Find expert answers to your health questions

American Diabetes Association

Our Mission

Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for those affected by diabetes. We fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes, deliver services to communities, provide objective and credible information, and give voice to those denied rights because of diabetes.

Activity

  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are the types of insulin for diabetes treatment?
    The types of insulin include:
    • Rapid-acting insulin, such as insulin lispro (Eli Lilly), insulin aspart (Novo Nordisk), or insulin glulisine (sanofi-aventis), begins to work about five minutes after injection, peaks in about one hour, and continues to work for two to four hours.
    • Regular or Short
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What will I experience if I am scheduled for surgery and have diabetes?

    If you have diabetes and are having surgery, your experience will include:

    • The surgeon will meet with you at least once before your operation to explain the surgery and what to ex­pect afterward. It’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready.
    • The anesthesiologist, who administers
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How should I eat if I have type 1 diabetes?
    If you have type 1 diabetes, what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat all affect your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Ask to see a dietitian who knows about diabetes. Together, you'll design a meal plan that can help you reach your goals and include your favorite foods....  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What should I consider when choosing an insulin pump?
    There are several insulin pumps on the market today. Your doctor or diabetes educator may prefer one brand over the other. Ask for his or her thoughts on each model. Your best bet may be to talk to other people who use pumps. Find out what they like and what they don’t like about each model. Here...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What can I do if I have trouble mixing insulin?
    Premixed insulins can also be useful for people with eyesight or
    dexterity problems that make drawing different amounts of insulin from two different bottles difficult. You may want to discuss assistive devices for people with impaired sight with your doctor or diabetes educator. A good source of information...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What other diabetes complications can occur with diabetes?

    Some less other diabetes complications include:

    Dental disease

    • Periodontal (gum) disease is more common in people with diabetes. Among young adults, those with diabetes have about twice the risk of those without diabetes.
    • Adults aged 45 years or older with poorly controlled diabetes (A1c > 9%)
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How is diabetes diagnosed?

    There are several ways to diagnose diabetes. Each way usually needs to be repeated on a second day to diagnose diabetes. Testing should be carried out in a health care setting (such as your doctor’s office or a lab). If your doctor determines that your blood glucose level is very high, or if you have

    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Does type 2 diabetes run in families?

    Unlike some traits, diabetes does not seem to be inherited in a simple pattern. Yet clearly, some people are born more likely to get diabetes than others.

    Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes. Yet two factors are important in both. You inherit a predisposition to the disease then something

    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How can I stay safe in hot weather if I have diabetes?
    Dehydration and heat exhaustion can be especially bad for people with diabetes. During extreme heat, try to stay indoors as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids. Seek shelter if you do not have air conditioning and the heat is beginning to make you feel ill. Call your doctor if you feel dizzy,...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Who should get the pneumonia vaccination?
    A pneumonia shot is recommended for anyone aged 2 or older who, because of chronic health problems (such as diabetes) or age, has a greater chance of getting and dying with pneumonia. A pneumonia shot can also protect you from other infections caused by the same bacteria.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What diabetes care tips should I teach my child's babysitter?
    Before leaving your child in someone's care, it's important that the sitter knows that every person with diabetes is different -- and so is their diabetes care plan. Be prepared to train every baby sitter to know:
    • How and when to check blood glucose (BG) and ketones: Demonstrate how to use your
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How does diabetes affect peripheral artery disease (PAD)?
    If you have diabetes, you're much more likely to have peripheral artery disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. But you can cut your chances of having those problems by taking special care of your blood vessels.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
    Become familiar with these warning signs of a heart attack:
    • chest pain or discomfort
    • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach
    • shortness of breath
    • sweating
    • indigestion or nausea
    • light-headedness
    • tiredness or fatigue
    You may not experience all of these symptoms, and they may...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

    Many people with diabetes and peripheral artery disease do not have any symptoms. Some people may experience mild leg pain or trouble walking and believe that it's just a sign of getting older. Others may have the following symptoms:

    • Leg pain, particularly when walking or exercising, which
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What bacterial infections may occur in people with diabetes?
    Several kinds of bacterial infections occur in people with diabetes:
    • styes (infections of the glands of the eyelid)
    • boils
    • folliculitis (infections of the hair follicles)
    • carbuncles (deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath)
    • infections around the nails
    Inflamed tissues are usually...  Full Post