Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal. It indicates that you’re at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. About 80% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have the condition because it rarely causes symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease typically diagnosed during childhood. Your immune system attacks cells in your pancreas, which keep it from making enough insulin. This form of diabetes tends to run in families (inherited) and is not related to lifestyle factors.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, affecting between 90% and 95% of people with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin well. It’s often related to obesity and lifestyle factors.

Gestational diabetes can develop when your body doesn’t make enough insulin during pregnancy. It affects between 2% and 10% of pregnancies each year. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born but increases the mother's risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

An A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over two to three months. An A1C of 6.5% or higher means you have diabetes.

This test measures the amount of glucose in your blood before and for several hours after you consume a sugary drink. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours means you have diabetes.

Nerve damage and reduced circulation due to diabetes can lead to slow- or non-healing foot sores prone to infection.

High blood sugar increases the risk of problems in your mouth, such as cavities, bleeding gums and tooth decay.

Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels in your ears. People with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss as people without diabetes.

Diabetes, which is often accompanied by high cholesterol and high blood pressure, damages blood vessels and can lead to coronary artery disease.

Chronic (long-term) high blood glucose damages blood vessels and nerves in your kidneys so they don’t work as well as they should. Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease.

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage due to diabetes. It can lead to tingling, numbness or weakness in your arms, legs, hands and feet.

Diabetic retinopathy is the result of damage to the blood vessels in your retina. Poor blood flow in your retina can lead to blurred vision or blindness.

Daily blood glucose checks are an important part of diabetes management. You may use a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor. Your provider can help you decide which method is right for you.

Some people with diabetes take insulin to control their blood sugar levels. You can take insulin using a needle, pen, pump or inhaler. We may recommend other medicines to help your body make more insulin or process sugar more efficiently.

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you regulate your blood sugar, lose weight and keep your cholesterol and blood pressure under control. A registered dietitian can help you select food that fits your medical and nutritional needs.