If
the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin does not work the way it
should glucose is not able to enter the body's cells. Instead the glucose must
remain in the blood causing an increase in blood glucose level. This high blood
glucose level causes pre-diabetes or diabetes.
Pre-diabetes
means that blood glucose level is higher than average but not high enough for a
diabetes diagnosis. Having pre-diabetic glucose levels increases risk for
developing type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease and stroke. Still, if you
have pre-diabetes there are many ways to reduce your risk of getting type 2
diabetes. Moderate physical activity and a healthy diet accompanied by modest
weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes and help a person with pre-diabetes to
return to normal blood glucose levels.
Symptoms
of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, being very hungry,
feeling tired, weight loss without trying, the appearance of sores that slowly
heal, having dry and itchy skin, loss of feeling or tingling in feet, and
blurry eyesight. Still, some people with diabetes do not experience any of
these symptoms.
Diabetes
can be developed at any age. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1,
type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type
1 diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent
diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this
type of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas are no longer able to produce
insulin because they have been destroyed by the body's immune system.
Type
2 diabetes is also referred to as adult-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependent
diabetes. It may be developed at any age, including childhood. In this type of
diabetes is the result of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body's
cells do not interact properly with insulin. At first, the pancreas is able to
produce more insulin to keep up with the increased demand for insulin. However,
it loses the ability to make up for the body's cells inability to interact properly
with insulin with time. The insulin is unable to help the cells take in
glucose, this results in high blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is the most
common form of diabetes. An unhealthy weight contributed by a high calorie diet
and lack of physical activity increases the risk for developing this form of
diabetes.
African
Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Asian and
Pacific Islanders are at especially high risk for developin Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational
diabetes refers to the development of diabetes in the late stages of pregnancy.
It is caused by hormones associated with pregnancy and a shortage of insulin.
This form of diabetes goes away after the baby is born, but puts both the
mother and child at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes in later
life.
Diabetes
is a serious disease and when it is not well controlled, it damages the eyes,
kidneys, nerves, heart, gums, and teeth. Having diabetes makes one more than
twice as likely as someone without diabetes to have heart disease or stroke.
It
is important to keep blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under
control to avoid the serious complications associated with diabetes. Taking
steps to control diabetes can make a large impact in the one's health.
Risk
Factors and Prevention
Diabetes
is a serious disease with no cure. Controlling blood glucose levels, blood
pressure, and cholesterol can help prevent or delay complications associated
with diabetes such as heart disease and stroke. Much research is being done to
find ways to treat diabetes.
Risk
Factors
Type
1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is the
result of the body's own immune system, which fights infections, turning
against part of the body.
Currently,
it is unclear what exactly causes the body's immune system to turn on itself
attacking and destroying the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. There are
genetic and environmental factors, such as viruses, involved in the development
of type 1 diabetes. Researchers are working to identify these factors and
prevent type 1 diabetes in those at risk.
Type
2 diabetes is associated with being overweight, high blood presure, and
abnormal cholestorol levels. Being overweight can contribute to one's body
using insulin correctly.
Other
risk factors include:
- Having a family history of diabetes, perhaps in a parent, brother, or sister.
- Being of African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino descent.
- Having a history of heart disease.
- Having a history of gestational diabetes.
- An inactive lifestyle
Prevention
Modest
changes in lifestyle can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in
those at risk. Here are some helpful tips.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight has many negative effects on one's health and can prevent the body from properly using insulin. It also can contribute to high blood pressure. Research shows that even a modest amount of weight loss can reduce one's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Make healthy food choices. What we put into our bodies has big consequences in our health and how our body functions. Eating healthy helps control body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
- Be active. Find a physical activity you enjoy and that gets your heart pumping, perhaps walking briskly, dancing, or yard work. Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week - research shows that this helps to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
and Diagnosis
Diabetes
is sometimes referred to as a "silent" disease because people may not
show any signs or symptoms. Symptoms of diabetes include: excessive thirst
frequent urination, being very hungry, feeling tired, weight loss without
trying, the appearance of sores that slowly heal, having dry and itchy skin,
loss of feeling or tingling in feet, and blurry eyesight. Still, some people
with diabetes do not experience any of these symptoms.
Symptoms
for type 2 diabetes develop gradually, while type 1 diabetes develops more
quickly.
Doctors
use different tests to diagnose diabetes. Tests to diagnose diabetes and
pre-diabetes include the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test and the oral glucose
tolerance test (OGTT). A random plasma glucose test allows doctors to diagnose
only diabetes.
If
any of these tests show that you might have diabetes, your doctor will need to
repeat the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a
different day to confirm the diagnosis.
Older
adults are at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, particularly if they
are overweight. Doctors recommend that those over 45 years of age be tested for
diabetes especially if they are overweight.
Diabetes
is a serious disease that can lead to pain, disability, and death. Sometimes
people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. They delay scheduling a
checkup because they do not feel sick.
Despite
the risk of diabetes due to age and weight status, people often delay having a
checkup because they do not feel any symptoms. Sometimes, people experience
symptoms do not realize that it may be diabetes. Still, diabetes is a serious
disease which, if left untreated, may lead to hazardous complications and even
death.
Often
times, people are not diagnosed with diabetes until they experience one of its
complications, such as heart trouble or difficulty seeing. Early detection can
prevent or delay such complications, making checkups all the more important.
Treatment
There
is no cure for diabetes, but with careful control of blood glucose level, as
well as cholesterol levels and blood pressure, it can be managed.
People
with type 1 diabetes use insulin injections, by shots or an insulin pump, to
control their blood glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes use oral
medications, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels. In some
cases of type 2 diabetes, a person can use diet and exercise alone to maintain
appropriate blood glucose levels.
Managing
your blood glucose includes several lifestyle changes. These include:
- Follow a meal plan that makes sense for you and how your body responds to the different foods that you eat.
- Incorporate physical activity into your daily life.
- Take the appropriate diabetes medicine and check your blood glucose levels in a manner that is consistent with your doctors recommendations is also key.
Treatment
and Research - Diet and Exercise
Follow
a Meal Plan
To
keep your blood glucose level in the correct range, it is very important to
make healthy choices when it comes to what foods you eat. People with diabetes
should have their own meal plan that makes sense with how their body responds
to the different type so of food that they eat. If you ask, doctors can give
you the contact information of a dietitian or diabetes educator who can help
you to construct an appropriate meal plan.
When
you develop your meal plan, several things should be considered such as your
weight, daily physical activity, blood glucose levels, and medications. A meal
plan will help you to achieve a healthy weight for those who are overweight in
addition to helping control blood glucose levels. A dietitian can help clarify
misconceptions about healthy eating as well as ease you and your family into a
plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
It
is not necessary for people with diabetes to only eat particular foods, rather
food that are good for everyone are also good for diabetics. Such food includes
those that are low in fat, salt, and sugar. Foods that are high in fiber, such
as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables are also great choices. Making
healthy choices in your diet will help you to achieve and maintain a healthy
weight, control your blood glucose levels, and prevent heart disease.
Get
Regular Physical Activity
Staying
active is very important for people diagnosed with diabetes. Research has shown
better blood glucose levels in older adults and senior citizens who take part
in a regular fitness program. Exercise offers many health benefits that are
especially important for people with diabetes. It helps you to reach and
maintain a healthy weight, promotes insulin functioning to lower blood glucose,
strengthens the heart and lungs, and increases energy.
If
exercise is new to you, talk with your doctor before you begin. Some exercises,
for example weightlifting, may not be safe for people with eye problems or high
blood pressure. Ask your doctor to check your heart and feet to make sure you
do not have any special problems associated with diabetes. Moreover, ask you
doctor to help you find exercises that are safe for you.
Make
physical activity a part of your daily life. Go on walks, ride a bike, or
garden. Try dancing or swimming, or simply stay active by doing work around the
house. Try different activities and look for ways to increase physical activity
in your everyday life. Try to get some sort of exercise every day for at least
30 minutes. If you are new to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase
the amount and intensity of your exercise.
Medication
Insulin
People
with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes use Insulin to lower
blood glucose levels. People must take insulin when their body does not take
enough of it. Insulin is a liquid hormone that must be injected with shots or
an insulin pump.
Diabetes
Pills
In
many cases of type 2 diabetes, the body makes enough insulin but is not
properly used by the body. Diabetes pills are used to correct this problem.
Some are taken once daily while others must be taken more often. It is
important to ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take your pills. Also, be
sure to talk with your doctor if you are experiencing side effects or your
pills make you sick. Finally, remember that diabetes pills should be used in
addition to a healthy diet and exercise.
Other
cases of type 2 diabetes do not require insulin or diabetes pills, rather a
healthy diet and regular physical activity will treat their diabetes.
Self-Monitoring
It
is important to keep track of your blood glucose levels regularly by using a
blood glucose monitor. Logging these levels in a diary may also be helpful to
get a better idea of how your treatment is going. Some people must check their
blood glucose levels several times a day while others check it once daily. Ask
your doctor how often you should test your blood.
Monitoring
your glucose levels will help you detect "highs" and
"lows." A condition referred to as hypoglycemia results when glucose
levels fall too low. When this happens a person may become shaky and confused.
If blood glucose levels decrease too much, a person may faint. Following the
treatment plan recommended by your doctor as well as monitoring your blood
glucose levels can help you avoid "lows." If you check your glucose
level and it is too low, you can increase it by taking in sugary foods or
drinks like fruit juice.
A
condition referred to as hyperglycemia results when glucose levels are too
high. If blood glucose is too high, it can cause a person to go into a coma. If
you experience persistent "highs," talk with your doctor, you may
need to adjust your treatment plan.
ABCs
of Monitoring Diabetes
People
with diabetes are at especially high risk for developing heart disease and
stroke. Because of this, it is very important to monitor your diabetes using
your "ABCs."
A.
A1C or average blood glucose
B. Blood pressure
C. Cholesterol
B. Blood pressure
C. Cholesterol
The
A1C (A-one-C) test is a good measure of what your blood glucose level is most
of the time. A test result lower than 7 is positive sign that your diabetes is
under control. A test result that is greater than 7 means that blood glucose
levels are too high. If your A1C is too high, take action. Talk with your
doctor about changing your treatment plan and lifestyle to reach your goal.
Lowering your A1C to a healthy level, will help you avoid the complications
associated with diabetes such as heart disease and kidney damage.
High
blood pressure can lead to stroke, kidney disease, and other complications.
Generally people with diabetes want to keep their blood pressure less than
130/80. Have your blood pressure checked at every doctor visit. If it is too
high, talk with your doctor about how you can lower it.
Cholesterol,
particularly LDL cholesterol, is a fat like substance that builds up in your
arteries. If your cholesterol levels are too high it causes your arteries
narrow. This can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. People with diabetes
should try to keep their cholesterol less than 100. Have your doctor check your
cholesterol, and if it is too high talk with him or her about how to reach your
cholesterol goal.
Foot
and Skin Care
High
glucose levels and decreased blood supply to the limbs can cause severe nerve
damage and loss of feeling. Unnoticed injuries can contribute to ulcers, which
may lead to amputation. Because of this, foot care is very important for people
with diabetes. Check your feet every day for cuts, ret spots, sores, infected
toenails, and swelling. Report any issues to your doctor, and be sure to have
your feet checked at every doctor visit. People with diabetes are more likely
to experience skin injuries and infections; for this reason, taking care of
your skin is also important.
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