- 304-824-3330
- 8008 Court Street, Hamlin, WV
- Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- 304-824-3330
- 8008 Court Street, Hamlin, WV
- Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood is too high. This happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or your body does not respond properly to the insulin it produces. Diabetes can affect people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are lifelong conditions, but they can be managed with medications and/or lifestyle changes.
Glucose, the body’s main source of energy, comes mainly from the carbohydrates in food and drinks. Your blood carries glucose to all the cells in your body to provide energy.
Insulin, a hormone, acts as a “key” that helps glucose enter your cells from the bloodstream. If your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or your body does not use it effectively, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
Consistently high blood glucose levels over time can lead to health issues such as heart disease, nerve damage, and eye problems.
There are several types of diabetes. The most common forms include:
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, occurring when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to elevated levels of glucose in the blood. This can result in serious health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and the loss of toes, feet, or legs.
Pre-Diabetes
Prediabetes is a condition where the blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It affects one in three American adults, many of whom are unaware they have it. Without weight loss or moderate physical activity, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes within five years.
Type 1 Diabetes
This form of diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas for reasons that are still unclear. Type 1 diabetes accounts for up to 10% of all diabetes cases and is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs in some individuals during pregnancy and typically goes away after giving birth. However, having gestational diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Factors that can increase the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes include:
If you think you may be at risk, a healthcare provider can perform a blood test to determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a CDC-recognized initiative designed to help participants adopt lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. This free program consists of 16 weekly sessions, followed by monthly sessions for continued support from a lifestyle coach.
Learn to:
Participants who lose 5-7% of their body weight and engage in 150 minutes of exercise each week can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58% (71% for individuals over 60).
For more information, please contact the Lincoln County Health Department at (304) 824-3330.