Will I always have diabetes?
Once diabetes is diagnosed by your doctor, you will always have the diagnosis but diabetes can be controlled and your blood sugar numbers can return to near normal levels if you follow the plan your doctor and your health care team recommends.
What's the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? How do I know which one I have?
Type 1 diabetes involves destruction of the insulin producing beta cells in your pancreas and must be managed with insulin. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, or the body's inability to use the insulin it has made and eventually also insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes is almost always associated with being overweight. Determining the type of diabetes you have is often made based on family history and the results of certain blood tests.
Is one type of diabetes worse than the other?
No. Both types are serious and can be associated with some potential complications. Monitoring goals for blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are the same for both.
What should my blood sugar levels be?
The fasting or pre-breakfast blood sugar for most people with diabetes should range from 90-130mg/dl according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines. The blood sugar level two or more hours after eating should be less than 180mg/dl. Some healthcare providers may recommend higher or lower levels, so be sure to ask your provider what your target levels should be.