Diabetes 101

Written by Sarah Poling RD, LDN

Edited by Sarah Criscuolo MS, RD, LDN, CSN, CPT

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Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with diabetes, or suspect that you may have it? Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how our body processes and uses fuel, or food consumed. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant). This post will help you better understand the warning signs, symptoms, different types of diabetes, and basic nutrition tips to help you manage your diabetes while also enjoying the holiday season.

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The Science Behind Diabetes

After eating, your body is responsible for breaking down food into sugar (glucose) and releasing it into your bloodstream to be used for energy. When your blood sugar rises, this signals your pancreas to release insulin – a hormone your body produces to help move sugar out of your blood and into your cells for energy.

If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin, or your body is unable to use the insulin it makes efficiently. When there isn’t enough insulin available or if your cells stop responding to insulin, too much sugar can remain in your bloodstream. When too much sugar accumulates in your blood, over time this can lead to serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and changes in vision.

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Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is the result of an autoimmune response that causes your body to stop producing insulin. This type of diabetes occurs in 5-10% of people with diabetes and the symptoms can develop quickly. It’s important to know that this type of diabetes can be diagnosed at any age and is no longer considered to be “juvenile diabetes”. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to take insulin consistently every day to prevent chronic symptoms from occurring.

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include: having a family history such as a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes.

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Type 2 Diabetes

In this type of diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin efficiently to maintain normal blood sugar levels. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes and it is usually diagnosed in adulthood. However, it is starting to be diagnosed younger, in children, teens, and young adults. Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle changes like incorporating more mindful movement, practicing stress management and finding balance within eating habits that are energizing and satisfying.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes: having prediabetes, age 45 years or older, family history of type 2 diabetes, low physical activity levels/sedentary lifestyle, have ever had gestational diabetes, or are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. Some Pacific Islanders and Asian American people are at higher risk.

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Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes only occurs during pregnancy – this happens because the body produces different of hormones that affect how much insulin your body makes and how effectively your body uses insulin. Due to the changes and shifts in hormone production, it is common for insulin resistance to occur leading to the development of gestational diabetes.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes and related health concerns: family history of diabetes and the common risk factors for diabetes mentioned above. About 50% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes will eventually develop type 2 diabetes if left untreated.

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Common Symptoms of Diabetes

These symptoms are typical of all types of diabetes – if you have any of the following, please see your doctor for further blood sugar testing and evaluation:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Unintentional weight loss
• Increased hunger
• Blurry vision
• Numbness in hands or feet
• Lethargy or being more tired than usual
• Very dry skin
• Poor wound healing
• Frequent infections and illness

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Basic Tips for Managing Diabetes

After being diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to work closely with your medical providers to ensure proper and timely treatment. Having a dietitian as part of your treatment team can be a vital asset to your long-term health and happiness.

Here are some very basic nutrition tips to help you manage or kickstart your diabetes treatment during the holidays or at any time of the year:

1. Prioritize eating within an hour of waking, as this will help stabilize blood sugars in the morning.
2. Plan to have at least three meals per day with 1-2 snacks mixed in to ensure a consistent input of glucose, decreasing the risk of highs and lows in your blood sugar levels.
3. Create balanced meals with carbohydrates, proteins, non-starchy vegetables, high fiber fruit, and heart healthy fats. A dietitian can help you to plan this!
4. Pair carbohydrates and proteins at snacks to regulate blood sugars between meals.
5. Stay hydrated with non-caffeinated, low sugar drinks at meals/snacks and whenever you notice thirst.
6. Prioritize mindful movement that brings you joy and energy.
7. Remind yourself that treating diabetes does not mean you need to diet or eliminate food groups – it’s still very important to incorporate carbohydrates into your meal plan and allow for foods you enjoy.

It’s still very possible to have a healthy relationship with food and practice intuitive eating while managing your diabetes!

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If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, the dietitians at Karuna are here to support you through your healing and health journey by offering compassionate care that is rooted in intuitive eating principles that are not restrictive in nature. Use this link to schedule an intake appointment today!

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Sources:

1. About Diabetes | ADA. diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes
2. The 10 Principles of Intuitive Eating for Diabetes. Registered Dietitian Columbia SC – Rachael Hartley Nutrition. Published June 20, 2023. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com/blog/principles-intuitive-eating-diabetes
3. http ://www.intechnic.com I. What is Intuitive Eating? Diabetes Food Hub. https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/articles/what-is-intuitive-eating.html