Geckle Diabetes & Nutrition Center at GBMC

What causes diabetes?

Researchers and healthcare providers don't know exactly what causes diabetes; however there are risk several factors than can increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. These include:

• Family history of diabetes
• African-American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian-American race or ethnic background
• Being overweight or obese
• Age (risk increases with age)
• Taking certain medications
• Pregnancy (increases stress on a woman's body that causes some women to develop gestational diabetes)

How do I know if I have diabetes?

Your healthcare provider can perform blood tests to diagnose diabetes. Normal glucose (blood sugar) is between 70 mg/dl and 100 mg/dl. The standard diagnosis of diabetes is made when two blood tests show that the fasting glucose level (blood sugar before eating or drinking anything) is 126 mg/dl or greater. 

In addition to a fasting glucose and the Oral Glucose tolerance tests, the Hemoglobin A1C is a non-fasting blood test that may be used for diagnosing diabetes.

What are the common types of diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes: 
Formerly called "juvenile diabetes," is an autoimmune disease. It occurs most often in people under the age of 40 but can develop at any age. People with type 1 diabetes make very little or no insulin and must take insulin daily to survive. About one out of 10 people who have diabetes has type 1 diabetes. 

Type 2 diabetes: 
Formerly called "adult onset diabetes," occurs when insulin is made but it doesn't work as it should. This type occurs most often in people who are over 40 years old but can occur in younger people as well. People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are often overweight and have a family history of type 2 diabetes. 

Gestational diabetes: 
This is a type of diabetes that only develops during pregnancy. The hormones that are produced during pregnancy increase the amount of insulin needed to control blood glucose levels. If the body can't meet this increased need for insulin, women can develop gestational diabetes during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after childbirth. Women who have had gestational diabetes are also at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Prediabetes means a person is at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke. An estimated 86 million Americans aged 20 years or older have prediabetes. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Modest weight loss and physical activity can help people with prediabetes delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

How is diabetes managed?

Diabetes is managed through education, meal planning, exercise/physical activity, and, if needed, medication. People with diabetes must use home and lab tests to monitor the levels of glucose (sugar) in their blood. Your physician will decide which treatments are best for you.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Type 1: 
The onset of type 1 diabetes happens quickly. The symptoms are often severe and include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue

Type 2: 
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can go unnoticed or undetected for many months or even years and may include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing cuts or sores
• Itchy skin (usually in the vaginal or groin area)
• Yeast infections

Can diabetes be cured?

No. A cure for diabetes has not yet been found. However, diabetes can be treated and controlled with education, healthy eating, physical activity, and medications. Most people with diabetes manage their disease and lead healthy, active lives. But without proper care, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Eye damage and blindness
• Nerve damage resulting in pain or loss of sensation
• Gum disease
• Serious foot infections, sometimes requiring amputation

How do I know if my insurance will cover my visit? 

Maryland law mandates that outpatient diabetes education/training is a covered benefit, but your plan deductibles and copays apply. Call your insurance company to ask about your specific plan coverage, deductible, and copay amounts. 

For NON-diabetes nutrition-related conditions, such as high cholesterol, renal disease, celiac disease, call your insurance company and ask if your plan covers outpatient nutrition education, also called Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), provided by a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist.

Is there anything I should do differently before I meet with my dietitian?

No. The Registered Dietitian (RD) will be happy to explain any changes you might need to make to manage your condition when you meet at the time of your appointment. Before your appointment, if possible, please keep a 2 to 3-day record of everything you eat and drink, including the meal and snack times, a description, and the amounts (portions) of every item, and bring this information with you when you come in for your appointment. This will help the RD understand your current eating habits and design a meal plan that's best for you.

For additional information, contact the Geckle Diabetes and Nutrition Center at GBMC, or the American Diabetes Association or 1-800-DIABETES (800-342- 2383). Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm ET.