Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin. This condition affects an estimated 20.8 million people in the US - nearly 7 percent of the population. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the US and is a growing disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three people born in 2000 will be affected by diabetes. Although diabetes can lead to serious complications, it can often be successfully managed through dedicated, lifelong treatment.
When we eat, our body breaks down most of our food into glucose, a sugar in our blood that is the main source of energy. The glucose from food travels into the bloodstream with the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Our body usually produces enough insulin to move the glucose into the bloodstream, but this process does not work properly in people with diabetes. The pancreas either produces little to no insulin, or the insulin is not utilized properly. This causes a buildup of glucose that then passes out through the urine and does not fuel the body.
There are several different types of diabetes, some of which include:
Diabetes is diagnosed by testing the blood glucose levels. These tests may be performed after fasting, after drinking a beverage high in glucose or randomly. If the blood glucose level is above a certain amount, depending on the conditions of the test, a diabetes diagnosis can be confirmed.
People with diabetes can manage the condition through lifestyle changes, medications, daily insulin injections and glucose level monitoring. Eating healthy and engaging in regular physical activity helps to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
It is important for people with diabetes to take an active role in the management of their condition. Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in preventing episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Many diabetes patients work with a team of specialists to take full control of their condition.
If not treated properly, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. It can also cause permanent eye, foot, skin and bone damage. A lifelong commitment is needed in order to prevent these complications. With practice and dedication, your daily treatment can quickly become just another part of your everyday routine.
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Patients with this condition may already be experiencing the heart damage caused by diabetes, and may notice early symptoms such as darkened areas of skin, increased thirst and urination, fatigue and blurred vision. Pre-diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is very important to diagnose this condition early as weight loss and in some cases medications can prevent or delay the progression to diabetes and its complications.
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