What exactly is Diabetes?
Diabetes or hyperglycemia is when insulin and glucose levels in the blood are imbalanced. Insulin regulates glucose levels by converting glucose into energy which cells use as fuel. If glucose is not properly converted, damage to organs and other complications can occur.
The proper definition of diabetes is the elevated level of glucose or sugar in the blood. The body naturally regulates these levels by producing insulin which converts glucose into energy for the cells to use as fuel. If insulin cannot perform its job properly, glucose levels rise resulting in complications of this disease. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination and excessive thirst.
Here are the two forms of diabetes:
Type 1: This form is genetic. With this type, the pancreas does not make insulin. This form is typically diagnosed in children. Type 2: This form of diabetes is based on metabolism. In this case, the body is performing insulin production; however the body is resistant to it.
Both types of diabetes create increased glucose levels in the blood that must be monitored on a daily basis.
Anyone who has family members diagnosed with diabetes, is overweight or leads a sedentary lifestyle is at risk for this disease.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
There are many different symptoms of diabetes. In addition, not everyone will display any or all of these signs. Some of the symptoms include:
- increased urination, extreme thirst, non healing wounds, fatigue, irritability and headache.
The body reacts to protect itself by getting rid of the excess glucose through the kidneys causing frequent urination or polyuria. With frequent urination comes dehydration which causes the excessive thirst and headache. These symptoms are the same as dehydration caused by a hangover.
Excessive weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle are extreme risk factors for diabetes.
How do I find out if I have it?
The first step to knowing your risks is knowing the signs. From there, a visit with a medical professional will determine if you indeed have the disease. By performing specific tests, a doctor can diagnose your risk factors, whether you have it and what type you have. How is diabetes diagnosed by a doctor?
Tests that measure the amount of glucose levels in the blood will be performed. The generalized level is between 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl.
What Is the Treatment for Diabetes?
Treatments for diabetes include dietary changes, exercise 3 to 4 times a week, daily monitoring of glucose levels and insulin injections by syringe, pump or prefilled pens.
The main goal for treating diabetes is to regulate glucose levels while preventing the disease from progressing further and causing other complications.
