What exactly is Diabetes?

When there is an imbalance of insulin and glucose in the blood that causes glucose levels to be abnormally high, this is a condition called diabetes, or hyperglycemia. Insulin serves to regulate glucose levels to stay within normal values. In the absence of adequate insulin, glucose isn’t changed into energy for the cells to use as fuel, leading to organ damage and complications.

The proper definition of diabetes is the elevated level of glucose or sugar in the blood. The body naturally regulates these levels by producing insulin which converts glucose into energy for the cells to use as fuel. If insulin cannot perform its job properly, glucose levels rise resulting in complications of this disease. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination and excessive thirst.

Here are the two forms of diabetes:

Type 1: This form of diabetes is genetic and is commonly diagnosed in children. In this case, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin. Type 2: This form of diabetes is metabolic and is the result of the proper production of insulin, but the body is resistant to it.

Both forms of diabetes create an elevation in glucose levels in the blood and therefore must be monitored daily.

Anyone who has family members diagnosed with diabetes, is overweight or leads a sedentary lifestyle is at risk for this disease.

What are the symptoms?

Diabetes has many varying symptoms and not everyone will experience them. Some of the most common signs include:

- Headache, irritability, extreme thirst, frequent urination and non healing wounds.

Due to the buildup of glucose in the blood, the body tries to get rid of it via the kidneys, resulting in polyuria (increased urination). Frequent trips to the bathroom cause dehydration, which explains the extreme thirst and headache. Dehydration is the same reason for the headache of a hangover.

Excessive weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle are extreme risk factors for diabetes.

How Can I Find Out If I Have Diabetes?

The first step to knowing your risks is knowing the signs. From there, a visit with a medical professional will determine if you indeed have the disease. By performing specific tests, a doctor can diagnose your risk factors, whether you have it and what type you have. How is diabetes diagnosed by a doctor?

Your doctor will order diagnostic testing that tests your blood for glucose levels. Normal blood glucose is between 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl.

What Treatments are there for Diabetes?

Common treatments for diabetes include daily monitoring of glucose levels, dietary changes, exercise three to four times a week and insulin injections either by syringe, pump or prefilled pens.

The main goal for treating diabetes is to regulate glucose levels while preventing the disease from progressing further and causing other complications.

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