Diabetes

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly use sugar, causing blood sugar levels to become too high. The body uses sugar (glucose) from food for energy. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps to transport glucose into your cells and maintain blood sugar levels in the normal range.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that usually starts in childhood or young adulthood. It can run in families and is sometimes triggered by infections that damage insulin cells. Without enough insulin, the body cannot maintain blood sugar levels within a normal range.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects how the body uses sugar for energy, and is the most common type of diabetes. It usually happens in older people, but young adults are being diagnosed with it more frequently. Type 2 diabetes can happen when the body does not make enough insulin (insulin deficiency). It can also happen when the cells do not respond well to the insulin that is made (insulin resistance).

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have dangerously high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

You may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes:

• If you are overweight or are obese
• If you are 45 or older
• If you have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
• If you are physically active less than 3 times a week
• If you had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
• If you are an African American, Latino or Latina, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or Asian American person

Diabetes & Obesity

Being overweight or obese is one of the most significant risk factors for developing diabetes. Obesity may also cause diabetes to progress faster.

Glucose typically is transported into muscles and other cells for immediate energy and excess is stored in the liver. If you are overweight, your cells are likely to be resistant to insulin, while your liver may be filled with fat. With nowhere to be stored, the glucose remains in the bloodstream. Your pancreas may produce extra levels of insulin for years before it becomes overworked and stops producing insulin.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and blurry vision. If you have one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor to see if you might be prediabetic or have diabetes.

Complications of Diabetes

Many of the complications are related to high blood sugar levels. When left untreated, these high levels can damage the nervous system, kidneys, cardiovascular system, and circulatory system. Complications include blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage or disease, and amputations.

Treatment

Our diabetes care team offers assessment, care, and education. This includes:

• Consultation and subsequent visits
• Insulin therapy using an insulin pump
• Non-insulin therapy
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Continuous glucose monitoring
• Prevention and management of diabetes complications

Our specialists participate in various diabetes-oriented research programs, and patients have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical studies when appropriate. For those in need of primary care services, we provide referrals to UConn Health’s primary care team. We also offer nutrition services, mental health professionals, podiatry, and ophthalmology care.

Diabetes Care & Education

We focus on empowering patients and informing them about the latest technologies and therapies to make choices appropriate for their lifestyle. This is accomplished through individual one-on-one sessions, group workshops, case management, and routine follow-up care. We can also help you with meal planning, exercise, weight management, medications, and equipment selection, as needed.

Why UConn Health?

We Offer Comprehensive Clinical Care

We want you to achieve the best possible outcomes, which is why we provide broad and comprehensive clinical care for the treatment of diabetes, including medical assessments, establishing lifestyle changes, and educating those with diabetes and their loved ones.

We Provide Excellent Diabetes Education

Our Diabetes Education Self-Management Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. We have registered nurses and registered dietitians who are Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists here to guide and advise you.

We Offer Customized Care for Our Patients

All of our services are carried out in collaboration with expert, board-certified endocrinologists. We offer personalized treatment plans that address every aspect of your health.