Diabetes

Diabetes types

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make.

Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs.

There are a few different types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas, where insulin is made. It’s unclear what causes this attack. About 10 percent of people with diabetes have this type.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in your blood.

Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but it’s not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar during pregnancy. Insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of diabetes.

A rare condition called diabetes insipidus is not related to diabetes mellitus, although it has a similar name. It’s a different condition in which your kidneys remove too much fluid from your body.

Each type of diabetes has unique symptoms, causes, and treatments. Learn more about how these types differ from one another.

Symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes symptoms are caused by rising blood sugar.

General symptoms

• The general symptoms of diabetes include:
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• weight loss
• frequent urination
• blurry vision
• extreme fatigue
• sores that don’t heal

Symptoms in men

In addition to the general symptoms of diabetes, men with diabetes may have a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), and poor muscle strength.

Symptoms in women

Women with diabetes can also have symptoms such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and dry, itchy skin.

Type 1 diabetes

• Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include:
• extreme hunger
• increased thirst
• unintentional weight loss
• frequent urination
• blurry vision
• tiredness
• It may also result in mood changes.

Type 2 diabetes

• Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• blurry vision
• tiredness
• sores that are slow to heal

It may also cause recurring infections. This is because elevated glucose levels make it harder for the body to heal.

Gestational diabetes

Most women with gestational diabetes don’t have any symptoms. The condition is often detected during a routine blood sugar test or oral glucose tolerance test that is usually performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of gestation.

In rare cases, a woman with gestational diabetes will also experience increased thirst or urination.

The bottom line

Diabetes symptoms can be so mild that they’re hard to spot at first. Learn which signs should prompt a trip to the doctor.

Causes of diabetes

Different causes are associated with each type of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes type 1 diabetes. For some reason, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Genes may play a role in some people. It’s also possible that a virus sets off the immune system attack.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes stems from a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight or obese increases your risk too. Carrying extra weight, especially in your belly, makes your cells more resistant to the effects of insulin on your blood sugar.

This condition runs in families. Family members share genes that make them more likely to get type 2 diabetes and to be overweight.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is the result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. The placenta produces hormones that make a pregnant woman’s cells less sensitive to the effects of insulin. This can cause high blood sugar during pregnancy.

Women who are overweight when they get pregnant or who gain too much weight during their pregnancy are more likely to get gestational diabetes.

The bottom line

Both genes and environmental factors play a role in triggering diabetes. Get more information here on the causes of diabetes.

Diabetes risk factors

Certain factors increase your risk for diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

You’re more likely to get type 1 diabetes if you’re a child or teenager, you have a parent or sibling with the condition, or you carry certain genes that are linked to the disease.

Type 2 diabetes

• Your risk for type 2 diabetes increases if you:
• are overweight
• are age 45 or older
• have a parent or sibling with the condition
• aren’t physically active
• have had gestational diabetes
• have prediabetes
• have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides
• have African American, Hispanic or Latino American, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Asian American ancestry

Gestational diabetes

• Your risk for gestational diabetes increases if you:
• are overweight
• are over age 25
• had gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy
• have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

The bottom line

Your family, environment, and preexisting medical conditions can all affect your odds of developing diabetes. Find out which risks you can control and which ones you can’t.

Diabetes complications

High blood sugar damages organs and tissues throughout your body. The higher your blood sugar is and the longer you live with it, the greater your risk for complications.

Complications associated with diabetes include:

• heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
• neuropathy
• nephropathy
• retinopathy and vision loss
• hearing loss
• foot damage such as infections and sores that don’t heal
• skin conditions such as bacterial and fungal infections
• depression
• dementia

Gestational diabetes

Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to problems that affect both the mother and baby. Complications affecting the baby can include:

• premature birth
• higher-than-normal weight at birth
• increased risk for type 2 diabetes later in life
• low blood sugar
• jaundice
• stillbirth

The mother can develop complications such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia) or type 2 diabetes. She may also require cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section.

The mother’s risk of gestational diabetes in future pregnancies also increases.

The bottom line

Diabetes can lead to serious medical complications, but you can manage the condition with medications and lifestyle changes. Avoid the most common diabetes complications with these helpful tips.

Treatment of diabetes

Doctors treat diabetes with a few different medications. Some of these drugs are taken by mouth, while others are available as injections.

Type 1 diabetes

Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes. It replaces the hormone your body isn’t able to produce.

There are four types of insulin that are most commonly used. They’re differentiated by how quickly they start to work, and how long their effects last:

• Rapid-acting insulin starts to work within 15 minutes and its effects last for 3 to 4 hours.
• Short-acting insulin starts to work within 30 minutes and lasts 6 to 8 hours.
• Intermediate-acting insulin starts to work within 1 to 2 hours and lasts 12 to 18 hours.
• Long-acting insulin starts to work a few hours after injection and lasts 24 hours or longer.

Type 2 diabetes

Diet and exercise can help some people manage type 2 diabetes. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower your blood sugar, you’ll need to take medication.

These drugs lower your blood sugar in a variety of ways:

• Types of drug   How they work Example(s)
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Slow your body’s breakdown of sugars and starchy foods Acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset)
• Biguanides Reduce the amount of glucose your liver makes Metformin (Glucophage)
• DPP-4 inhibitors Improve your blood sugar without making it drop too low Linagliptin (Tradjenta), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and sitagliptin (Januvia)
• Glucagon-like peptides Change the way your body produces insulin Dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Byetta), and liraglutide (Victoza)
• Meglitinides Stimulate your pancreas to release more insulin Nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin)
• SGLT2 inhibitors Release more glucose into the urine Canagliflozin (Invokana) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
• Sulfonylureas Stimulate your pancreas to release more insulin Glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase), glipizide (Glucotrol), and glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Thiazolidinediones Help insulin work better Pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia)

You may need to take more than one of these drugs. Some people with type 2 diabetes also take insulin.

Gestational diabetes

You’ll need to monitor your blood sugar level several times a day during pregnancy. If it’s high, dietary changes and exercise may or may not be enough to bring it down.

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 10 to 20 percent of women with gestational diabetes will need insulin to lower their blood sugar. Insulin is safe for the growing baby.

The bottom line

The drug or combination of drugs that your doctor prescribes will depend on the type of diabetes you have — and its cause. Check out this list of the various medications that are available to treat diabetes.

Diabetes and diet

Healthy eating is a central part of managing diabetes. In some cases, changing your diet may be enough to control the disease.

Type 1 diabetes

Your blood sugar level rises or falls based on the types of foods you eat. Starchy or sugary foods make blood sugar levels rise rapidly. Protein and fat cause more gradual increases.

Your medical team may recommend that you limit the amount of carbohydrates you eat each day. You’ll also need to balance your carb intake with your insulin doses.

Work with a dietitian who can help you design a diabetes meal plan. Getting the right balance of protein, fat, and carbs can help you control your blood sugar. Check out this guide to starting a type 1 diabetes diet.

Type 2 diabetes

Eating the right types of foods can both control your blood sugar and help you lose any excess weight.

Carb counting is an important part of eating for type 2 diabetes. A dietitian can help you figure out how many grams of carbohydrates to eat at each meal.

In order to keep your blood sugar levels steady, try to eat small meals throughout the day. Emphasize healthy foods such as:

• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grains
• lean protein such as poultry and fish
• healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts

Certain other foods can undermine efforts to keep your blood sugar in control.Discover the foods you should avoid if you have diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

Eating a well-balanced diet is important for both you and your baby during these nine months. Making the right food choices can also help you avoid diabetes medications.

Watch your portion sizes, and limit sugary or salty foods. Although you need some sugar to feed your growing baby, you should avoid eating too much.

Consider making an eating plan with the help of a dietitian or nutritionist. They’ll ensure that your diet has the right mix of macronutrients. Go here for other do’s and don’ts for healthy eating with gestational diabetes.

Diabetes diagnosis

Anyone who has symptoms of diabetes or is at risk for the disease should be tested. Women are routinely tested for gestational diabetes during their second or third trimesters of pregnancy.

Doctors use these blood tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes:

The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test measures your blood sugar after you’ve fasted for 8 hours.

The A1C test provides a snapshot of your blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months.

To diagnose gestational diabetes, your doctor will test your blood sugar levels between the 24th and 28th weeks of your pregnancy.

During the glucose challenge test, your blood sugar is checked an hour after you drink a sugary liquid.

During the 3 hour glucose tolerance test, your blood sugar is checked after you fast overnight and then drink a sugary liquid.

The earlier you get diagnosed with diabetes, the sooner you can start treatment. Find out whether you should get tested, and get more information on tests your doctor might perform.

If you don’t already have a primary care specialist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Diabetes prevention

Type 1 diabetes isn’t preventable because it’s caused by a problem with the immune system. Some causes of type 2 diabetes, such as your genes or age, aren’t under your control either.

Yet many other diabetes risk factors are controllable. Most diabetes prevention strategies involve making simple adjustments to your diet and fitness routine.

If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, here are a few things you can do to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes:

Get at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling.

Cut saturated and trans fats, along with refined carbohydrates, out of your diet.

Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Eat smaller portions.

Try to lose 7 percentTrusted Source of your body weight if you’re overweight or obese.

These aren’t the only ways to prevent diabetes. Discover more strategies that may help you avoid this chronic disease.

Diabetes in pregnancy

Women who’ve never had diabetes can suddenly develop gestational diabetes in pregnancy. Hormones produced by the placenta can make your body more resistant to the effects of insulin.

Some women who had diabetes before they conceived carry it with them into pregnancy. This is called pre-gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes should go away after you deliver, but it does significantly increase your risk for getting diabetes later.

About half of women with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years of delivery, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

Having diabetes during your pregnancy can also lead to complications for your newborn, such as jaundice or breathing problems.

If you’re diagnosed with pre-gestational or gestational diabetes, you’ll need special monitoring to prevent complications. Find out more about the effect of diabetes on pregnancy.

Diabetes in children

Children can get both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Controlling blood sugar is especially important in young people, because the disease can damage important organs such as the heart and kidneys.

Type 1 diabetes

The autoimmune form of diabetes often starts in childhood. One of the main symptoms is increased urination. Kids with type 1 diabetes may start wetting the bed after they’ve been toilet trained.

Extreme thirst, fatigue, and hunger are also signs of the condition. It’s important that children with type 1 diabetes get treated right away. The disease can cause high blood sugar and dehydration, which can be medical emergencies.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes used to be called “juvenile diabetes” because type 2 was so rare in children. Now that more children are overweight or obese, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in this age group.

About 40 percent of children with type 2 diabetes don’t have symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease is often diagnosed during a physical exam.

Untreated type 2 diabetes can cause lifelong complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Healthy eating and exercise can help your child manage their blood sugar and prevent these problems.

Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent than ever in young people. Learn how to spot the signs so you can report them to your child’s doctor.

Takeaway

Some types of diabetes — like type 1 — are caused by factors that are out of your control. Others — like type 2 — can be prevented with better food choices, increased activity, and weight loss.

Discuss potential diabetes risks with your doctor. If you’re at risk, have your blood sugar tested and follow your doctor’s advice for managing your blood sugar.

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects more than 34 millionTrusted Source children, teens, and adults in the United States.

Although diabetes affects people of all races and ethnicities, it is more prevalent in certain racial and ethnic groups. In fact, non-Hispanic African Americans are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white Americans.

In this article, we’ll discuss why diabetes is more prevalent in Black Americans, how to lower your risk of developing diabetes, and resources for support if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.

Facts about diabetes and race

While diabetes can affect people within any racial or ethnic group, it disproportionately affects people of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the prevalence of diabetes in non-Hispanic Blacks is 11.7 percent, versus only 7.5 percent in non-Hispanic whites.

Asian Americans are slightly more affected by diabetes than white Americans, with a prevalence of 9.2 percent.

Hispanics and American Indians/Alaskan Natives have the highest rates of diabetes, at 12.5 percent and 14.7 percent, respectively.

Among non-Hispanic Black Americans in 2018, the prevalence of diabetes was 13.4 percent in Black men versus 12.7 percent in Black women, according to statistics from the Office of Minority Health.

In addition to having higher rates of diabetes, Black Americans are also more likely to experience complications from diabetes.

For example, rates of diabetic retinopathy are 46 percent higher in African Americans than non-Hispanic whites.

End stage renal disease due to diabetes is also 2.6 times more prevalent in Black Americans than non-Hispanic white Americans.

Type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is an umbrella term for multiple conditions that cause dysfunction in the body’s ability to metabolize glucose, secrete insulin, or both.

When you take in glucose (sugar) from the foods you eat, you need a hormone called insulin. Insulin is released by beta cells from your pancreas. When insulin reaches the cells in your body, it attaches to receptors that help the cells identify and take in glucose from your bloodstream.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that most commonly develops in childhood. With type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the beta cells of the pancreas, limiting their ability to produce insulin. Without enough insulin, the cells cannot take in glucose, which, in turn, causes high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is a type of chronic condition that often starts in adulthood. With type 2 diabetes, it becomes harder for your body to recognize insulin, a condition called insulin resistance. Without an adequate insulin response, it becomes harder for your cells to take up glucose, and as a result, blood sugar levels rise.

While type 1 diabetes is solely caused by a lack of insulin, type 2 diabetes can be caused by both a sensitivity to insulin and a lack of insulin.

However, insulin deficiency in type 2 diabetes is not autoimmune. Instead, it happens because the pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demand for insulin due to insulin resistance.

Why is type 2 diabetes more common in Black Americans?

Older research from 2005 has suggested that an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes in African Americans may be due to both genetic and environmental factors. Let’s take a closer look at these factors.

Genetic factors

In the past, scientists proposed the “thrifty gene” as a theory for the increased rates of diabetes in Black Americans. According to this theory, previous populations who were exposed to periods of famine were thought to be more likely to efficiently store fat, especially in periods of plenty.

In modern America, according to this theory, it would equate to an increase in overall body weight, and thus an increase in diabetes.

However, given the fact that African Americans are an extremely diverse population, especially genetically, this theory doesn’t necessarily hold up.

Instead, another theory suggests that a higher prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Black males, paired with the typical “Western diet“ may contribute to a higher diabetes risk.

Health factors

Obesity is one of the most significant risk factorsTrusted Source for the development of type 2 diabetes. Black Americans, especially Black women, statistically have higher rates of obesity than white Americans. ResearchTrusted Source has shown Black Americans face inequities, such as lower socioeconomic status and limited access to nutritious food, that may contribute to these higher rates of obesity.

When paired with lower physical activity levels, particularly in Black women and adolescent girls, the risk of diabetes is greatly increased.

Research has also suggested that insulin resistance is more prevalent in Black Americans, especially in Black adolescents. Since insulin resistance is tied to the development of type 2 diabetes, this may explain the increased risk of this condition.

Still, there is no single risk factor for diabetes, including in Black Americans.

How do you know if you have diabetes?

Regular checkups are one of the best ways to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. During these checkups, there are several tests your healthcare professional can use to check your blood sugar levels and determine your risk of developing diabetes.

A fasting blood glucose test measures your blood sugar levels after an 8 to 12 hour fast, with results indicating the following:

• Fasting blood glucose levels
• Normal range. Less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
• Indicates prediabetes. Between 100–125 mg/dL.
• Indicates diabetes. Higher than 125 mg/dL on two occasions.

An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood sugar levels over the course of 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink, with results indicating the following:

• Oral glucose tolerance test levels
• Normal range. Less than 140 mg/dL.
• Indicates prediabetes. Between 140–199 mg/dL.
• Indicates diabetes. Higher than 200 mg/dL.

An A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels from the past 2 to 3 months, with results indicating the following:

• A1C test results
• Normal range. Less than 5.7 percent.
• Indicates prediabetes. Between 5.7 and 6.4 percent.
• Indicates diabetes. Higher than 6.4 percent.

If your blood sugar levels are within the prediabetes range, your doctor will likely recommend making certain lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

If your blood sugar levels indicate you have diabetes, your doctor will work with you to find the right plan to manage your diabetes.

Weight management. Although weight isn’t the sole indicator of health status, being overweight can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you carry excess weight, even losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes.

Dietary changes. Eating a balanced, well-rounded diet can help lower your risk of developing diabetes. Filling your plate with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help with weight and blood sugar management. Try to avoid high fat, high calorie foods.

Regular exercise. Exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week. You can break this down into 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days each week, or 22 minutes of exercise each day.

Stress management. Research suggests that chronic stress can have a negative impact on health and increase the risk of many health conditions. Activities like mindfulness, meditation, and gentle exercise are just a few ways to reduce your stress, both short-term and long-term.

Regular checkups. If you’re at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it’s important to schedule regular checkups with a doctor. Your doctor can work with you to identify lifestyle changes that may help further reduce your risk.

Resources and support

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, there are resources available to help you learn more about how to manage your blood sugar and live with your condition. The following resources may be especially helpful.

What is NPH insulin?

Historically, insulin was derived from cows or pigs. But now, animal insulin isn’t as common, thanks to improved technology.

NPH insulin is made from synthetic insulin that’s grown in bacteria or yeastsTrusted Source in a lab. Zinc and a protein extracted from fish (called protamine) are added to slow its absorption in the body.

NPH insulin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source and used to treat type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes in children and adults. It’s the most common type of basal insulin, which is insulin used to keep blood sugar levels constant between meals and overnight.

In the United States, NPH insulin is sold under the brand names Humulin N and Novolin N.

NPH insulin is considered intermediate-acting insulin because it lasts for about half a day. It takes longer to act than the natural insulin in your body. NPH is often mixed with regular or rapid-acting insulin to combine the benefits.

NPH insulin is administered subcutaneously into the layer of fat under your skin using a pen or syringe into your abdomen, arms, or thigh.

Many types of insulin can treat diabetes, and your doctor can help you decide which type is best for you.

Types of insulin

Insulin is typically divided into one of four types depending on how long it takes to act:

Rapid-acting. Starts to act within 15 minutes. Peaks in about 1 hour. Usually taken right before a meal.

Regular or short-acting. Onset is around 30 minutes. Peaks in about 2 to 3 hours. Usually taken about 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.

Intermediate-acting. Starts to act in 1 to 2 hours. Peak time is 6 to 8 hours. Used to keep blood sugar levels constant for about half a day or overnight.

Long-acting or ultra-long acting. Starts to act within 1 to 2 hours. Does not peak, but duration is typically 24 to 36 hours.

How long does NPH insulin take to peak?

NPH insulin generally acts within 1 to 3 hours and has a peak time of about 6 to 8 hours.

Peak time is the period when a medication has its strongest effect. It varies based on the type and brand of insulin you use. It’s essential to know the peak time of your insulin so that you can predict how much and when you should eat to keep your blood sugar constant.

NPH insulin can last for up to 12 hours and is typically injected once or twice per day. It can last longer than 12 hours in people with certain medical conditions like kidney failure.

When you inject NPH insulin into the subcutaneous layer of your skin, the insulin spreads through your fat tissue and connective tissue until it reaches small blood vessels called capillaries. Various factors can affect how long it takes for the insulin to reach your bloodstream and start acting. These include:

• injection depth
• thickness of your fat tissue
• temperature of your fat tissue
• your level of activity and exercise
• the part of your body injected
• whether you’re a smoker
• body position during the injection
• Does NPH insulin have any side effects?
• All types of insulin come with a risk of side effects. These include:
• low blood sugar
• allergic reaction or hypersensitivity
• injection site reaction
• weight gain
• water retention

NPH insulin has a slightly higher risk of causing low blood sugarTrusted Source than other types of insulin. Severe low blood sugar can cause symptoms like seizures, loss of consciousness, or death.

Mild cases of hypoglycemia can cause symptoms like:

• sweating
• dizziness
• headache
• shakiness
• weakness
• hunger
• nausea
• blurred vision
• fast heart rate
• impaired concentration and reaction time

People with kidney or liver conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe low blood sugar. It’s important to talk with your doctor if you develop side effects so that your doctor can help you adjust your insulin dose.

How to use NPH insulin safely

• To ensure that you’re administering NPH insulin safely and effectively, it’s also essential to take the following steps:
• Tell your doctor about any known allergies before starting insulin therapy.
• Provide your doctor with information on all the medications and supplements you’re taking before starting insulin therapy.
• Let your doctor know if you start taking a new medication or supplement.
• Alert your doctor if you develop health issues that may affect insulin absorption. This includes hormonal changes, diarrhea, vomiting, or conditions that delay stomach emptying.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before injecting yourself with insulin.
• Confirm that you have the correct type and strength of insulin prescribed to you by your doctor before administering it.
• Check that your insulin isn’t expired.
• Carefully follow the instructions on the insulin label.
• If your insulin is cloudy, mix it by gently rolling it between your fingers.
• Avoid using insulin if it looks unusual. Instead, contact your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
• It’s critical to never share insulin syringes, pens, or pumps with other people due to the risk of spreading blood diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

The Effects of Insulin on the Body

Insulin is a natural hormone produced by your pancreas that controls how your body uses and stores blood sugar (glucose). It’s like a key that allows glucose to enter cells throughout your body.

Insulin is a vital part of metabolism. Without it, your body would cease to function.

When you eat, your pancreas releases insulin to help your body make energy out of glucose, a type of sugar found in carbohydrates. It also helps you store energy.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas initially produces insulin, but the cells of your body are unable to make good use of the insulin. This is called insulin resistance.

Unmanaged diabetes allows glucose to build up in the blood rather than being distributed to cells or stored. This can wreak havoc with virtually every part of your body.

Blood tests can quickly indicate whether your glucose levels are too high or too low.

Complications of diabetes include kidney disease, nerve damage, heart problems, eye problems, and stomach problems.

People with type 1 diabetes need insulin therapy to live. Some people with type 2 diabetes must also take insulin therapy to control their blood sugar levels and avoid complications.

If you have diabetes, insulin therapy can do the job your pancreas can’t. The following types of insulin are available:

Rapid-acting insulin reaches the bloodstream within 15 minutes and keeps working for up to 4 hours.

Short-acting insulin enters the bloodstream within 30 minutes and works for up to 6 hours.

Intermediate-acting insulin finds its way into your bloodstream within 2 to 4 hours and is effective for about 18 hours.

Long-acting insulin starts working within a few hours and keeps glucose levels even for about 24 hours.

Insulin injection sites

Insulin is usually injected into the abdomen, but it can also be injected into the upper arms, thighs, or buttocks.

Injection sites should be rotated within the same general location. Frequent injections in the same spot can cause fatty deposits that make delivery of insulin more difficult.

Insulin pump

Instead of frequent injections, some people use a pump that regularly delivers small doses of insulin throughout the day.

The pump includes a small catheter that is placed in the fatty tissue underneath the skin of the abdomen. It also has a reservoir that stores the insulin and thin tubing that transports the insulin from the reservoir to the catheter.

The insulin in the reservoir needs to be refilled as necessary. To avoid an infection, the insertion site must be changed every 2 to 3 days.

Produced in the pancreas

When you eat, food travels to your stomach and small intestines, where it’s broken down into nutrients that include glucose. The nutrients are absorbed and distributed via your bloodstream.

The pancreas is a gland located behind your stomach that performs an essential role in the digestion process. It creates enzymes that break down the fat, starches, and sugar in the food. It also secretes insulin and other hormones into your bloodstream.

Insulin is created in the beta cells of the pancreas. Beta cells comprise about 75% of pancreatic hormone cells.

The function of insulin is to help transform glucose into energy and distribute it throughout your body, including the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.

Without insulin, cells are starved for energy and must seek an alternative source. This can lead to life threatening complications.

Balanced blood sugars

Blood sugar, or glucose, is used by your body for energy. When you eat, it’s created by many of the carbohydrates you’re consuming. Glucose is either used right away or stored in your cells. Insulin helps keep the glucose in your blood within a normal range.

It does this by taking glucose out of your bloodstream and moving it into cells throughout your body. The cells then use the glucose for energy and store the excess in your liver, muscles, and fat tissue.

Too much or too little glucose in your blood can cause serious health problems. Besides diabetes, it can lead to heart, kidney, eye, and blood vessel problems.

Healthy cells

Cells in every part of your body need energy to function and remain healthy. Insulin provides the glucose that cells use for energy.

Without insulin, the glucose remains in your bloodstream, which can lead to dangerous complications like hyperglycemia.

Along with glucose, insulin helps amino acids enter the body’s cells, which builds muscle mass. Insulin also helps cells take in electrolytes like potassium, which keeps your bodily fluids level.

In the bloodstream

When insulin enters your bloodstream, it helps cells throughout your body — including in your central nervous system and cardiovascular system — to absorb glucose. It’s the circulatory system’s job to deliver insulin.

As long as the pancreas produces enough insulin and your body can use it properly, blood sugar levels will be kept within a healthy range.

A buildup of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia) can cause complications like nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage, and eye problems. Symptoms of high blood glucose include excessive thirst and frequent urination.

Too little glucose in the blood (hypoglycemia) can make you feel irritable, tired, or confused. Low blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness.

Insulin facts

How to Manage Type 1 Diabetes

Before the discovery of insulin, diabetes was a death sentence. People couldn’t use the nutrients in their food and would become thin and malnourished. Managing the condition required a strict diets and reduced carbohydrate intake. Still, these measures weren’t enough to reduce mortality.

In the early 1920s, Canadian surgeon Dr. Frederick Banting and medical student Charles Best discovered that insulin could help normalize blood sugar levels. Their discovery garnered them the Nobel Prize and allowed people with diabetes to live a much longer and healthier life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source, 12 percent of adults with diabetes take insulin only, and 14 percent take both insulin and an oral medication. Taken as prescribed, insulin is a lifesaver. However, too much of it can cause significant side effects and sometimes death.

While some people may use excessive amounts of insulin intentionally, many others take too much insulin by accident. No matter the reason for the overdose, an insulin overdose needs to be treated immediately. Even with proper treatment, it can become a medical emergency.

Determining dosage

Like all medications, you need to take insulin in the right amounts. The right dosage will provide benefit without harm.

Basal insulin is the insulin that keeps your blood sugar steady all day. The correct dosage for it depends on many things, such the time of day and if you are insulin resistant. For mealtime insulin, the correct dosage depends on factors such as:

• your fasting or premeal blood sugar level
• the carbohydrate content of the meal
• any activity planned after your meal
• your insulin sensitivity
• your target postmeal blood sugar goals

Insulin medications also come in different types. Some are fast-acting and will work within about 15 minutes. Short-acting (regular) insulin begins to work with 30 to 60 minutes. These are the types of insulin you take before meals. Other types of insulin are more lasting and are used for basal insulin. They take longer to affect blood sugar levels, but they provide protection for 24 hours.

The strength of insulin may also vary. The most common strength is U-100, or 100 units of insulin per milliliter of fluid. People who are more insulin-resistant may require more than that, so the drug is available at up to U-500 strength.

All these factors come into play in determining the right dosage. And while doctors provide basic guidance, accidents can happen.

Accidental insulin overdose

Accidentally overdosing on insulin is not as difficult as it may seem. You might overdose accidentally if you:

• forget a previous injection and take another before it’s necessary
• are distracted and accidentally inject too much
• are unfamiliar with a new product and use it incorrectly
• forget to eat or have an unexpected mealtime delay
• exercise vigorously without changing the insulin dose as needed
• take someone else’s dose by mistake
• take a morning dose at night, or vice versa

Realizing you’ve overdosed can be a scary situation. Understand the symptoms of overdose to make sure you receive the treatment you need as soon as possible.

Facts about diabetes and race

While diabetes can affect people within any racial or ethnic group, it disproportionately affects people of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is an umbrella term for multiple conditions that cause dysfunction in the body’s ability to metabolize glucose, secrete insulin, or both.

When you take in glucose (sugar) from the foods you eat, you need a hormone called insulin. Insulin is released by beta cells from your pancreas. When insulin reaches the cells in your body, it attaches to receptors that help the cells identify and take in glucose from your bloodstream.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that most commonly develops in childhood. With type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the beta cells of the pancreas, limiting their ability to produce insulin. Without enough insulin, the cells cannot take in glucose, which, in turn, causes high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is a type of chronic condition that often starts in adulthood. With type 2 diabetes, it becomes harder for your body to recognize insulin, a condition called insulin resistance. Without an adequate insulin response, it becomes harder for your cells to take up glucose, and as a result, blood sugar levels rise.

While type 1 diabetes is solely caused by a lack of insulin, type 2 diabetes can be caused by both a sensitivity to insulin and a lack of insulin.

How do you know if you have diabetes?

Regular checkups are one of the best ways to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. During these checkups, there are several tests your healthcare professional can use to check your blood sugar levels and determine your risk of developing diabetes.

A fasting blood glucose test measures your blood sugar levels after an 8 to 12 hour fast, with results indicating the following: