Did you know that about 1 in 10 Americans lives with diabetes? National Diabetes Month is a great time to learn the facts about diabetes, including how diabetes isn’t always confined to just a blood sugar issue. In fact, over time, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, raising the risk of other serious health problems.
The good news is that early detection and consistent care can prevent or delay many of these issues.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Difference?
Both types cause high blood sugar, but they start in different ways.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, so the body makes little or no insulin. It is often diagnosed in children and young adults, though it can appear at any age. People with type 1 need daily insulin, and right now, there is no way to prevent it.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops using insulin well, a problem called insulin resistance, and the pancreas cannot keep up. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it accounts for about 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually over the years. Risk factors include excess weight, inactivity, family history and age, though it is increasingly seen in younger adults.
The distinction matters for your care plan, but the risk of complications applies to both types. In either case, long-term high blood sugar can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes and feet.
Heart Disease & Stroke
According to the CDC, adults with diabetes are about twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke as adults without it. Excess sugar in the blood damages artery walls and often comes with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which compounds the strain on your heart.
If you have diabetes, regular heart checkups are a must. The Southwoods Cardiology team can evaluate your heart health and build a plan to help lower your risk. You can also learn about the stroke symptoms you should never ignore so you know when to get help fast.
Kidney Disease
Your kidneys filter waste through tiny blood vessels, and high blood sugar can wear them down over time. Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, and early kidney damage often has no symptoms. Annual blood and urine tests can catch changes before they become serious.
Nerve Damage & Foot Problems
Diabetic neuropathy can cause tingling, numbness or burning, most often in the feet and hands. Reduced feeling means small cuts and blisters can go unnoticed and become infected. Check your feet daily and see a Southwoods podiatrist if you notice sores, swelling or changes in skin color.
Eye Problems
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. It can lead to vision loss if untreated. A yearly dilated eye exam is one of the simplest ways to protect your sight.
Weight & Metabolic Health
Excess weight makes blood sugar harder to manage and adds to the risk of related conditions. For some patients, weight management services are an important part of a diabetes care plan.
Simple Ways to Lower Your Risk
- Keep your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol within the targets set by your provider
- Take medications as prescribed and monitor your glucose regularly
- Choose balanced meals and stay physically active
- Skip tobacco and limit alcohol
- Keep up with annual eye, kidney, foot and heart checkups
Managing diabetes is a team effort. A Southwoods primary care provider can help you stay on top of routine screenings and connect you with specialists when needed. For concerns that cannot wait, Express Care offers convenient walk-in visits.
To schedule an appointment with a primary care provider, call 330-729-8100 or visit SouthwoodsHealth.com/Primary-Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do type 1 and type 2 diabetes cause the same complications?
Yes. Over time, both can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes and feet. What differs is how the condition starts and how it is treated, not the long-term risks of unmanaged blood sugar.
Which diabetes complications can be prevented?
Many can be delayed or reduced by keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in range and staying current on checkups.
How often should I get my eyes and feet checked?
Most guidelines recommend a dilated eye exam and a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year. Your provider may suggest more often based on your risk.
When should I see a provider about a diabetes-related symptom?
Call your provider if you notice numbness, slow-healing sores, vision changes or swelling in your legs. Seek emergency care for chest pain or stroke symptoms.