Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and its related complications. In 2024, the focus is on taking proactive steps to prevent diabetes health problems. This is particularly important, as diabetes affects over 38 million Americans, including both adults and youth. The guide below will help you take charge of your health and reduce the risk of serious complications.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood glucose (sugar) is too high. For people with diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin (the hormone responsible for regulating glucose) or doesn't respond appropriately to insulin. As a result, blood glucose levels can become dangerously high or low, leading to various health complications.
What are the Types of Diabetes?
There are several types of diabetes, each with its causes and treatments.
- Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): T1D is an autoimmune disease that affects the pancreas, preventing it from producing enough insulin. Less than 5% of all people with diabetes have T1D, which is typically diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. It is managed with insulin injections or an insulin pump.
- Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): T2D affects 95% of people with diabetes. It occurs when the body doesn't use insulin properly or produces too little. T2D develops gradually and is linked to family history, poor diet, and inactivity. It can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin.
- Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, posing risks to both parent and baby. It usually resolves after childbirth but raises the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Prediabetes: Prediabetes is elevated blood sugar that isn’t yet diabetes. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can reverse it and prevent Type 2 diabetes.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Many people with early-stage diabetes may not experience noticeable symptoms. However, some common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and hunger.
- Frequent urination.
- Fatigue.
- Blurred vision.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
- Unexplained weight loss.
What Medications are Indicated for Diabetes?
Medications are vital for managing diabetes, and the type prescribed depends on the diabetes type:
- Oral Medications for T2D: Commonly prescribed to control blood glucose levels include Metformin (Glucophage), Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glyburide), and DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin, saxagliptin).
- Injectable Insulins: Essential for T1D and some T2D cases, insulin therapy includes rapid-acting insulins (e.g., Humalog (insulin lispro), Novolog (insulin aspart) and long-acting insulins (e.g., Lantus (insulin glargine), Tresiba (insulin degludec)).
- Injectable Non-Insulin Medications for T2D: GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Victoza (liraglutide) improve insulin production, control blood sugar, and may aid in weight loss.
What Is the Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Diabetes Management?
CGM devices provide real-time glucose readings, helping people with diabetes track levels and adjust as needed. They offer insights into how food, exercise, and medications affect blood sugar, improving overall management. Popular CGM devices include Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, Freestyle Libre 2, and Freestyle Libre 3.
What are the Tips to Prevent Diabetes Health Complications?
Here are some tips for staying on top of diabetes and preventing the increased risk for complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss.
- Regular Physical Activity: Engage in walking, swimming, or cycling to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
- Healthy Eating: Focus on a diabetes-friendly diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables and low in processed foods and refined sugars.
- Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring: Use a glucometer or CGM to track your blood sugar levels and adjust your diet or medications.
- Medication Adherence: Ensure you take your prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
Managing diabetes can be costly, but RxLess offers a solution to ease the financial burden. By downloading the free app and joining the RxLess Assurance Plan, you can save up to 88% on your medications and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, ensuring that you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank. Taking care of your health shouldn’t be out of reach, and with RxLess, you can stay on top of your diabetes management while saving money. Don't let high costs stand in your way—take control of your health and save with RxLess today.
