What is Diabetes?

People with diabetes do not have enough insulin in their body to control their blood sugar or it isn't used the way it should be. Insulin is a hormone that takes blood sugar into the cells of the body, which uses it for fuel. When there is not enough insulin in the body, parts of the body can’t use blood sugar for fuel. In addition, blood sugar builds up in the blood. This can lead to high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, for people who have diabetes.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, once called juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed during childhood through adulthood. Only 5% to 10% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes affects both children and adults.

What are diabetes symptoms?

People with diabetes may have some or all of these symptoms:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Blurry vision
• Feeling very tired

They may also have problems with:

• Infections of the skin, gum, or bladder
• Scrapes or bruises healing slower than usual
• Tingling or numbness in the limbs

Who gets diabetes?

Your family history is a strong risk factor for diabetes. Other factors that may increase someone’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes include older age, being overweight, or having a lifestyle that doesn’t include a lot of physical activity.

How is diabetes treated?

When people are first diagnosed with diabetes, they are given a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan, and then prescribed a diabetes pill or an injectable medication such as a GLP-1 therapy. For some people, this treatment plan may be enough to help control their blood sugar levels. Other people may be prescribed a basal insulin, such as Levemir®.

Diabetes is a progressive condition that changes as you age. Over time, you may need different treatments to help control your blood sugar. So, even if you have been managing your diabetes well with diet, exercise, and diabetes pills, you may need insulin therapy at some point in your life.

When you use an insulin like Levemir® and make healthy lifestyle choices, you’re taking an active role in managing your blood sugar levels. A long-acting insulin, such as Levemir®, offers up to 24-hour coverage that helps control your blood sugar between meals and while you sleep.