Living with Diabetes

DID YOU KNOW?

Diabetes, the most common disorder of the endocrine (hormone) system, occurs when blood sugar levels in the body consistently stay above normal. The condition affects more than 23 million people in the United States alone. When you eat, some of the food is broken down into sugar (also called glucose). Sugar travels through your blood to all your body’s cells. Insulin is a hormone that is made by the beta cells in your pancreas and helps sugar move from your blood into your cells. Sugar from food makes your blood sugar levels go up. Insulin lowers your blood sugar level by helping sugar move from your blood into your cells.

TYPES OF DIABETES:

There are 3 common types of diabetes:  Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes.

In TYPE 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin.  People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day.  Type 1 diabetes usually occurs more often in children and young adults, but it can also appear in older adults.

In TYPE 2 diabetes, your body prevents the insulin it does make from working correctly. This is what we call insulin resistance. Your body may make some insulin, but not enough.  Most people with diabetes – about 90% to 95% have type 2. This kind of diabetes usually happens in people who are older or in those who are overweight. In fact, about 8 out of 10 people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Gestational Diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Blood sugar levels usually return to normal after the baby is born. Gestational Diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 3 to 8 out of every 100 pregnant women develop Gestational Diabetes.

Diabetes cannot yet be cured, but it CAN be managed. Here at Merrimack Family Medicine will help you develop a care plan that is right for you. Call our clinical support team if you have any questions.

If you have diabetes or know someone who does, please print and read the documents listed below.

Downloadable Documents