Diabetes – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.

2. What are the different types of diabetes?

  • Type 1 Diabetes – An autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin. It usually develops in childhood or early adulthood.

  • Type 2 Diabetes – The most common type, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. It often develops due to lifestyle factors.

  • Gestational Diabetes – Occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.

3. What are the symptoms of diabetes?

  • Frequent urination

  • Excessive thirst and hunger

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Fatigue and irritability

  • Blurred vision

  • Slow-healing wounds

  • Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

4. How is diabetes diagnosed?

Doctors use blood tests to diagnose diabetes, including:

  • Fasting Blood Sugar Test – Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast

  • A1C Test – Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months

  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – Assesses how the body processes sugar

5. What causes Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes develops due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors, such as:

  • Poor diet (high in processed foods and sugar)

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Obesity or being overweight

  • Family history of diabetes

  • High blood pressure or high cholesterol

6. Can diabetes be prevented?

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but Type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented by:

  • Maintaining a healthy diet

  • Exercising regularly

  • Keeping a healthy weight

  • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol

  • Avoiding excessive sugar and processed foods

7. How is diabetes managed?

  • Healthy Eating – Focus on whole foods, fiber, and balanced meals

  • Regular Exercise – Helps regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity

  • Medications or Insulin Therapy – As prescribed by a doctor

  • Blood Sugar Monitoring – Checking glucose levels regularly

  • Stress Management – Reducing stress to avoid blood sugar spikes

8. What are the complications of uncontrolled diabetes?

If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including:

  • Heart disease and stroke

  • Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)

  • Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)

  • Vision loss and blindness

  • Foot problems and infections

9. Can diabetes be reversed?

While Type 1 diabetes is lifelong, Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be put into remission through significant lifestyle changes such as weight loss, improved diet, and increased physical activity.

10. Where can I get diabetes education and support?

Good Morning Health provides diabetes education, prevention strategies, and management support to help individuals take control of their health. Contact us today to learn more!

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