Diabetes affects an estimated 23.
6mil people in the United States.
Basically it is a serious, life- long condition.
The condition has been diagnosed in children and adults alike.
It presents with genetic pre-disposition, yet it is generally triggered by environmental factors.
Any individual who has been diagnosed must care for diabetes as if your life depended on it.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that any one who has a pre-disposition for developing diabetes receive extensive, regular checkups.
In order to care for diabetes, it is imperative that you are aware of what it is.
The condition is a disorder of metabolism.
Metabolism is the method of which the body utilizes the digested food to promote growth and energy.
The digested food is broken down into glucose or sugar in the blood.
The body requires glucose for fuel and energy.
The body's cells use the glucose, after passing through the bloodstream, for revitalization.
In order for the glucose to get into the cells, however, the hormone, insulin must be available.
This hormone is produced by the pancreas- gland behind the stomach.
The pancreas is an important organ as it supplies the insulin to the body for it to assist the glucose through the blood to maintain stamina.
Specifically, it produces enough insulin to impel the glucose into the bloodstream then into your cells.
In individuals with diabetes, the pancreas does not function properly.
There are three main types of diabetes; type 1, type 2 and gestational.
Some form of malfunction in regards to the insulin supply occurs in each of them.
Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as juvenile diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little to no insulin.
To care for this type of diabetes, an individual must take insulin daily to live.
Juvenile diabetes is basically an autoimmune disease.
Meaning, the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas.
People who are developing type 1 diabetes may experience increased urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue.
The type 2 diabetic must also be aware of its challenges and treatment goals.
Type 2 or adult-onset diabetes is the most common of the disease.
Mostly associated with old age, obesity, genetics, ethnicity, and a pre- history of gestational diabetes, it requires intense life- style changes.
The pancreas produces enough insulin, but the body resists or rejects its chemical make-up.
It is unclear why the body can't use the insulin effectively.
Eventually, as in type 1 diabetes, the insulin production decreases.
The glucose begins to settle in the blood causing the body to loose its fuel and energy source.
Healthcare professionals recommend that people change their life styles to care for adult onset diabetes.
The diabetic must implement a diabetic diet plan and exercise.
Depending on the severity of the condition, oral medication or insulin injection will be prescribed.
The symptoms may include frequent urination, slow healing of wounds or sores, and increased thirst or hunger.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, the symptoms develop gradually or you may not experience any symptoms to identify at all.
Gestational diabetics must also be aware of how to care for diabetes.
This type of diabetes develops in women late in pregnancy.
The condition is caused by the combination of hormones of the pregnancy or a shortage of insulin.
In most cases, there are no warning signs or symptoms.
More so, women who have experienced gestational diabetes; which generally subsides after birth, have increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Preventative methods include persistent physical activity and maintained body weight.
Conclusively, the primary goal of treating any type of diabetes is to maintain safe blood glucose levels.
The body must be able to use the glucose as it is the main source of fuel and energy for the body.
When it builds up in the bloodstream, obviously, it can't be used.
The overflow passes through your body via urination.