How do people get type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Content Outline

• How do you get diabetes?
• How do people get type 1 diabetes?
• How do people get type 2 diabetes?
• How does obesity cause diabetes?
• How do you know if you have diabetes?
• How do doctors test for diabetes?
• How can you test for diabetes at home?
• How do you test for type 1 versus type 2 diabetes?
• How do you know if you have gestational diabetes?
• Diabetes Care in Kingman, AZ – Northern Arizona Medical Group

How do you get diabetes?

Diabetes happens when your body cannot properly manage blood sugar due to problems with insulin, the hormone that moves sugar into your cells. It can be caused by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells (type 1) or insulin resistance combined with inadequate insulin production (type 2). Genetics, lifestyle, obesity, and environment all play roles.

Globally, approximately 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes in 2024, and this number is expected to rise to 853 million by 2050. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90-95% of these cases. The global diabetes prevalence in adults has nearly doubled from around 7% in 1990 to 14% in 2022, largely driven by increasing obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles. Most people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to treatment is often limited. Obesity is the leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes, contributing to over half of related disability-adjusted life years worldwide.

How do people get type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in genetically susceptible individuals and may be triggered by environmental factors such as viruses. It often appears suddenly, mostly in children and young adults.

How do people get type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body's cells become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas cannot keep up with producing enough insulin. Risk factors include obesity (especially central obesity), aging, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, genetics, and some ethnicities.
It develops gradually and is the most common form, making up about 90-95% of diabetes cases.

How does obesity cause diabetes?

Obesity causes insulin resistance by leading to excess fat accumulation in organs like the liver and muscles, impairing their response to insulin. This raises blood sugar levels and forces the pancreas to produce more insulin. Over time, the pancreas cannot keep up, which contributes to type 2 diabetes development. Losing 7-10% of body weight can halve the risk of diabetes in obese individuals.

How do you know if you have diabetes?

Common symptoms include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss, slow healing wounds, and frequent infections. However, type 2 diabetes can be symptomless early on, so testing is essential for diagnosis.

How do doctors test for diabetes?

Doctors use blood tests such as:

• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test (≥126 mg/dL)
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) (2-hour glucose ≥200 mg/dL)
• Hemoglobin A1c test (≥6.5%)

A combination of these tests confirms a diabetes diagnosis. Routine blood work may not test this unless specifically requested.

How can you test for diabetes at home?

Home glucose monitors measure blood sugar levels and are useful for people already diagnosed with diabetes to manage it. They are not used for initial diagnosis.

How do you test for type 1 versus type 2 diabetes?

Doctors may test for autoantibodies (present in type 1 diabetes) and measure C-peptide levels to assess how much insulin your pancreas produces, helping differentiate between type 1 and type 2.

How do you know if you have gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy with glucose challenge tests usually done between 24 and 28 weeks gestation. It involves a blood test after drinking a glucose solution to measure how your body processes sugar.

Diabetes Care in Kingman, AZ – Northern Arizona Medical Group

At Northern Arizona Medical Group in Kingman, AZ 86409, we specialize in comprehensive diabetes care for our local community. Whether you are newly diagnosed or managing type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, our trusted team is here to provide personalized care close to home in Mohave County.

Why Choose Our Diabetes Care in Arizona?

• ✔ Accurate Testing & Diagnosis – A1C testing, fasting blood sugar, and gestational diabetes screenings.
• ✔ Personalized Treatment Plans – Insulin management, medications, and lifestyle counseling.
• ✔ Weight & Nutrition Support – Guidance to help manage obesity, the leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• ✔Ongoing Monitoring & Education – Helping Kingman residents live healthier, longer lives.

Serving Kingman & Surrounding Areas

We proudly care for patients throughout Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, Golden Valley, and across Mohave County, AZ. Diabetes rates are rising across Arizona, but with the right support, you can take control of your health.

Take the First Step Toward Better Health

• Schedule your appointment online
• Visit at Northern Arizona Medical Group
• Call us today at 928-757-8440 to schedule your diabetes consultation.

Don't wait — schedule your your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier future.

Quick Answers About Diabetes Care in Kingman, AZ

Q: Where can I get diabetes testing in Kingman, AZ?

A: You can get comprehensive diabetes testing—including fasting glucose, A1C, and oral glucose tolerance tests—at Northern Arizona Medical Group in Kingman, AZ. Our clinic provides fast, accurate results so you can take charge of your health.

Q: Does Northern Arizona Medical Group provide insulin management?

You can get A1C, fasting glucose, and other diabetes tests at Northern Arizona Medical Group in Kingman, AZ.

Q: Can I be screened for gestational diabetes at your Kingman clinic?

A: Absolutely. We provide gestational diabetes testing between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, along with care plans to keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Q: What symptoms should I watch for if I think I have diabetes?

A: Common warning signs include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, blurry vision, unexplained weight changes, and slow-healing wounds. If you notice these, visit our Kingman diabetes clinic for testing.

Q: Do you offer nutrition and weight management support for diabetes?

A: Yes. Our team provides nutrition counseling and weight management programs, since maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.