What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a health condition in which the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood is too high. It can happen when your body does not produce enough insulin or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is very common in the United States. It affects an estimated 38 million people, or around 1 in 10 Americans. It can lead to other health problems, such as kidney disease, vision loss, nerve problems and heart disease.
There is no cure for diabetes, and it is generally a lifelong condition. However, most people can manage their condition through medication and lifestyle changes.
Types of diabetes
The most common types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes (which occurs during pregnancy). Rare types affect about 2% of people with diabetes. These less common types can be related to other health conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis, steroid use or genetic disorders.
Monogenic diabetes, which is also rare, is an umbrella term used to describe diabetes caused by changes in one of 20 genes that regulate blood sugar. It includes maturity-onset diabetes of the young, which usually develops before age 25, and neonatal diabetes mellitus, which develops when a baby is 6 to 12 months old.
Types 1, 2 and gestational diabetes affect most people with the condition, and here is how they differ:
- Type 1 diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body doesn’t produce enough.
- Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is when your body is not able to make or use insulin effectively. It is typically diagnosed in adults but also occurs in children.
- Gestational diabetes: This type usually occurs in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and typically goes away after birth. The exact cause is unknown.
Diabetes comes in several forms - Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes and some rare types. Each has different causes and treatment approaches, but all require ongoing care and management to prevent complications.
Symptoms of diabetes
Many symptoms of diabetes are the same regardless of which type of diabetes you have. If you have Type 2 or gestational diabetes, you may not have symptoms, or your symptoms may be very mild. You might only learn you have the condition after routine testing or if you develop other health problems.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms show up quickly, especially in children, whereas Type 2 diabetes symptoms tend to develop over several years.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Extreme thirst
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Feeling hungry, even if you have just eaten
- Losing weight (common with Type 1 diabetes)
- Needing to urinate frequently
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin or yeast infections
- Sores that do not heal
When to see a doctor
Children should see a doctor as soon as they develop symptoms of diabetes. Because symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can develop over many years, adults 35 years and older should be tested for Type 2 diabetes at least every 3 years. Adults of any age who are overweight and have one or more additional risk factors (such as family history, high blood pressure or history of gestational diabetes) should be tested every year.
Doctors can check blood sugar levels with a simple blood test and find diabetes or prediabetes (a precursor to diabetes that causes elevated blood sugar) early. If you have prediabetes, you can take steps to prevent it from developing into Type 2 diabetes.
During pregnancy, doctors screen for gestational diabetes. Pregnant people usually have blood sugar tests before the 28th week of pregnancy, so seeing a doctor for regular pregnancy visits allows them to find and manage it throughout pregnancy.
What causes diabetes?
Diabetes is caused by having too much glucose (or sugar) in your blood.
When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose. Your pancreas detects an increase in glucose and produces insulin, which helps the glucose get into your blood cells, where it can be used as energy. If you have diabetes, this system does not work properly.
With Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, so your pancreas may not produce any insulin at all, or it may produce very little insulin. Doctors don’t know what causes the immune system to attack healthy cells, but research shows that genetics and environmental factors play a role.
With Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, and your cells struggle to use the insulin it does produce (this is a condition called insulin resistance). As a result, your blood glucose level remains high, and your cells do not have the energy they need. Doctors don’t fully understand why Type 2 diabetes occurs, but lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or physically inactive, seem to play a role.
Diabetes risk factors
Anyone can develop diabetes, but you might be at higher risk if you have certain risk factors, such as:
- Age: Your risk of Type 2 diabetes increases as you get older. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children and young people.
- Ethnicity: Black people and those from American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Pacific Islander backgrounds are more likely than other groups to be diagnosed diabetes.
- Family history: Having a close relative with diabetes increases your risk.
- Having a large baby: Giving birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure is strongly linked to an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, but the exact connection is unknown.
- History of gestational diabetes: Although gestational diabetes goes away after you have your baby, it increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Other health conditions: Some health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are linked to insulin resistance, which increases your diabetes risk.
- Prediabetes: If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, you are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for long periods of time or not exercising regularly contributes to weight gain, which can put you at greater risk for developing diabetes.
- Smoking: Studies suggest that smokers are between 30% and 40% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
- Weight: You are more likely to develop diabetes if you have a body mass index of 25 or higher or have a large waist size.
Complications
Diabetes can cause serious and life-threatening complications. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves over time, reducing blood flow to other parts of your body and damaging organs and tissues. This is why it’s so important to manage the condition and prioritize your well-being if you live with diabetes.
Complications include:
- Brain Health: Diabetes can affect neurons in your brain, preventing them from responding to insulin. Diabetes can increase the risk of memory problems and dementia.
- Dental problems, including gum disease: High blood sugar and reduced saliva production can affect your teeth and gums.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: This serious condition can develop suddenly and is caused by a lack of insulin or certain diabetes medications, like SGLT2 inhibitors. DKA causes a buildup of acids called ketones and requires immediate medical care.
- Eye conditions: Diabetes can damage your eyes over time, leading to poor vision, diabetic retinopathy or blindness.
- Foot problems: Blood vessels supplying the nerves in your feet can be damaged, leading to pain, diabetic ulcers and infections. If not treated early, these issues can become serious and may even lead to amputation.
- Kidney disease: Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, due to high blood pressure and blood vessel damage in the kidneys.
- Nerve damage: Also known as diabetic neuropathy, can affect many parts of your body, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling or pain – especially in your hands and feet – and may also impact your internal organs.
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): This is a common condition where fat builds up in the liver. It usually doesn’t cause symptoms at first, but over time can lead to serious liver problems if not managed.
- Sexual and bladder problems: Diabetes can cause damage to nerves in your genitals and urinary tract.
- Skin conditions: Diabetes can affect your skin, causing problems like itching, irritation, infections, blisters, bumps, and rashes. These issues may be due to changes in blood flow, your medications, or high blood glucose levels.
Diagnosing diabetes
Your doctor can diagnose diabetes using blood tests that measure levels of glucose in your bloodstream. They will recommend testing if you have symptoms or risk factors for diabetes. If you’re pregnant, your doctor will screen you for gestational diabetes around week 28 of your pregnancy, and if your blood sugar is too high, they may order additional tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Medical history and exam
Your doctor will review your medical history and family history and ask about symptoms you may be experiencing.
They’ll also talk to you about risk factors for diabetes and see if you have any that might suggest you should be screened, even if you don’t have diabetes symptoms. For example, your doctor may recommend diabetes screening if you:
- Are age 35 or older
- Had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
- Have a body mass index (BMI) over 25
- Have prediabetes
Blood tests
The only way to find out if you have diabetes is through a blood test. Doctors use different tests depending on your symptoms and individual circumstances. Some tests require you to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period of time before the test, but not all do. Your doctor may want to repeat a certain test to confirm a diagnosis.
Tests include:
- A1C: This blood test shows your average blood glucose level over the last two to three months. Results are represented in percentages. An A1C of 6.5% or higher means you have diabetes.
- Autoantibodies: This test looks for certain autoantibodies, proteins produced by your immune system that mistakenly attack healthy cells. Autoantibody tests can diagnose Type 1 diabetes.
- Fasting plasma glucose: Your doctor will measure your blood glucose level after you have fasted for at least eight hours. A level of 126 milligrams (mg)/deciliter (dL) or higher often means you have diabetes. This test is usually repeated to be sure, especially if you don’t have symptoms of high blood sugar.
- Glucose challenge test: This test is used to diagnose gestational diabetes. You will drink a sweet liquid, and your blood will be drawn an hour later. If your glucose level is about 135 mg/dL or higher, your doctor may ask you to come back for another test.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: After you’ve fasted for eight hours. Your provider will take a blood sample and then have you drink a sweet liquid. They’ll test your blood again two hours later (or every hour for two to three hours if you’re pregnant). A level of 200 mg/dL means you have diabetes.
- Random plasma glucose test: Your doctor may use this test if you have symptoms of high blood sugar. They’ll take a blood sample to measure your glucose level, regardless of time or whether you have fasted. A level of 200 mg/dL means you have diabetes.
Diabetes treatment
Although diabetes has no cure, treatments and lifestyle choices can help you keep your blood sugar levels within healthy ranges. Managing your blood sugar levels may reduce your risk of complications and long-term health problems.
People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily. People with Type 2 or gestational diabetes may be able to manage their blood sugar levels with lifestyle changes in addition to or instead of taking medications.
Also, diabetes education specialists are trained to support you in making healthy lifestyle changes. They can help you understand what affects your blood sugar levels—like food, activity, stress and medications—and guide you in taking your medications safely. They are a great resource for setting goals, solving problems and staying motivated.
Lifestyle changes
Many people are able to manage Type 2 or gestational diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes. Eating balanced meals, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking can help you feel better and stay healthy.
Your doctor may refer you to a diabetes education specialist for classes or other services, such as creating a meal plan, learning healthy exercise habits and reducing stress. Taking care of your mental health, which includes getting enough sleep, also helps you manage blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
There are different types of medications that can help you manage your glucoses.
- If you have Type 1 diabetes, you will always need insulin
- If you are pregnant and have gestational diabetes, metformin or insulin may be used during pregnancy. They are usually stopped after your baby is born.
- If you have Type 2 diabetes, there are many oral and injectable medications available. Your doctor will choose the best options for you based on your other conditions, lifestyle, and individual needs.
Medication includes:
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: These work by helping your body digest sugar more slowly.
- Bile acid sequestrants: Your doctor may prescribe these medications if you have high cholesterol and diabetes. They reduce your cholesterol levels as well as your blood sugar levels.
- Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors: These types of medicine trigger your pancreas to produce more insulin. They also reduce glucose produced by your liver.
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists: These medications work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that triggers insulin production, reduces blood sugar and controls hunger. They may be injected or taken as a pill.
- Insulin: You can take insulin via a needle and syringe, an insulin pen, an insulin pump, an inhaler, or an insulin jet injector. Insulin comes in different types—some start to work quickly, while others take longer to begin working but last longer in your body.
- Metformin: This medication helps your liver make less glucose and your body use insulin more effectively.
- Meglitinides: Taken at mealtimes, these pills help your body produce more insulin.
- Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2): These increase your body’s sensitivity to glucose and remove excess sugar.
Artificial pancreas
People with Type 1 diabetes may benefit from an artificial pancreas, a closed-loop system that mimics a healthy pancreas. The artificial pancreas uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a small sensor under the skin that continually monitors blood glucose levels. The CGM communicates with a smartphone app or insulin infusion pump and sends signals when the person needs more insulin. The pump delivers a small insulin dose when needed.
Weight loss surgery
Weight loss or bariatric surgery may help people with Type 2 diabetes who are struggling to manage their blood sugar with medication and lifestyle changes. These procedures affect the body in different ways, either by reducing the calories your body absorbs, changing how your body digests food and altering hunger hormones.
There are different types of weight loss surgery available, including:
- Duodenal switch: This procedure reduces the size of the stomach and shortens the small intestine, changing how your body digests and absorbs food.
- Gastric bypass: During gastric bypass surgery, a surgeon creates a small pouch that holds only about an ounce of food and connects the pouch to the small intestine, bypassing part of the digestive system so you absorb fewer calories.
- Gastric sleeve: Gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing most of the stomach and turning the remaining portion into a sleeve about the size of a banana. The new stomach holds less food.
Locations for diabetes care
You’re not alone in managing your diabetes—your care team is here to support you. You’ll find personalized support and expertise in all types of diabetes at our endocrinology and primary care clinics throughout North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White Endocrinology Specialists - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Diabetic Foot and Limb Preservation Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Comprehensive Wound Center and Louise Gartner Center for Hyperbaric Medicine - Dallas
3500 Gaston Ave Barnett Tower, Ste 210, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Endocrinology and Diabetes - Flower Mound
1110 Parker Sq , Flower Mound, TX, 75028
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Endocrinology and Diabetes - Grapevine
1600 W College St Ste 490, Grapevine, TX, 76051
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Endocrinology and Diabetes - Grand Prairie
2740 N State Highway 360 Ste 100, Grand Prairie, TX, 75050
Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine Residency - Waxahachie
2460 N Interstate 35E Ste 215, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Endocrinology and Diabetes - Midway Midlothian
4431 E US Hwy 287 , Midlothian, TX, 76065
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Endocrinology - Fort Worth
1250 8th Ave Ste 650, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Center for Diagnostic Medicine - Temple
1605 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Georgetown
4945 Williams Dr , Georgetown, TX, 78633
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center (Building 1)
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville (Building 1)
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Tech Ridge
500 Canyon Ridge Dr Ste 208, Austin, TX, 78753
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin North Burnet
2608 Brockton Dr , Austin, TX, 78758
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Jollyville Road
11673 Jollyville Rd Ste 205, Austin, TX, 78759
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White West Hills Family Health Center
11805 FM 2244 Rd Ste 100, Bee Cave, TX, 78738
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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What foods should people with diabetes avoid?
People with diabetes do not need to avoid any foods completely, but they should strive to eat a healthy diet that limits sugary foods, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, starchy vegetables, fried foods and foods high in sodium, saturated fats and trans fats.
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Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed?
Type 2 diabetes can’t necessarily be reversed, but losing weight and adopting other lifestyle changes may help you achieve remission. This means that your blood sugar level has been normal for at least three months without medication. Type 2 diabetes is generally considered a lifelong condition.
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How does diabetes affect your life?
Diabetes requires you to make changes to your diet and lifestyle, and although those changes can feel overwhelming, you are not alone. Millions of people are living healthy, fulfilling lives with diabetes. Your healthcare team will help you manage your condition with a personalized treatment plan, which may include blood sugar monitoring, medication, a healthy eating plan, and other lifestyle changes.
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How can I lower my blood sugar after eating a big meal?
Moderate exercise, such as walking and drinking water can help lower blood glucose levels.
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Can people with diabetes drink alcohol?
People with diabetes can drink alcohol in moderation, unless a doctor has said not to. Alcohol can affect your blood sugar and triglyceride levels and contribute to weight gain.
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally defined as one alcoholic drink per day for women and two for men.
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What happens if diabetes is left untreated?
If diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to serious and even life-threatening health problems. These include heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, eye conditions, foot problems, dental problems and sexual and bladder problems.
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Is diabetes genetic
Yes, diabetes can have genetic components, but it depends on the type of diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes can be partially genetic if you have a close relative with it, but environmental triggers play a bigger role.
- Type 2 diabetes is more strongly linked to family history. If one parent has it, your risk is about 40%. If both parents have it, your risk can be 70-80%.
- Gestational diabetes also tends to run in families.
Talk to your doctor about your family history and they can help you reduce your risk of diabetes.
How we reviewed this page
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November 07, 2025
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Medically reviewed by:
Barbara Kocurek, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, FADCES