November is American Diabetes Month (also known as National Diabetes Month). According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 30 million children and adults in the US. Another 86 million have prediabetes, putting them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Here are the basics on the disease and a few words from one of our own doctors. 

What is Diabetes?

As the Centers for Disease Control states, "Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood." 

What are the Different Types of Diabetes?

The different types of diabetes include type 1, type 2, gestational, and some other specific types that may result from things like surgery or drugs. Type 2 is the most prevalent type and accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes diagnoses, according to the CDC.

Interesting side note: Type 1 was known as juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 was known as adult-onset, non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Because of the surge of Type 2 diabetes in children and teens, however, the labels "juvenile-onset" and "adult-onset" have been retired. This has caused much debate within the diabetic community, with some people calling for names that are more descriptive.

What Should You Do if You Have Diabetes?

You already know the answer to this: work closely with your doctor and get the support you need.

What Should You Do if You Have Prediabetes?

Do the same thing: work closely with your doctor and work on healthy lifestyle changes (specifically diet and exercise). As the CDC notes, "Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years."

Reminder: A concierge medicine model like the one we offer through Total Access Medical is an incredibly effective way to treat and manage diabetes because it gives you regular access to your doctor—a doctor who can take the time to really get to know you, your lifestyle, and the challenges you face day to day. 

Check out one of our Philadelphia family doctor's approach to diabetes prevention in the video below.