A Simple Guide to a Complex Condition
Diabetes touches millions of lives, but everyone’s experience is different. Maybe you were just diagnosed. Maybe you’re supporting someone you love. Or maybe you’re simply wondering what your own risk looks like. No matter where you are, understanding the basics is a powerful place to start.
What is Diabetes?
Think of glucose (sugar) as your body’s fuel. Your pancreas makes insulin, the hormone that helps move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells, where it’s used for energy. When your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or can’t use it effectively, glucose builds up in your blood causing high blood sugar. That’s diabetes.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and more. That’s why early awareness, regular testing, and everyday healthy habits matter so much. Small steps can make a big difference.
Types of Diabetes
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TYPE 1 (T1D)
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TYPE 2 (T2D)
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GESTATIONAL
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
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Cause
The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells; pancreas can no longer produce insulin.
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Onset
Often kids/teens, but adults too.
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Testing
Blood sugar, A1C, urine for ketones, autoantibodies.
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Symptoms
Sudden: Excessive thirst and appetite, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, exhaustion, blurred vision, yeast infections, and slow healing of cuts/sores.
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Treatment
Lifelong blood sugar monitoring and insulin therapy.
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Prevention
No known way to prevent.
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Other Health Effects
Protect your heart: Diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease. Ask your doctor about blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar goals.
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
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Cause
The body does not use insulin correctly and may not make enough insulin.
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Onset
Usually adults age 45+, but younger people too.
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Testing
Blood sugar, A1C, sometimes oral glucose tolerance test.
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Symptoms
Gradual: Thirst, urination, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet, or sometimes no symptoms.
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Treatment
Healthy lifestyle habits, oral or injectable medications, and sometimes insulin.
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Prevention
Possible to prevent or reverse with lifestyle changes and healthy habits.
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Other Health Effects
Protect your heart: Diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease. Ask your doctor about blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar goals.
Gestational Diabetes
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Cause
Pregnancy hormones make it harder for the body to use insulin, causing high blood sugar.
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Onset
During pregnancy, usually resolves after delivery.
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Testing
Oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy.
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Symptoms
Silent: Often no symptoms.
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Treatment
Diet, exercise, and sometimes medication or insulin during pregnancy. Often goes away after childbirth.
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Prevention
Healthy weight before pregnancy may reduce risk.
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Other Health Effects
Having gestational diabetes can put you at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Prediabetes: Your Wake-Up Call to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet in the diabetes range. The good news? Many people can completely reverse prediabetes with small, consistent lifestyle changes, like moving more, eating nourishing foods, and staying on top of routine care.
If a provider has said you have prediabetes, think of it as a powerful signal, not a setback. It’s your chance to take control early. Talk with your care team about simple steps you can start today.
Everyday Habits That Make a Big Difference
Managing diabetes isn’t about perfection, it’s about developing habits that support your overall well-being. Even small steps can lead to a big impact:
These simple steps add up—and every one of them moves you in the right direction.
Be Your Own Best Advocate
Living with diabetes is more than managing numbers. It’s about asking questions, speaking up for what you need, and surrounding yourself with the right support. Lean on your care team, family, friends, and community—you don’t have to navigate this alone.
MVP is here to help!
MVP offers programs and tools designed to make life with diabetes easier, including virtual visits with nutrition and behavioral health experts, help with medications, and personalized care management support.
Whether you’ve learned you’re at risk, are newly diagnosed, or have been living with diabetes for years, talking with a Care Manager can boost your confidence and help you take the next step.
Want support?
Call 1-866-942-7966 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am–5 pm.