
What are some of the myths about diabetes?
Myth number 2: Cinnamon, bitter melon, turmeric, stone fruit, or hibiscus leaves (insert the latest idea) cure diabetes. The truth: There is no cure for any type of diabetes. While some herbs and foods can improve a person’s insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, there is absolutely no magic spice, herb, plant or food ...
What are the dangers of becoming diabetic?
- heart attack
- stroke
- high blood pressure
- peripheral vascular disease
- peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
- kidney disease or kidney failure (needing dialysis)
- non-healing ulcers/wounds (that need surgical debridement/amputation)
- diabetic retinopathy (vision problems and loss of sight)
- possibly Alzheimer’s disease
What do you need to know about diabetes?
- Type 1 diabetes occurs due to a lack of insulin. ...
- The lack of insulin in type 1 diabetes is autoimmune in nature. ...
- Type 1 diabetes affects people of all ages, backgrounds, races and ethnicities. ...
- Symptoms of diabetes can be very subtle but worsen over time. ...
- Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is made by laboratory testing. ...
What is the leading cause of diabetes?
These include the following:
- Pancreatitis or pancreatectomy as a cause of diabetes. Pancreatitis is known to increase the risk of developing diabetes, as is a pancreatectomy.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). ...
- Cushing’s syndrome. ...
- Glucagonoma. ...
- Steroid induced diabetes (steroid diabetes) is a rare form of diabetes that occurs due to prolonged use of glucocorticoid therapy.

What are 5 interesting facts about diabetes?
Five surprising facts about diabetesYou can have diabetes (or pre-diabetes) and not know it. ... Uncontrolled diabetes can affect every aspect of your health. ... Diabetes is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke because diabetes may raise blood cholesterol levels. ... Stress can increase your blood sugar levels.More items...•
What are ten facts about diabetes?
10 Facts About DiabetesThere are 3 types. ... The vast majority of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. ... Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the world. ... Type 1 diabetes is most common in young people. ... Type 2 diabetes is preventable. ... Cases of Type 2 diabetes have doubled in America in the past 20 years.More items...•
What are 3 facts about type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes Facts and TipsType 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. ... Being overweight (BMI greater than 25) increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.There's a genetic mutation involved in type 2 diabetes, although researchers haven't been able to pinpoint the exact mutation.More items...
What are good things about diabetes?
So how about some positives:It won't even make you feel ill much of the time.It won't stop you doing anything.You can eat whatever you want.You can refuse food you don't want and blame diabetes – nobody will dare argue.You'll get free prescriptions for life.You'll get regular health checks for life.More items...
How did diabetes get its name?
Diabetes mellitus is taken from the Greek word diabetes, meaning siphon - to pass through and the Latin word mellitus meaning sweet. A review of the history shows that the term "diabetes" was first used by Apollonius of Memphis around 250 to 300 BC.
Who Discovered diabetes?
Discovery of diabetes. Share on Pinterest Joseph von Mering (pictured) and Oskar Minkowski are credited with discovering in 1899 that the removal of the pancreas from a dog allowed it to develop diabetes. Over 3,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians mentioned a condition that appears to have been type 1 diabetes.
What country has the most diabetes?
China is the country with the highest number of diabetics worldwide, with around 141 million people suffering from the disease.
Does diabetes have a cure?
There is no known cure for type 2 diabetes. But it can be controlled. And in some cases, it goes into remission. For some people, a diabetes-healthy lifestyle is enough to control their blood sugar levels.
Which type of diabetes is worse?
Type 2 diabetes is often a milder form of diabetes than type 1. Nevertheless, type 2 diabetes can still cause major health complications, particularly to the eyes, nerves and kidneys (similar to type 1). Also, like type 1, type 2 diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
What can't diabetics eat?
Worst ChoicesFried meats.Higher-fat cuts of meat, such as ribs.Pork bacon.Regular cheeses.Poultry with skin.Deep-fried fish.Deep-fried tofu.Beans prepared with lard.
What can diabetics drink?
Whether you're at home or at a restaurant, here are the most diabetes-friendly beverage options.Water. When it comes to hydration, water is the best option for people with diabetes. ... Seltzer water. ... Tea. ... Herbal tea. ... Unsweetened coffee. ... Vegetable juice. ... Low fat milk. ... Milk alternatives.More items...
How long can you live with diabetes?
The combined diabetic life expectancy is 74.64 years—comparable to the life expectancy in the general population.
Is diabetes the 7th leading cause of death?
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is the No. 1 cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness.
What is diabetes Class 9?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease or a condition in which the glucose levels in the blood will be high over a prolonged period of time. In other words, it can be defined as a condition that occurs when the body cannot efficiently make use of glucose that serves as a source of energy for body cells.
How does diabetes affect your body?
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and narrowing of blood vessels (atherosclerosis). Nerve damage (neuropathy) in limbs.
What are the 3 types of diabetes?
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).
How many people are blind due to diabetes?
In addition to this, approximately one-quarter of these people aren’t aware that they’re suffering from diabetes, US diabetes statistics report. 9. About 2.6% of global blindness is caused by diabetes.
Where is the highest death rate in diabetes?
Diabetes statistics (worldwide) from 2019 show us that the highest death rates were reported in South East Asia and Western Pacific, followed by Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North America and the Caribbean, and South and Central America.
What happens if you don't make enough insulin?
However, as CDC diabetes statistics explain, when a person has diabetes, their body doesn’t make enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it produces. This leads to diabetes type 1 and 2, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes.
How many people will have diabetes in 2021?
9.3% of the global population has been diagnosed with diabetes. Over 34 million Americans (10.5% of the US population) suffer from diabetes. 7.3 million people in the US have diabetes but are not even aware of it.
What is the cause of diabetes in 2021?
From basic information that should be common knowledge, to some little known and rather surprising facts and stats. Namely, diabetes — a metabolic disease that causes high levels of sugar in your blood — is caused by a hormone called insulin.
What percentage of people in Marshall Islands have diabetes?
Based on the diabetes statistics from 2020, 30.5% of the population on the Marshall Islands suffers from this metabolic disorder. Kiribati takes second place with 22.5%, and third place goes to Tuvalu (22.1%).
Why do people go blind?
One of the more common causes of blindness is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs due to the long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. It’s also one of the most common causes of kidney failure. Moreover, adults with diabetes have a higher chance of having a stroke or heart attack.
What is the most common type of diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, occurs when your body is not responsive to the amount of insulin it produces. Over time, your body isn’t able to make enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. The main risk factors for this type of diabetes are being obese or overweight, or having a family history of diabetes. However, eating large amounts of sugar indirectly raises your diabetes risk by leading to weight gain and increased body fat.
How to help someone with diabetes?
Be mindful by learning as much as you can, so you are able to offer support and encouragement.
Why do we count carbohydrates in cookies?
Counting carbohydrates every time you eat is a vital part of maintaining normal blood glucose levels. It helps people with diabetes determine how much insulin to take, too.
How to manage Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is typically managed with one or more of these methods: Diet. Exercise. Oral medications, injectable medications and/or insulin. Very often, people are first diagnosed with “prediabetes.”. This means they are at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
Is too much sugar bad for you?
Fact No. 1: Diabetes is not caused just by eating too much sugar. A diet full of soda, sugary foods and processed foods does increase your risk for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other diseases, but eating too much sugar is not the main cause of diabetes. The link between sugary foods and diabetes is not as simple as you might think.
Does high blood sugar affect a baby?
High blood sugar can cause your baby’s pancreas to produce extra insulin. This may put your baby at risk for high birth weight, low blood glucose and breathing problems, as well as obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life. For most people, this type of diabetes goes away when the pregnancy ends.
Can diabetics eat sugar?
Northwestern Medicine Endocrinologist Jyothi Gogineni, MD, says, “It’s a myth that people with diabetes can never eat sugar, but eating foods with sugar does involve being mindful and planning your meals.”. Cookies and other sweets contain carbohydrates that increase your blood glucose levels.
The Big Picture
More than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it.
Cost
Medical costs and lost work and wages for people with diagnosed diabetes total $327 billion yearly.
How many people have diabetes?
Don’t let diabetes or the complications of the disease take you by surprise. Since more than 100 million Americans either have diabetes or are at high risk for developing it, chances are good that you or someone you know have the disease.
What are the health issues associated with diabetes?
Digestive health. Diabetes can damage the nerve that controls the way food moves through your stomach and intestines. Skin health.
Why is diabetes a risk factor for heart disease?
Diabetes is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke because diabetes may raise blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol can build up and narrow your blood vessels, which makes it difficult for blood to flow freely. Stress can increase your blood sugar levels.
What happens when you have high blood sugar?
High blood sugar levels cause the body to lose fluid and lead to infections, itching and dryness. Vision. Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels inside the retina and lead to partial or total vision loss.
Can you have diabetes and not know it?
You can have diabetes (or pre-diabetes) and not know it. If you experience any, symptoms might include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme fatigue, extreme hunger, frequent infections or tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, among others. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect every aspect of your health.
Does stress affect blood sugar?
Stress can increase your blood sugar levels. This is true for everyone—whether we have diabetes or not. Besides the hormonal effect of stress, it’s tough to stay on our best behavior under these conditions. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel like eating things we shouldn’t when we’re feeling stressed out?
What foods can help with diabetes?
Foods low on the glycemic index—meaning they don’t cause sudden blood sugar spikes—are a good bet for diabetes diets. One winner: legumes. One cup of beans, lentils, or chickpeas per day helped lower blood sugar and reduce heart disease risk in a recent study involving people with type 2 diabetes.
How does mindful eating help with diabetes?
Mindful eating involves slowing down, paying attention, and distinguishing between true physical hunger and psychological desire to eat. Training in this technique helped people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and control their blood glucose in a 2012 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Why do beta cells stop producing insulin?
In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells in your pancreas are damaged and stop producing the insulin you need to control blood glucose. Scientists believe this sometimes occurs after genetically susceptible people are exposed to a virus. Their own immune system then begins to attack their pancreas.
Does being overweight increase your risk of diabetes?
It’s true that being overweight or obese increases your risk for type 2 diabetes. However, genetics, ethnicity, and other factors also play a role. Some heavy people never develop the condition, and some who are slim do. Talk with your doctor about your risk and ways to reduce it.
Can diabetes cause loss of hearing?
High blood glucose can damage vision and impair nerve function, causing a loss of sensation. And according to a recent study, older adults with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing impairment as those without diabetes. Managing your condition can prevent these complications.
Can you go into remission with type 2 diabetes?
But promising new research suggests that with major lifestyle changes, some people can go into remission for years, if not permanently. Even if healthy eating and physical activity don’t eliminate your diabetes, they can help you stay healthier.
Can you have cake if you have diabetes?
Just because you’re diagnosed with diabetes doesn’ t mean you can never have a slice of cake or scoop of ice cream again. Your diet can be adjusted to accommodate special treats. Keep your portions small and substitute sweets for other high-carb foods, such as bread or juice.
How many people in the US have diabetes?
Thirty million Americans—about 9 percent of the country's population—are living with diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes. This chronic condition is characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels. In many patients, symptoms can be managed with insulin injections and lifestyle changes, but in others, the complications can be deadly. Here's what you need to know about diabetes mellitus.
When was diabetes first discovered?
Around 3000 years ago , ancient Egyptians described a condition with diabetes-like symptoms, though it wasn't called diabetes yet. It took a few hundred years before the Greek physician Araetus of Cappodocia came up with the name diabetes based on the Greek word for " passing through " (as in passing a lot of urine, a common diabetes symptom). English doctor Thomas Willis tacked on the word mellitus, meaning "honey sweet," in 1675, building on previous physicians' observations that diabetic patients had sweet urine. Finally, in 1776, another English physician named Matthew Dobson confirmed that both the blood and urine of diabetes patients were made sweeter by high levels of glucose in their blood.
When does gestational diabetes spike?
The mother's blood glucose levels usually spike around the 24th week of pre gnancy , but with a healthy diet, exercise, and insulin shots in some cases, diabetes symptoms usually can be managed. Blood sugar levels tend to return to normal in patients following their pregnancies.
What is the most common type of diabetes?
But people with type 2 diabetes—the most common form of the disease, accounting for about 95 percent of cases—either can't produce enough insulin to transport the sugars, or their cells have become insulin-resistant. The result is a buildup of glucose in the blood (a.k.a. high blood sugar or hyperglycemia). Type 2 diabetes typically develops in adults.
How many people with diabetes are undiagnosed?
While serious, the symptoms of diabetes are sometimes easy to overlook. That’s why 25 percent of people with the illness, 7.2 million in the U.S., are undiagnosed. And that number doesn’t even cover the majority of people with pre-diabetes who aren’t aware they’re on their way to becoming diabetic.
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
Black Americans, Latino Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and some groups of Asian Americans are more likely to have pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes than white Americans. This can be partly explained by the fact that some of these groups also have higher rates of obesity, which is one of the primary risk factors of type 2 diabetes. Socioeconomics may also play a role: One study shows that people with diabetes living in poverty are less likely to visit diabetes clinics and receive proper testing than their middle-income counterparts. According to another study, diabetic people without health insurance have higher blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol rates than insured diabetics. Genetics, on the other hand, don’t appear to contribute to these trends.
What are the factors that contribute to diabetes?
A person’s lifestyle is a key predictor of developing type 2 diabetes. Factors like being overweight or obese, consuming a high-ca lorie diet, smoking, and seldom exercising contribute to the risk. Foods and drinks that are high in sugar— soda, candy, ice cream, dessert — may contribute to hyperglycemia, but any food that’s high in calories, even if it's not sweet, can raise blood sugar levels.
