Learn more about Diabetes

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Here you can find more information about diabetes, its types and symptoms. We have also provided a list of supplemental resources if you are looking to learn more about diabetes in men's health. 

About Diabetes

Diabetes is caused either by your body not making enough insulin or not being able to use the insulin it does make. Insulin helps your body to regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating its uptake so that sugar can be used for energy or by lowering blood sugar levels after eating by enabling cells to absorb it from the blood stream.

When these processes are not functioning regularly it can lead to the bodies need for more insulin to help glucose enter cells or elevated blood sugar levels. Without insulin, there is no “key.” So, the sugar builds up in the blood. The result: the body’s cells starve and die from the lack of glucose. The high level of blood sugar can damage eyes, kidneys, nerves, and the heart. Very high blood sugar levels can also lead to coma and death.

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common forms of the disease, but there are also other kinds, such as gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, as well as other forms. [1]

Diabetes Symptoms

Those with diabetes, have too much sugar in their blood. Here are a few symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia):

• going to the bathroom often

• thirst

• tiredness

• blurred vision

• cuts that don’t heal

• burning or tingling in feet

• infections

• hunger

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

People who have Type 1 diabetes may also have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains. Type 1 diabetes symptoms can develop in just a few weeks or months and can be severe. Type 1 diabetes usually starts when you’re a child, teen, or young adult but can happen at any age.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop over several years and can go on for a long time without being noticed (sometimes there aren’t any noticeable symptoms at all). Type 2 diabetes usually starts when you’re an adult, though more and more children, teens, and young adults are developing it. Because symptoms are hard to spot, it’s important to know the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and visit your doctor if you have any of them.

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) usually shows up in the middle of the pregnancy and typically doesn’t have any symptoms. If you’re pregnant, you should be tested for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy so you can make changes if needed to protect your health and your baby’s health. [2]

Other Resources

We have provided a list of other resources where you can learn more about diabetes and ways to manage it through changes in your daily life-style. Learn more>>