delivers.

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a potentially reversible early stage of diabetes, Dr. Al Samara said. Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to qualify for the technical definition of diabetes. “However, prediabetes is a warning sign and heralds the onset of diabetes if not addressed, but can often be reversed with lifestyle modifications,” she said.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Some of the more common symptoms of both Types 1 and 2 diabetes are:

• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Thirst
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Increase in infections

Should I be concerned about complications?

The complications of diabetes, especially affecting the heart, can be severe, Dr. Al Samara warned. The longer you have poorly controlled diabetes, the greater your risk of serious complications. The good news is, properly managed diabetes can often be little more than an inconvenience.

Can diabetes be prevented?

Type 1 diabetes, unfortunately, cannot be prevented. However, healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent and treat Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, Dr. Al Samara said, including eating a diet high in vegetables, reducing sugars in the diet, increasing exercise and losing weight. Your doctor may also prescribe medications on an individual basis.

If you have prediabetes, Dr. Al Samara recommends having your blood sugar checked at least once a year to make sure you aren’t progressing to Type 2. “Increase your exercise routine and work to maintain a healthy weight,” she said. “Remember that walking is a great way to exercise, burn calories, control weight and reduce the risk of diabetes.”

Diabetes is a partnership

If you have diabetes or suspect you might, a very important component in the ability to thrive with diabetes is a partnership with a primary care physician who listens, understands your individual struggles and is dedicated to working with you to ensure diabetes is a mere blip on the radar of your life. If you don’t have a primary care physician who meets those standards, you can find one here.