Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. When
diabetes is left untreated it often leads to many other health
complications. If you or someone you care about has been recently
diagnosed with diabetes, this article will give you some foundational
information to help you learn what you can do to keep this disease from
deteriorating your quality of life.
Diabetes is a disease that affects your body's insulin levels, and therefore your blood sugar levels.
Insulin is created by our bodies to help carry sugar to the cells and it leaves a little left in the blood stream as a backup supply. People with diabetes have issues with their insulin and blood sugar levels (called "glucose"). Diabetics' bodies can't maintain a normal, safe blood sugar level because their insulin doesn't work properly.
We still don't understand all the reasons why people get diabetes. Often diabetes runs in families and certain ethnic groups.
People at risk for diabetes are those who have family history of the disease or are members of some ethnic groups such as African American, Hispanic, Native American including Alaskan, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans. People who are obese (BMI over 30) or who are not physically active are also at risk. Women who developed gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds may also have increased risk for developing diabetes later in life. Other risk factors are age and high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The older you get the greater your risk for diabetes.
Some people have higher than normal glucose levels but they don't have diabetes. These people may be categorized as pre-diabetic because they have a warning signal that there is a potential for diabetes. The warning signal is a higher than normal blood sugar level. You can test your blood sugar with a simple over-the-counter glucometer or by having a fasting blood sugar test performed at your local hospital or doctor's office.
Pre-diabetics can take action now to delay or completely prevent the onset of diabetes. A healthy diet, physical exercise and losing weight can help keep diabetes from developing. If you think you may be pre-diabetic, ask your doctor if you are at risk and if you should be tested for diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes means your body no longer produces insulin, which keeps your blood sugar balanced. Type 1 diabetes must have regular insulin shots to balance their glucose levels. Diet and exercise alone are not enough to control Type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is when the body produces insulin, but the results are abnormal. People with Type 2 diabetes can often control it through diet and exercise and may be able to avoid taking any medications.
When the body doesn't make insulin or the insulin is working properly, then too much blood sugar remains in the blood stream. This is known as high blood sugar, and it is not healthy. High blood sugar can make you feel tired, thirsty, hungry and even give you blurry vision. If blood sugar levels remain too high for too long, then serious health problems can develop.
No matter the type of diabetes, you must learn to adjust your current eating and exercise patterns. You may also need to take medications to help keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Talk with your doctor about your options. You can learn from a diabetic educator nurse, pharmacist and dietician as well.
If diabetes is a part of your life, then you need to learn how to make adjustments to deal with it accordingly. If you ignore diabetes, it will lead to long-term, chronic health problems and even death. Learn to manage diabetes and you can enjoy a long, healthy life.
Diabetes is a disease that affects your body's insulin levels, and therefore your blood sugar levels.
Insulin is created by our bodies to help carry sugar to the cells and it leaves a little left in the blood stream as a backup supply. People with diabetes have issues with their insulin and blood sugar levels (called "glucose"). Diabetics' bodies can't maintain a normal, safe blood sugar level because their insulin doesn't work properly.
We still don't understand all the reasons why people get diabetes. Often diabetes runs in families and certain ethnic groups.
People at risk for diabetes are those who have family history of the disease or are members of some ethnic groups such as African American, Hispanic, Native American including Alaskan, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans. People who are obese (BMI over 30) or who are not physically active are also at risk. Women who developed gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds may also have increased risk for developing diabetes later in life. Other risk factors are age and high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The older you get the greater your risk for diabetes.
Some people have higher than normal glucose levels but they don't have diabetes. These people may be categorized as pre-diabetic because they have a warning signal that there is a potential for diabetes. The warning signal is a higher than normal blood sugar level. You can test your blood sugar with a simple over-the-counter glucometer or by having a fasting blood sugar test performed at your local hospital or doctor's office.
Pre-diabetics can take action now to delay or completely prevent the onset of diabetes. A healthy diet, physical exercise and losing weight can help keep diabetes from developing. If you think you may be pre-diabetic, ask your doctor if you are at risk and if you should be tested for diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes means your body no longer produces insulin, which keeps your blood sugar balanced. Type 1 diabetes must have regular insulin shots to balance their glucose levels. Diet and exercise alone are not enough to control Type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is when the body produces insulin, but the results are abnormal. People with Type 2 diabetes can often control it through diet and exercise and may be able to avoid taking any medications.
When the body doesn't make insulin or the insulin is working properly, then too much blood sugar remains in the blood stream. This is known as high blood sugar, and it is not healthy. High blood sugar can make you feel tired, thirsty, hungry and even give you blurry vision. If blood sugar levels remain too high for too long, then serious health problems can develop.
No matter the type of diabetes, you must learn to adjust your current eating and exercise patterns. You may also need to take medications to help keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Talk with your doctor about your options. You can learn from a diabetic educator nurse, pharmacist and dietician as well.
If diabetes is a part of your life, then you need to learn how to make adjustments to deal with it accordingly. If you ignore diabetes, it will lead to long-term, chronic health problems and even death. Learn to manage diabetes and you can enjoy a long, healthy life.
Jonathan Ling is a professional health care educator, public
speaker and article author with over 15 years of experience. He also
loves to create new websites on a variety of topics. Check out his
latest website, Pool Tables For Sale [http://pooltablesforsalenow.org]
where you can learn the best place to buy a Discount Pool Table
[http://pooltablesforsalenow.org/Discount-Pool-Table.html].
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Ling
No comments:
Post a Comment