Healthy Living

Introduction

Nowadays, with the increasing prevalence of weight problems, you are at an increased risk for diabetes, especially if you have a family history of diabetes. Diabetes can cause many negative health impacts. Therefore, to protect your health, you should have a general understanding of diabetes.

Type I Diabetes

There area two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults. An auto-immune disorder, the body attacks the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Therefore, the body does not produce enough insulin. It is usually treated with insulin, diet, and exercise.

Type II Diabetes

On the other hand, type II diabetes usually occurs in adulthood, although it is becoming increasingly more common in children and young adults. Type II diabetes occurs because the body either does not produce enough insulin or the body is insulin resistant. Insulin resistance is where the body does not respond appropriately to insulin. Dependent on the severity of the case, it is usually treated by diet and exercise in the beginning. If the blood sugar levels cannot be brought under control with diet and exercise, oral anti-diabetic medication may need to be added. In some cases, insulin shots need to be added too.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Since either Type I or Type II diabetes can have deletrious effects upon the body, it is important to know the symptoms. Some of the symptoms can be:

• Thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Losing weight without trying
• Fatique
• Hunger

Conclusion

If you suspect you may have diabetes, see your medical provider immediately. He or she will order to a fasting plasma glucose test. With this test, fasting is required for 8 to 14 hours before the test. The doctor will draw blood, and the lab will test if for glucose levels in the blood. If the test is 99 or below, you do not have diabetes. If the test is 100 to 125, you are considered pre-diabetic. If the test is 126 or above, you are usually considered diabetic. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, your medical provider will usually send you to a nutritionist so you can learn the diet and lifestyle changes needed to bring your diabetes under control.