Common Diabetes Mysteries Debunked

Diabetes is best known as a lifelong disease of the pancreas. The pancreas is a body organ located behind the human stomach that is responsible for insulin release into the bloodstream. The body requires this crucial substance (insulin) to maintain equilibrium by utilizing sugars and fats originating from the breakdown of various foods we ingest.

When one is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, it means either their pancreas does not produce insulin or releases insufficient insulin. When one has Type 2 Diabetes, it implies that the insulin released by the pancreas does not function in a proper way. A recent survey conducted in the United States depicted that about 24 million people in the country have diabetes, whereas another 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes.

Frequently Asked Diabetes Questions and Answers

The following are common questions asked by a lot of diabetic patients and their responses:

How do I know whether or not I have diabetes?

Most individuals do not know if they have diabetes because the disease may or may not cause symptoms at all. However, diabetes causes some signs that can help you gauge whether you have the disease. These symptoms may include frequent hunger and thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, crankiness and fatigue.

The American Association of Registered Dietitians says knowing if you have diabetes can be difficult until you have your blood-glucose level tested. Concerned individuals can take a fasting blood-sugar test, which shows the level of glucose in the blood after at least eight hours of not eating. A measure of 99/dL or below is considered normal; 100 to 125 is pre-diabetes; 126 and beyond is a diabetes level.

What next after I have been diagnosed?

You can live a long and healthy life whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The disease requires that you eat healthily, remain physically active, and take medications if prescribed to maintain your blood sugar level in a target range. You can read various online resources revolving around Diabetes Treatment, Management, and Healthy Living. You can also visit a Diabetes Education Center near you to learn more about managing your blood glucose.

Where should diabetic patients target their blood sugar levels?

Keeping blood glucose levels in the right target lowers the risks of developing additional complications that come with this disorder. The proper target level is dependent upon an individual and their respective situation. Visiting a practiced health-care team helps you determine your specific blood glucose levels target.

How much exercise is sufficient for a diabetic patient?

There is no doubt that physical activity is the best avenue to properly manage your blood-glucose levels. However, you do not have to overstretch yourself to a point that can hurt some parts of your body in the name of keeping your blood sugar in check. Start your exercise with as little as 5-10 minutes a day, and then grow gradually to meet recommendations.

Is diabetes reversible?

The bitter truth is that most diabetic patients will have it for their entire lifetime or until a proper cure is developed. Whereas this condition is irreversible, we have numerous ways of managing it to delay or prevent complications accompanying it. One of the ways of keeping this condition under control is maintaining blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure in the recommended target. Proper nutrition coupled with adequate physical activity and medication can help you meet those targets.

Conclusion

Proper treatment and management of diabetes calls for the establishment of an accurate diagnosis. Accurately describing to a medical practitioner the onset of your symptoms, character, duration, and location will help in the long-term management of this disorder. Also let your doctor know about medications, herbs, and vitamins you are currently taking because lacking the knowledge of these could result in abnormal tests.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.