4 most common diabetes questions, answered - part 1

Griffin Rodgers, MD, and Vonda Wright, MD, answer some of your most common questions about diabetes.

Transcript

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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Diabetes is a condition in which the body either produces too little insulin or doesn't use the insulin that it produces

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correctly. There are two broad categories of diabetes in this country, although there are some rare exceptions.

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There is so-called "type 1 diabetes," formerly called juvenile diabetes, that occurs in individuals whose body wages an autoimmune attack

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against the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. And over time, as that beta cell mass is lost,

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there is no longer insulin produced. And these individuals have problems with managing glucose

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levels appropriately. On the other hand, the vast majority of diabetes is

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so-called "type 2 diabetes," what we used to call adult-onset diabetes. And then the body does make sufficient amount of insulin.

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But the problem is that due to obesity and other metabolic constraints, that insulin isn't used properly.

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In fact, the state of insulin resistance exists. These patients often will require medications

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to either make the insulin that is produced even a higher level to achieve metabolic control or perhaps

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use drugs that may improve the ability of insulin to work effectively at its target tissues.

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But over time, they will require additional drugs. And then ultimately, most of them will require insulin therapy as well.

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Unlike many diseases, type 2 diabetes is preventable in a lot of cases.

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The first step towards prevention is exercise. Doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity for at least

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five days a week can help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar, and increase your body's sensitivity to insulin.

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Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and whole grains and low in sugar and processed carbs

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can not only lower your blood sugar, it can also reduce your risk for heart disease and help you lose weight.

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If you are overweight, even a 5% to 10% weight loss can reduce your risk significantly.

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Eating well-balanced meals full of whole and natural foods is the key for weight loss and diabetes prevention.

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As you get older, your risk for diabetes increases. So make sure you get your blood sugar levels checked regularly

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when you see your doctor. [AUDIO LOGO]