My grandpa and papa has diabetes. Recently, I have obvious symptoms of diabetes too… A close person to me is also facing the same situation… It scares us. For you out there who is reading this, feel free to read on to know more about diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Some folks may still call it “sugar.” But, there’s nothing sweet about being diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a life-changing health condition that is a daily reality in the lives of nearly 24 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Simply put, a diabetic’s body doesn’t make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes effectively.
For example, food is broken down into glucose (or sugar), which travels through the blood, moves into the cells and turns into fuel for your body. In people with diabetes, the glucose can’t move into the cells. This raises their blood glucose levels, which can cause such symptoms as blurry vision, thirstiness, and weakness. Left unchecked, high-glucose levels can lead to various forms of diabetes, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Is it a death sentence? It doesn’t have to be. Will it alter the way you live day-to-day? Yes. As a person with diabetes, you’ll have to learn how to check your blood sugar level and more than likely, you’ll need insulin shots or pills each day to control sudden highs (hyperglycemia) and sudden lows (hypoglycemia). You may also require other medicines to take care of related health conditions.
But, by making healthful food choices, exercising regularly and taking your medication properly, those with diabetes can potentially decrease their need for meds and live full, productive lives.
Left unmanaged, diabetes can bring on complications such as heart disease, problematic vision, kidney disease, stroke, nerve damage and loss of limbs. That’s why it’s critical to manage this disease.
Symptoms of Type 1
Children who have type 1 diabetes show the following symptoms:
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Overwhelming thirst that does not go away.
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Frequent and/or uncontrollable urination
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Weight loss or weight gain
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Fatigue
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Nausea or vomiting
Type 1 diabetes can be treated. But, it can also do damage to the diabetic’s body if the symptoms are ignored. Some complications of type 1 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Seek a health care provider’s or a doctor’s medical care if you or child is experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetes.
Symptoms of Type 2
Adults who develop type 2 diabetes may display the following symptoms:
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Overwhelming thirst that does not go away.
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Frequent and/or uncontrollable urination
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Fatigue
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Blurred vision
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Slow-healing infections
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Impotence in men
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call a doctor. Diabetes can be treated, but it can also do damage to your body if the symptoms are ignored.
FAQs:
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which sugar builds up in the blood. People with diabetes can have heart, kidney, eye problems and other related complications.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes mostly occurs in children and teens. The body doesn’t make any insulin at all. Type 2 diabetes mostly occurs in adults. The body still makes insulin, but not enough for what the body needs.
How do you get diabetes?
You cannot prevent type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by poor diet, being over weight, and not being physically active.
How can you treat diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin. For type 2 diabetes, both insulin and pills can be used. Exercise, healthy eating and weight loss are also part of the treatment.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a chemical made in the pancreas. It helps control sugar levels in the blood.
What are some long term effects of diabetes?
Diabetes can lead to serious problems such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputations, nerve damage, and kidney disease. It is important to take care of yourself by taking your medicine, being active and eating a healthy diet.
What are risk factors for developing diabetes?
The causes and risks for type 1 diabetes are still unknown. The most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes is being overweight. Other risks include older age, lack of exercise, family history, race (it’s more common in people of Aboriginal, African, Asian or Latin American descent) high blood pressure and cholesterol.
What are some ways to prevent getting type 2 diabetes?
The best way to try to prevent type 2 diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Other helpful things are to eat nutritious foods low in fat and sugar and to stay active through exercise. If you think you might be at risk for diabetes, you should talk to you doctor about the best way to prevent the disease.
How many people have diabetes?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, as of 2007, 23.6 million people live with diabetes in the United States. But, there are many people living with the disease and they don’t even know it.
Is there a cure for diabetes?
Right now, there is no cure for diabetes. But, there are many treatments and medicines you can take, such as insulin. Treatment also includes weight loss, a good diet and being active.
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melvintay
