Diabetes is a condition that impacts your body’s ability to turn food into energy. Most of the food we ingest is broken down into glucose (sugar) that our body utilizes for energy. Normally, when glucose is released into our blood stream the pancreas releases insulin. This insulin acts like a key and allows the sugar to enter cells to use as energy. However, if you suffer from diabetes your body doesn’t produce enough insulin “or” you can’t use the insulin as your body should therefore, sugar levels in the blood stream rise causing an array of symptoms and health concerns.
People who are at risk of developing diabetes are:
- Overweight
- 45 years of age or older
- Have a family history of diabetes
- If you are not physically active more than 3 times a week
- Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native
Note: For prediabetes and type 2 diabetes you can lower your risk by lifestyle changes, weight loss, eating healthier, and increasing physical activity.
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