Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

What is diabetes and who is at risk for getting it?

Diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from producing and using insulin. Insulin is needed to get glucose (sugar) into the body's cells. Sugar is used as fuel by the body.

People with diabetes can live healthy, normal lives if they keep the disease in control. When diabetes is not in control, blood glucose levels remain high. The results can be devastating. Blindness, nerve damage, amputations, kidney disease, heart disease, and strokes are common results of uncontrolled diabetes. It is important to keep diabetes under control.

Anyone who has a family history of diabetes is at risk for having the disease. Certain people are more likely to have diabetes than others including Native Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans. Women who experienced diabetes only while pregnant are more likely to develop the disease later in life. People who are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and fail to exercise regularly are also at risk. Family history and race cannot be changed, but excess weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and lack of regular exercise are controllable.

Individuals with any risk factor should be tested for diabetes each year. Individuals without risk should be tested yearly beginning at age 45. Warning signs such as excessive thirst, increased appetite, increased urination, unexplained weight loss, or frequent vaginal infections should be reported to a doctor. For more information about diabetes and glucose screening, see your doctor or contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810)257-3134.