What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which sugar stays in the blood instead of entering the body's cells, where it can be used for energy. This results in high blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar can harm many parts of the body. The most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2.

Often diabetes doesn't cause symptoms. If it does, you may feel very thirsty or very hungry. You may also urinate more often than usual, have blurry vision, or lose weight without trying. These symptoms are caused by high blood sugar. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms may develop quickly, over a few days to weeks.

Doctors use blood tests and follow guidelines from experts to diagnose diabetes. You will be diagnosed with diabetes if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You have symptoms of diabetes and a blood sugar level equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL on a random blood sugar test. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, and unexplained weight loss.
• Your fasting blood sugar level is equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL.
• Your 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) result is equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL.
• Your hemoglobin A1c test result is 6.5% or higher.

Two tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes.

You may be diagnosed with prediabetes if your blood sugar is above normal but not high enough to be diabetes. Ask your doctor how often you need to be tested.

Diabetes treatment focuses on keeping your blood sugar levels in your target range. For type 1 diabetes, that involves taking insulin, eating healthy foods, and getting regular exercise. For type 2 diabetes, medicines may be prescribed, along with following a healthy meal plan, exercising, and losing weight if you need to.

Follow your treatment plan to keep your blood sugar in your target range. Eat healthy foods, and try to be active each day. Take any medicines as prescribed. Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends. Check your feet for problems. And go to all follow-up doctor visits.