Diabetes | Acts of Love Christian Fellowship

Health information only: This page shares general educational information gathered from trusted public health organizations. It is not medical advice. Please talk with a doctor or qualified health professional about your own situation. In an emergency, call 911.

Understanding the basics

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When blood sugar goes up, the pancreas releases insulin, which acts like a key to let blood sugar into your cells for energy.

With diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use it as well as it should. Too much sugar stays in the blood, and over time this can cause serious problems such as heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

38 million+Americans have diabetes, about 1 in 10

1 in 5People with diabetes do not know they have it

98 millionAmerican adults have prediabetes; more than 8 in 10 do not know it

Know the types

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

An autoimmune reaction stops the body from making insulin. It is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, and requires insulin every day. It cannot currently be prevented.

Type 2 diabetes

The body does not use insulin well. About 90–95% of people with diabetes have type 2. It develops over many years and can often be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes.

Gestational diabetes

Develops during pregnancy in women who did not already have diabetes. It usually goes away after the baby is born but raises the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

Prediabetes means blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be type 2 diabetes. The good news: prediabetes can often be reversed. Losing a modest amount of weight (5–7% of body weight) and getting 150 minutes of physical activity a week can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by more than half.

Know the signs

Common symptoms

Urinating often, especially at night
Being very thirsty
Feeling very hungry
Losing weight without trying
Blurry vision
Numb or tingling hands or feet
Feeling very tired
Sores that heal slowly
More infections than usual

Many people with type 2 diabetes have mild or no symptoms. Ask your doctor for a simple blood sugar test.

Know your risk

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes

Having prediabetes
Being overweight
Being 45 years or older
Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
Being physically active less than 3 times a week
Having had gestational diabetes
African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and some Pacific Islander and Asian American people are at higher risk

Prevent & manage

Everyday steps for a healthier life

Eat well

Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Move more

Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, like brisk walking: just 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

Know your numbers

Check your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol regularly. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar as your doctor recommends.

Take medicines as prescribed

Insulin and other medicines help keep blood sugar in range. Never stop or change medicine without talking to your doctor.

Protect your body

Get yearly eye exams, check your feet every day for sores, see the dentist, and get your kidneys checked.

Manage stress & sleep

Stress and poor sleep can raise blood sugar. Prayer, rest, and community can help.

Sources & further reading

Learn more from trusted organizations

The information on this page was summarized from the following sources. Visit them for complete, up-to-date details.

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