DIABETES What is
DIABETES? Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body uses blood sugar, or
glucose,which is your body''s main source of fuel. Most of what we eat turns into glucose, and our body uses for energy. A harmone called insulin helps glucose enter into the body''s cells. When you have diabetes, your body does not produce or properly use insulin, causing a buildup of the sugars in your blood. What are the common symptoms? a) Frequent urination b) Excessive thirst c) Unexplained weight loss d) Extreme hunger e) Sudden vision changes f) Tingling or numbness in hands or feet g) Excessive fatigue h) Very dry skin i) Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal j) Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections A person with type 2 diabetes may not have any of these symptoms. That is why it is often called the " Silent Killer." Is diabetes contagious? Unlike the cold or flu, diabetes is not caused by a germ or virus The cause of diabetes contiues to be mystery, scientists believe that autoimune,genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of this disease. What is Insulin? Insulin is a harmone released from the pancreas. It is the primary substance responsible for stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Insulin allows glucose to be transported into cells so the body can create energy. The rise in blood - sugar levels after eating or drinking stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin,causing blood - sugar levels to fall gradually. How do you check your blood - sugar levels? Blood - sugar levels are often checked at a routine physical examination . A blood sample is usually taken after you have fasted for about eight hours. Some elevation of blood - sugar levels after eating is normal,but even then, the levels shouldn''t be very high. Is there more than one type of diabetes? There are three types of diabetes characterized by high levels of blood glucose as a result of improper insulin production: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Each type is associated with serious complications. Who is at greater risk for type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin - dependent diabetes or juvenileonset diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin at all. Most develop the disease before age 30. Who is at greater risk for type 2? Type 2 diabetes was previously called non - insulin - dependent diabetes, or adultonset. The pancreas continues to manufacture insulin, sometimes at higher than normal levels. But the body develops a resistance to its effects, resulting in an insulin deficiency. This disease commonly begins after the age of 30 and becomes more common with age. Risk factors for type 2 include : older age,obesity, a family history of diabetes prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity. What is gestational diabetes? This type of diabetes develops in 2 to 5 percent of all pregnancies but disappears when the pregnancy is over.During pregnancy,Gestational diabetes requires treatment to normalize maternal blood - glucose levels to avoid compications in the infant. What is prediabetes? Before individual develops type 2 diabetes, they almost always have pre - diabetes. In such cases, the blood - glucose levels are higher than normal but are not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. If you have pre - diabetes and take action to manage your blood glucose levels through changes in your diet and increased exercises, research has shown that you can delay or prevent developing type 2 diabetes. What treatments are available? Managing blood - glucose levels should be planned with a qualified health care team.The main goal is to keep blood - sugar levels within a normal range. Treatment requires constant attention to weight control, exercise and diet.In type 1 diabetes, insulin - replacement therapy must be used. Insulin can be administered via injections or via an insulin pump that patients wear around the clock. Because insulin is destroyed in the stomach, it cannot be taken by mouth. Is there cure for diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure. What are the complications? Many people first become aware that they are diabetic after developing one of the following life - threatening complications: a) Heart disease b) Blindness c) Kidney failure d) Need for amputation of a lower extremity other complications can include poor healing and deep infections caused by poor circulation. ** If you weigh the same as or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes. * At - risk weight chart * Body Mass Index HEIGHT WEIGHT in feet and inches