Diabetes is one of the health problems that people from all over the world are having to deal with. In the United States alone, about 20.8 million children and adults have diabetes, and that number continues to grow with each passing day. Although it is not clear as to what exactly causes diabetes, what is clear is that obesity and lack of exercise can increase a person's risk of developing diabetes.
In order to function, the body needs some kind of fuel in the same way that cars need gasoline in order for it to run. The "gasoline" that our body needs in order to for it to function is called glucose. Without glucose, our body will cease to function. Every part of our body, including muscles and major organs, require glucose. When we eat, we supply our body with this fuel. Our body is able to convert sugar into glucose, but glucose is also the result of starches and carbohydrates that have been chemically broken down by the body.
We now know that glucose is the fuel that makes our body work smoothly and efficiently. But how exactly does the glucose reach the different muscles, organs and other parts of the body? Insulin is the hormone that is responsible for transporting the glucose to the different parts of the body. When a person is diabetic, his pancreas is unable to create the necessary amount of insulin needed to distribute the glucose. However, a diabetic person may also be able to produce enough insulin but his body is unable to process the glucose carrying insulin properly. Either way, the glucose stays in the bloodstream, resulting to high blood sugar.
There are three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin (or their pancreas is only able to produce a little of it). This is why they need daily insulin shots to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as insulin dependent diabetes, often starts at childhood. Type 2 diabetes is diabetes that typically develops during adulthood. People with type 2 diabetes are able to produce insulin but their body is not able to process the insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be managed by proper diet and taking oral medications.
Gestational diabetes, as its name implies, is diabetes that develops in women who are pregnant. Gestational diabetes disappears after childbirth.
A big risk factor of diabetes is family history. A person whose parent, sibling or relative has a diabetes is more likely to develop diabetes than a person who doesn't have a family history of diabetes. In addition, people who are over 45 years, overweight or obese, have poor diet or have Native American or African American ancestry are also more likely to become diabetics.
If you have any of the above mentioned diabetes risk factors, you need to be aware of the symptoms of diabetes. It is recommended that you call your doctor if you notice that your appetite increases, you are often thirsty, you are urinating more than usual, your cuts, burns or infections are healing slowly, you experience more infections and your vision becomes blurry.
If diabetes is diagnosed, your treatment may include changing your diet and taking oral medications. Insulin injections are prescribed for severe cases of diabetes. Know that diabetes is condition that can be managed if you follow the proper treatment regimen.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your doctor and a diabetic educator. Also meet with a registered dietitian so you can ask about your diet. Monitor your blood sugar levels often. Read up on diabetes and get to know your condition so you can understand it better and learn how to properly deal with it. If you are overweight, ask your doctor to get you on a weight loss plan. There is no reason for you to stop enjoying life just because you have diabetes.
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