The questions about diabetes are usually different depending on what type you are wondering about, whether you are a patient or not, and if you are newly diagnosed or not. Fortunately, modern medicine has the answers to many questions about diabetes that were unanswered only a decade ago.

 

Some Common Questions about Diabetes

 

How many people in the United States have diabetes?

  • Almost 24 million Americans have diabetes

How many people in the United States have prediabetes?

  • This is one of the largely unanswered questions about diabetes, but it is thought that about 57 million Americans have prediabetes. But because so many don’t realize they have it, this is only an estimate.

Is there a genetic predisposition to have diabetes?

  • Yes. Having a family member with diabetes raises your chance of getting type 1 by around 5% and type 2 by over 30%

 

Some Questions and Answers about Diabetes Itself

 

One of the most asked questions about diabetes is what the difference is between type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Type 1 is actually an autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin producing cells in the body’s pancreas. Most people with type 1 need to use insulin to manage the condition. It is usually diagnosed first in children under 18. Type 2 is usually diagnosed in adults and is a condition where the body loses its sensitivity to insulin. This is crucial to help the muscles absorb glucose from the blood to use as energy.

Another of the most often asked questions about diabetes is if belly fat has any link to diabetes. The answer is – yes it does. Particularly type 2 diabetes. The fat that wraps around your organs internally pose a condition that increases resistance to insulin. Belly fat has this effect more than fat in other areas.

 

Some Other Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetes

 

Can losing weight help me fight diabetes?

  • Absolutely it can! Obesity plays a huge role in type 2 diabetes in both the risk of getting it and in controlling it or getting rid of it. Less body fat means less mass for the pancreas to keep up with

Can diet and exercise prevent diabetes?

  • Again the answer is a resounding yes! Exercise will help you keep off the weight and less body fat will keep the overall immune system healthier. Exercise also helps the muscles absorb more blood sugar.

Look for lifestyle changes and alternative ways to delay, or even cure yourself of diabetes. It is better than the alternative in every situation.