Health Diabetes

Diabetes is the result of high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This condition is caused by too little insulin or resistance to insulin in the body.

When food is eaten it produces glucose which fuels the body. The pancreas produces insulin which is needed to moves the glucose from the bloodstream into the muscles, fat, and liver tissue where it can be used as fuel.

High blood glucose occurs because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the organs did not respond properly to the insulin.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body makes very little or no insulin and daily injections of insulin are required.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when not enough insulin is produced to keep blood sugar levels normal. It usually occurs in adulthood but younger generations are also being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 is the most common and is becoming more prevalent due to an increase in the rate of obesity. Most people don’t know they have Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs when high glucose levels appear in pregnant women who do not have diabetes. They may be at risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Typical Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Nausea
• Weight loss

Some people may not experience any symptoms at all. There is a regiment of tests that can be administered to determine if a diabetic condition is present. As a minimum cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be checked annually.

Treatment

• Blood pressure control
• Self testing
• Exercise
• Weight control
• Medication
• Insulin injections

The goal of treatment is to prolong life by preventing complications such as heart disease, blindness, or kidney failure. There is no cure for diabetes but it can be controlled by a regiment of diet, exercise, medication and education.