Diabetes has become so prevalent in this country that everyone seems to know someone who lives with the disease – or they have it themselves. That’s because over 37 million Americans of various ages live with diabetes – and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), that’s the highest number we’ve seen thus far.

While many are aware of diabetes, it’s important to keep reminding people about diabetes facts, including possible ways to prevent or delay its onset. In addition to those who already have the disease, one in three adults in this country are prediabetic. That’s another 97 million people, and 8 out of ten of those don’t know it.

That’s the significance behind Diabetes Awareness Month in November. Diabetes is costly, both in managing and treating the disease itself, but also in treating the many related health conditions. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of diabetes, related health issues, and proper management if you are at risk or currently have it.

Types of Diabetes

You’ve likely heard of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 is a life-long (chronic) autoimmune disease in which the body is unable to make insulin, a peptide hormone essential to converting sugars into energy for your body to use. This can cause your blood sugar to rise and create serious health problems. Those with type 1 must take insulin to survive.

With type 2 diabetes, your body makes insulin, but doesn’t use it well. This type can sometimes be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes.

Both type 1 and type 2 can have a genetic component; with type 1, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in your body. In addition to genes, some scientists believe that other factors may trigger the disease, such as a virus. Type 2 may also have several triggers, including family history, physical inactivity and being overweight. It is also found to be more common in certain racial/ethnic groups.

Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes that occur. Genetic and lifestyle factors can also play a role. Women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes after giving birth, so making healthy lifestyle changes and choices is important.

Finally, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, or LADA, is another diabetes type that occurs in some adults, typically after the age of 30. For that reason, it is sometimes mistaken for type 2 diabetes. Because it develops slowly, those with LADA may not need to supplement insulin right away, but it’s important to discuss an ongoing treatment plan with your healthcare provider.

Related Health Issues

Diabetes can lead to many other health complications, including problems with your feet, oral health, and vision. Other serious complications include nerve damage, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.

It’s important to follow the advice of your medical professional so you can potentially prevent or delay some or all of these complications. Some proactive measures you can take include:

• Manage your ABCs. Take an A1 test to measure average blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
• Celebrate your small steps to a better lifestyle. Get enough sleep, increase your physical activity, stop smoking, stop or reduce your alcohol intake, and plan healthy meals. Work on one at a time if it seems overwhelming.
• Work towards a healthy weight and keep it there.
• Be sure to take your medicines as instructed.

Diabetes can also take a toll on your mental health, so self-care can be just as important as your physical care.

Your Transocean benefits can help you along your journey if you already have diabetes, you’ve been told you are prediabetic, or if you are concerned about developing the disease in the future. Take advantage of your free biometric screenings and assessments as part of  your annual check-ups to gauge your risks and progress, get help with your weight loss journey through Real Appeal Weight Loss, an online program that, while it benefits anyone working towards a healthy weight, was originally developed to help address the needs of those with diabetes. You can also track your lifestyle changes with UHC Rally, immerse in your self-care with Ableto, and keep your mental health in check through your behavioral health resources or EAP program.

Be sure to visit My Journey for information on all of these programs and resources.

Diabetes can be serious, but by taking control of some critical choices you are on your way to living your best life!