By LeiraOlecra

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not make or does not properly use insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps our body use the energy from sugar, starches, carbohydrates and other foods.

Glucose is a form of sugar produces when our body digests carbohydrates. The glucose is the major fuel for the energy it needs. When insulin is absent, not enough, or ineffective, the blood glucose level increases. The high blood glucose can lead to both long-term and short term problems.

Diabetes is not caused primarily by taking too much sugar, contrary to the popular belief or misconception. It is actually the body’s inability to use up sugar and starches (our body’s source of energy) properly. When glucose or commonly known as sugar is released into the bloodstream, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which then helps in bringing sugar to the areas where it is most needed.

The lack of insulin causes sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream until it is discharge from our body through our urine. Now because the excess sugar is not used up properly, our body burns fat and protein instead, making us especially diabetic very weak. The end result could be unconsciousness or worst is death.

There are cases wherein the pancreas may be functioning well but the body fails to use insulin properly. Among overweight people and those who are 40 something, this is very common. People who have this condition usually are unaware that they have diabetes until they consult a doctor or attended health care seminar with diabetes as topic.

Diabetic usually experience excessive thirst, frequent urination, easily get tired and irritated, he may also experience visual changes, become thin despite his good appetite, fainting spells and the worst part may lead to the hardening of the heart. Those who have diabetes have also great chances of heart attack, stroke, impotence and blindness. They should also take care of their feet which are more expose to germs and infection.

There are two major types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent and is caused by the destruction of the body’s insulin producing cells. Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin dependent and has several causes. Heredity, weight loss, and age. People with Type 2 diabetes still makes enough insulin in their bodies but is not able to burn it properly. Exercise and weight loss can greatly improve this condition. The third one is called Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), which is diabetes during pregnancy only.

Approximately, two to three percent of all women who become pregnant develop gestational diabetes. This is most likely to happen in women who are overweight at the time of their pregnancy. About 35 percent of women who develop gestational diabetes later develop Type 2 diabetes. But maintaining a healthy body weight will decrease the risk.

To date, diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death by disease and the leading cause of new kidney cases, impotence, amputation, and blindness. Heart disease and stroke are common to people with diabetes. About 16 million Americans have diabetes, but only eight million know that they have it and are getting treatment.

Anyone can get diabetes but the risk is greater if you are 40 years old or older; overweight; have a family history of diabetes; had diabetes during pregnancy; had a baby weighs nine pounds; and has a Hispanic, African, or American Indian heritage.

Testing blood glucose level gives us information we need to effectively manage diabetes. Without regular testing, we will not know how well we are doing in our diet program. Exercise, diet, medication and stress management are the keys to achieve normal blood sugar level.

Let us not rely solely on how we feel. A person with higher than normal blood sugar may be alright, but is as much higher risk for serious complications if levels remained not monitored and uncontrolled. It is best to keep the blood sugar level within the target range to be more active and feel healthier and more in control of your lives. Live healthy and happy!