DIABETES

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.  Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose.  Diabetes is caused in the absence or insufficient of insulin. 

There are  two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Type one is juvenile onset diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in children and teens. In this case the body does not produce insulin, which is used by the body to convert sugars into energy.

The adult onset diabetes is known as type two diabetes, where in either the body has insufficient insulin or the cells in the body does not have sufficient receptors which aid insulin in its typical functions. Diabetes is a grim sickness; however with the numerous research going on this subject, diabetic persons can now live long and satisfying lives.

   Diabetes treatment depends on the type and severity of the diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet.
• Type 2 diabetes is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.

  Sign and Symptoms for Diabetes

Symptoms for diabetes will show up if your body is not correctly processing glucose. Glucose is the result of your body breaking down the food that you eat. For glucose to be properly absorbed by your cells, the body must produce the right amount of insulin. If the body does not produce the correct amount of insulin your cells will be starved producing high glucose levels that can cause harm to your eyes, heart, and kidneys.

Frequent urination is one sign of diabetes. Urine may have a fruity smell due to high sugar levels.

        Other signs and symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, weight loss, blurry vision, and fatigue.

What is the impact of diabetes?

Over time, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage. These types of damage are the result of damage to small vessels, known microvascular disease. Diabetes is also an important factor in accelerating the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), leading to strokes, coronary heart disease, and other large blood vessel diseases.

Treatment of Diabetes

A newly diagnosed diabetic needs to seek treatment.

 Type one diabetics, and some type two diabetics, will need to give themselves injections of insulin. Diabetics also need to be sure to have a balanced diet, and they also often need to eat on a schedule. Those diagnosed with diabetes must also be sure to exercise regularly, since exercise has been shown to help control blood sugar.

People diagnosed with diabetes have to be careful about their sugar and carbohydrates in take. As you all know carbohydrates get converted to sugars in the body.

Different ways to take an active role in diabetes

1. Make a commitment to managing your diabetes.

 Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your blood sugar level, and follow your doctor’s instructions for keeping your blood sugar level within your target range

2. Don’t smoke.

Smoking increases your risk of various diabetes complications, including heart attack, stroke, nerve damage and kidney disease

3. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

Like diabetes, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels. High cholesterol is a concern, too, since the damage is often worse and more rapid when you have diabetes. When these conditions team up, they can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions.

Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol. Sometimes medication is needed, too.

4. Schedule yearly physicals and regular eye exams.

5. Keep your vaccines up to date.

High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, which makes routine vaccines more important than ever.

6. Take care of your teeth.

Diabetes may leave you prone to gum infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss your teeth once a day, and schedule dental exams at least twice a year. Consult your dentist right away if your gums bleed or look red or swollen.

7. Pay attention to your feet.

High blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet and reduce blood flow to your feet. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can lead to serious infections. To prevent foot problems:

·         Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water.

·         Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes.

·         Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion.

·         Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, sores, redness or swelling.

·         Consult your doctor if you have a sore or other foot problem that doesn’t start to heal      within a few days.

8. Take a daily aspirin.

Aspirin reduces your blood’s ability to clot. Taking a daily aspirin can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke — major concerns when you have diabetes

9. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly.

Alcohol can cause low blood sugar, depending on how much you drink

10. Take stress seriously.

If you’re stressed, it’s easy to neglect your usual diabetes care routine. The hormones your body may produce in response to prolonged stress may prevent insulin from working properly, which only makes matters worse. To take control, set limits. Prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques. Get plenty of sleep.