Diabetes is a long-term disease where the body can’t regulate blood sugar properly due to problems with insulin, either by not producing enough or not using it effectively.

• Genetics: A family history of diabetes increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity are major contributors to Type 2 diabetes.
• Autoimmune Response: In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Age: The risk of Type 2 diabetes increases with age, particularly after 45.
• Hormonal Changes: Gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy, can increase the risk of diabetes later in life.

• People with a Family History of Diabetes: If a close family member has diabetes, especially Type 2, your risk is higher.
• Overweight Individuals: Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, can lead to insulin resistance.
• Older Adults: The risk of Type 2 diabetes rises with age, particularly in individuals over 45.
• Inactive Lifestyle: People who don’t get regular physical activity are more likely to develop diabetes.
• Certain Ethnic Groups: African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans are at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

• Frequent Urination: Excess sugar in the blood leads to increased urine production, causing people to urinate more often, especially at night.
• Increased Thirst: Because of frequent urination, the body loses more fluids, leading to constant thirst.
• Fatigue: When cells don’t get enough glucose for energy, people with diabetes often feel tired or fatigued.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite eating more, people with diabetes may lose weight as the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy.
• Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can cause swelling in the eye's lenses, leading to temporary blurry vision.
• Slow-Healing Wounds: Cuts or sores that take longer than usual to heal can be a sign of diabetes, especially in the feet or legs.
• Frequent Infections: People with diabetes may experience more frequent infections, such as skin or urinary tract infections, due to weakened immune function.

• Extreme Hunger and Fatigue: Despite eating, feeling extremely hungry and fatigued may be a sign of high blood sugar.
• Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet: This may indicate nerve damage (neuropathy), which can occur due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.
• Severe Thirst and Confusion: If blood sugar becomes dangerously high, it can lead to a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can cause confusion, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, unconsciousness.

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This test measures blood sugar levels after fasting for at least eight hours. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
• A1C Test: This blood test provides an average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher is a marker of diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): For this test, a person drinks a sugary solution, and their blood sugar levels are measured over the next two hours. If the blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours, it indicates diabetes.
• Random Blood Sugar Test: If blood sugar levels are 200 mg/dL or higher at any time during the day, and diabetes symptoms are present, a diagnosis may be made.

• Insulin Therapy: People with Type 1 diabetes and some with advanced Type 2 diabetes may require insulin injections or an insulin pump to control blood sugar levels. Insulin helps the body regulate blood glucose when it cannot do so on its own.
• Oral Medications: For managing Type 2 diabetes, a combination of oral medications is often used. Metformin is commonly prescribed to lower blood sugar by improving the body's response to insulin. Sulfonylureas help stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, while DPP-4 inhibitors work to reduce blood sugar levels without causing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Diet and Exercise: A healthy diet and regular physical activity are essential for managing diabetes. Eating balanced meals, controlling portion sizes, and exercising regularly help lower blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
• Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly checking blood sugar levels helps individuals manage their diabetes effectively. Using a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), people with diabetes can track their levels and adjust medications or diet accordingly.

• Consult a Doctor: If you notice any signs of diabetes, seek medical advice for early diagnosis and management.
• Follow Testing Recommendations: Complete any recommended blood tests to confirm a diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
• Start Managing Your Condition: Begin following your doctor's advice on medications, diet, and lifestyle changes to prevent complications and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Seek Emergency Care (if needed): If you experience symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (severe thirst, confusion, or rapid breathing), seek emergency care immediately.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight, especially carrying excess weight around the abdomen, is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower your risk.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting sugary foods and refined carbohydrates can help keep blood sugar levels in check.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps your body use insulin more efficiently. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, such as walking or cycling.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Quitting smoking improves overall health and reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes-related complications.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol in excess can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Keep alcohol intake moderate to maintain a healthy weight and lower risk.

• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: If you are at risk for diabetes, regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels can help catch elevated levels early, allowing for intervention before diabetes develops.
• Consider Medication: For individuals with prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar levels but not yet diabetes), medications such as Metformin may be recommended by doctors to help prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes.
• Get Regular Checkups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider allow for early detection and monitoring of diabetes risk factors. Routine screening tests can help catch warning signs early, ensuring timely intervention.