The Diabetes Epidemic: Understanding the Global Impact During Awareness Month

November is recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness about this chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. This month emphasizes the importance of educating individuals about diabetes, including prevention, management, and treatment options to help combat this disease. Jemez Public Health will introduce a blog series on the types of diabetes and managing your life with diabetes. 

What is Diabetes? 

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by high levels of blood glucose which is also known as (sugar). Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. This is when the body does not produce enough insulin, or your body becomes insulin resistant. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is located near the stomach. Over time, an elevation in blood glucose can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves if not treated in a timely manner.  

The foods you eat can play a factor; your digestive system breaks down the food, which then causes your blood glucose levels to rise. The body’s cells use insulin, which then absorbs the blood glucose from the bloodstream for energy. If your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes insulin resistant and doesn't use it effectively, blood sugar levels will increase which then causes diabetes.   

Blood Sugar: the Highs and Lows 

• Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood glucose (sugar) level is lower than that of the normal range, 70mg/dL, this can cause low blood sugar in individuals who do not have diabetes. The treatment for Hypoglycemia is to eat or drink something high in sugar to boost your level to a normal range and can be controlled by the proper medication.   

• Hyperglycemia is a condition when your blood glucose levels are too high, over 125 mg/dL, and it affects individuals who do have diabetes. It's important to treat Hyperglycemia, if left untreated it can cause serious health problems such as nerve damage, blood vessels, tissues, and organs.  

Types of Diabetes 

There are several types of diabetes, each with different causes and characteristics: 

1. Prediabetes 

2. Type 1 Diabetes  

3. Type 2 Diabetes  

4. Gestational Diabetes  

5. Monogenic Diabetes  

6. Secondary Diabetes  

While these are the primary types of diabetes, there are other, more rare forms of the disease, often tied to specific genetic conditions, other health issues, or medical treatments. The management of each type varies based on the underlying cause and how the body responds to insulin.  

This month's blogs will cover the types of diabetes, what diabetes does when our bodies become insulin resistant and how to live with diabetes. 

If you need additional information on diabetes management, please call our office at  

(575) 834-7207 or call the Jemez Health Center at (575) 834-7413.