Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes high blood sugar levels in the body. It can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, blindness, and kidney failure. If left untreated, diabetes can be fatal.

However, with the right knowledge and tools, it is possible to prevent and manage diabetes.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent diabetes is to make healthy lifestyle choices. This includes:.

Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Staying physically active by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week.
Quitting smoking if you are a smoker.
Limiting alcohol consumption to moderate levels.

Screening and Diagnosis

It is important to get screened for diabetes regularly, especially if you are at higher risk. This includes:.

Being over the age of 45.
Having a family history of diabetes.
Being overweight or obese.
Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Having a history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

The most common test for diabetes is the A1C test, which measures the average blood sugar level over the past three months. A diagnosis of diabetes is made if the A1C level is 6.5% or higher.

Other tests, such as the fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test, may also be used.

Treatment

The goal of treatment for diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This can be achieved through:.

Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Medications that help lower blood sugar levels, such as insulin and oral medications.
Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels to ensure that they are within the target range.

For some people with diabetes, it may also be necessary to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as these can also have an impact on overall health.

Complications

When blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can lead to a range of complications. These include:.

Heart disease and stroke.
Nerve damage (neuropathy), which can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet.
Eye damage (retinopathy), which can lead to blindness.
Kidney damage (nephropathy), which can lead to kidney failure.
Foot damage, which can lead to amputation.

These complications can be prevented or delayed through good diabetes management and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider.