Diabetes is affecting more people than ever before.
It is a potentially chronic disease that affects the blood glucose or blood sugar level in the body.
It is caused when the body can no longer produce enough insulin to control the glucose levels in the blood.
This results in the body having difficulty in absorbing the glucose which then accumulates and results in medical complications.
Like a car needs gas, your body needs glucose to function effectively however, too much of it can be hazardous to your health.
People with diabetes have to carefully control their glucose levels effectively to avoid any serious damage to their body.
Sufferers who have the more chronic types of diabetes have to manage and control their blood sugar levels throughout their life however, certain types of diabetes when diagnosed early can be reversed with treatment and certain lifestyle changes.
Different Types of Diabetes Although there are many types of diabetes there are 3 types that are most common.
Type 1 diabetes is when the body can not produce insulin by itself.
It is the most severe type and is commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence.
Type 2 diabetes usually happens later on in life and the third type is gestational diabetes which commonly affects women during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is the most difficult type to diagnose as there are few detectable symptoms therefore, it is common for women to be screened for this condition during the 2nd trimester.
Diabetic Symptoms Diabetes has a number of common symptoms that may indicate the early development of the disease.
Symptoms to look out for are dryness of the mouth, an increase in thirst and urination and feelings of hunger.
Other symptoms can include unusual weight loss, blurred vision and an overall sense of tiredness and lack of energy.
If these symptoms persist then go see your doctor for a check-up.
If it is diabetes and the symptoms are identified in the early stages then you have a greater chance that the disease can be controlled.
Treatment for Diabetes There is no one particular way to treat diabetes.
In many cases it takes a combined approach that involves medication, diet and lifestyle changes to control the level of glucose in the blood.
Treatment requires the regular monitoring of glucose levels blood with the necessary medication to control it.
Other lifestyle changes will include eating a far healthier diet with less sugar, and plenty of fruit and vegetables.
An important aspect of the treatment is taking regular exercise to keep your weight down as being overweight can worsen the condition.
Those sufferers who have the more chronic Type 1 diabetes usually have to take daily insulin injections to keep the glucose levels under control.
Once you have diabetes the condition will most likely stay with you throughout your life.
However, the good news is that it can be effectively controlled as long as you follow the treatment advice and make the necessary lifestyle changes.
By eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise many diabetics can lead a normal and active life.