Diabetes Secret: Catch It Early, Control It for Life
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body can’t use blood glucose (sugar) properly. Many people are unaware they have it until routine lab tests or a serious complication reveal it. Left untreated, diabetes quietly damages blood vessels and nerves, raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and foot ulcers that can lead to amputations.
The good news: with early detection and steady care, most complications are preventable.
What diabetes does in the body (It does it fast)
When you eat, food is broken down into glucose. The hormone insulin helps move glucose from the blood into cells for energy. In diabetes, either:
The body doesn’t make insulin (Type 1), or
The body doesn’t respond well to insulin and may not make enough (Type 2).
Blood sugar levels remain high, causing damage to blood vessels and organs over time.
Types of diabetes
Type 1: Autoimmune; usually begins in childhood/young adults; requires insulin.
Type 2: Most common; often related to genetics, weight, and inactivity; may be managed with lifestyle, oral meds, injectables, and/or insulin.
Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy; raises future risk of Type 2 for mother and child.
Pre-diabetes: Blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range-this is the best window to reverse course.
“Silent” symptoms to watch for
Many people feel fine. Possible signs include:
Increased thirst/urination, fatigue
Blurry vision, slow-healing cuts
Frequent infections (skin, gums, urinary)
Numbness/tingling in hands or feet
Unintended weight loss (more common in Type 1)
Emergency call 911 if there’s severe dehydration, vomiting, confusion, fruity-smelling breath, chest pain, weakness on one side, or trouble breathing.
Who’s at higher risk?
Family history of diabetes
Overweight or central (belly) fat
Inactivity, poor sleep, high stress
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
History of gestational diabetes or PCOS
Certain medications (steroids, some psychiatric meds), smoking
Some racial/ethnic groups are affected at younger ages
Screening: when and how often
Talk with your clinician about your risk. As a simple rule of thumb:
Adults should be screened periodically; many clinicians begin routine screening in their 30s and repeat every 1-3 years if results are normal.
Screen yearly if you have pre-diabetes or multiple risk factors.
Younger people with risk factors may also need screening.
Home checks (with a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor) can help manage diagnosed diabetes, but diagnosis relies on formal testing (A1C, fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, or random glucose with symptoms).
Daily habits that make a big difference
1) Eating pattern (DASH/Mediterranean/“Plate” method)
Half plate non-starchy veggies; quarter lean protein; quarter whole grains/starch.
Choose high-fiber carbs (beans, lentils, oats, brown rice, whole-grain breads).
Limit sugary drinks, sweets, and highly processed foods; watch portion sizes.
2) Movement
Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate activity (like brisk walking) plus 2 days of strength training. Even 10-minute walks after meals help.
3) Weight & waist
Losing 5-10% of body weight often improves blood sugar and blood pressure.
4) Sleep & stress
7-9 hours/night; consistent schedule. Practice brief stress-reducers (breathing, stretching, short walks).
5) Quit smoking/vaping, and limit alcohol
Both raise cardio-metabolic risk. Your clinician can help with a quitting plan.
Medications: what to expect (overview)
Many people with Type 2 need medicine in addition to lifestyle changes. Common options include:
Metformin (often first-line of treatment)
Other oral or injectable agents (e.g., medicines that help the body use insulin better or help the kidneys remove excess glucose)
Insulin when needed
Your plan is tailored to your individual needs, taking into account your kidney function, heart disease risk, weight goals, budget, and preferences.
Preventing complications (checklist)
A1C and clinic visits as advised
Blood pressure & cholesterol control
Dilated eye exam at least annually
Foot checks daily at home, and at the clinic foot exam regularly
Kidney screening (urine albumin/creatinine)
Vaccinations (flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, hepatitis B as recommended)
How TeleCare Bridge can help
Fast screening & diagnosis via virtual visit and lab orders
Personalized plan: nutrition coaching, activity starter plan, medication selection
Device support: choosing a reliable glucometer or CGM and using it correctly
Follow-ups & refills: steady support to keep numbers on track
Next step: Book a telehealth visit and bring any recent test results or lab reports.
FAQ
Can pre-diabetes be reversed?
Often, yes – weight loss, healthy eating, and regular activity can help bring blood sugar levels back to normal.
Do I have to give up all carbs?
No. Focus on quality and portions: whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
How often should I check my sugar at home?
Depends on your treatment. People on insulin typically check their blood sugar levels more often; others may only need periodic checks. Your care team will set a plan.
Warning! – This post is for educational purposes only. This post doesn’t replace medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s recommendations for testing and treatment.