What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is simply abnormally high blood sugar due to lack of the hormone insulin. It is the insulin that naturally regulates the amount of sugar in our blood. Symptoms include excessive thirst & urination, blurred vision, weight loss and lethargy.
Types Of Diabetes
There are 3 types of diabetes: Type I, Type II & gestational. All are basically the result of an abnormality in the pancreas. The pancreas has what are called beta cells. It is these cells that produce insulin. With this disease the beta cells are unable to produce sufficient insulin to compensate for high sugar levels.
All 3 types of diabetes are treated with both insulin supplements and dietary restrictions. The insulin of today is made synthetically and is very similar to human insulin.
Effects Of Diabetes
This disease has both acute and long-term consequences. If the sugar levels in a person’s blood are left untreated an immediate diabetic coma is the result. In addition patients with diabetes are at high risk for heart disease, blindness, renal failure, nerve and circulatory problems. In addition wounds are slow to heal which can result in gangrene and a risk for amputation.
While Type I diabetes is not preventable, Type II diabetes can be prevented or slowed. Maintaining a proper weight and getting plenty of cardiovascular exercise are vital to prevention of this disease. In addition a healthy diet with less fat, calories, and refined sugar will also help in prevention of its onset.
It is a good idea to undergo regular screening for this disease. This is especially true if diabetes runs in your family. Tests should include a random blood glucose test, a fasting blood glucose test, and a glucose tolerance test. At the very least your doctor should start screening you for this disease once you pass the age of 40.
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