Top Health Concerns of Men > Diabetes

Top Health Concerns of Men > Diabetes
womenshealth.gov

More than 9 out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Many men don't even know they have it until they develop problems such as impotence (erectile dysfunction), vision loss, or kidney disease.

With type 2 diabetes, your body's system for making energy from the foods you eat does not work correctly. Much of the food you eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. Insulin helps the glucose move from your bloodstream into your cells to give them energy. But with type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy: Your cells don't get the fuel they need to function. And over time, high blood sugar levels can hurt many organs in your body.

Some risk factors for type 2 diabetes you can't control, such as your age, race, and family history. But you can prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes by taking these steps:

* Eat mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods.
* Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Get your blood sugar level checked regularly, as advised by your doctor.
* Know your family's diabetes history and discuss it with your doctor.

Another form of diabetes, type 1 diabetes, is far less common than type 2. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-making cells. There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

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