Only YOU Can Prevent Type 2!

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a health condition in which the person’s blood sugar levels are above normal, but not high enough to be considered a type 2 diabetic. Around 96 million Americans have prediabetes, and around 80% of those don’t know that they have it. Prediabetes is a serious condition as it raises risk for heart disease, stroke, and developing type 2 diabetes; however, with healthy lifestyle changes, prediabetes can be reversed. 

• Risk Factors:
  • Overweight
  • 45 or older
  • Have an immediate relative with type 2 diabetes
  • Are physically active less than 3 times a week
  • Have had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
  • Are African American, Latino or Hispanic, or Indigenous American.

Type 1 Diabetes

• • Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by the body’s immune system attacking itself by mistake. In this case, the immune system harms the body’s ability to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. Symptoms develop quickly, and individuals with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily in order to survive. Those suffering from type 1 diabetes make up 5-10% of the diabetic population. If you suspect you or your child have type 1 diabetes, please make an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible. 
  • Risk factors: 
    • Family history (having an immediate family member with type 1 diabetes
    • Age (usually develops in children, teens, and young adults)
    • Ethnic background: caucasian people are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes. 
  • Symptoms:
    • Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
    • Are very thirsty
    • Lose weight without trying
    • Are very hungry
    • Have blurry vision
    • Have numb or tingling hands or feet
    • Feel very tired
    • Have very dry skin
    • Have sores that heal slowly
    • Have more infections than usual
    • Have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains.

Type 2 Diabetes

• • Type 2 diabetes is a health problem that develops over time and is typically diagnosed in adults, although the number of children, teens, and young adults receiving diagnoses is increasing every day. With type 2 diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but is unable to keep blood sugar at normal, healthy levels. Around 90-95% of individuals with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with healthy lifestyle changes. People with type 2 diabetes may not experience any symptoms, so it is important to understand the risk factors and have your blood sugar tested at routine checkups. 
  • Risk factors:
    • Have prediabetes
    • Overweight
    • 45 years or older
    • Have an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
    • Are physically active less than 3 times a week
    • Have had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
    • Are African American, Latino or Hispanic, or Indigenous American.

Gestational Diabetes

• • Gestational diabetes is a health condition that only develops in pregnant women, and typically goes away after giving birth. This condition places the developing baby at risk for health problems and at a higher risk of developing obesity in childhood. Having gestational diabetes also puts both mother and child at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes may not cause any symptoms, so it is important to know the risk factors and have your OBGYN test you between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. 
  • Risk factors:
    • Had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
    • Have given birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds at birth
    • Are overweight
    • Are over 25
    • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
    • Have polycystic ovary syndrome
    • Are African American, Latino or Hispanic, Pacific Islander or Indigenous American.