The human body functions as a natural system, which enables each organ to perform their necessary bodily function. When the body’s organs malfunction, the hormonal functionality of the body shifts, and serious complications can occur. Such is the case with diabetes. 

Diabetes can affect any individual no matter the age bracket. Around the globe, more than 450 million people are suffering from diabetes. Everyone is vulnerable to this disease and early detection is very important. 

The ailment of diabetes can bring about emotional, financial, and physical stress. One study shows that diabetes costs the American people annually an amount exceeding $246 billion. 

What is diabetes? 

When you consume food the body turns it into glucose. During the process the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin that acts as the cells “key” to let the glucose pass. Glucose is the source of the body’s energy. 

While affected by diabetes the system fails to work completely, causing a cascade of failures across the body.  

Type 1 diabetes 

This is the disorder whereby the body is not able to produce insulin. As the body’s immune structure searches for cells to attack, it mistakenly attacks the pancreas cells that handle insulin production. This type of diabetes is mostly diagnosed in young people and children, but can be diagnosed at any age. For the body to cover the shortage of insulin, people affected by type 1 diabetes usually have to supplement the body with clinician prescribed insulin to keep the body functioning normally. 

Treating type 1 diabetes always requires a doctor’s recommendations, and often requires the injection of insulin in the body through syringe pens or insulin pumps. 

Type 2 diabetes 

This is the most common diabetes detected in the early 30s to late 45ish adults, although the condition can also affect young people. The pancreas of individuals with type 2 diabetes is able to produce a small amount of insulin, but not the full amount required to process glucose in the body. The cells in the body may also fail to respond to insulin, aka insulin resistance. 

The treatment and maintaining the correct function of insulin is accomplished through doctor prescribed medications, diet, and exercise. The blood sugar can also rise to critical levels that may require drug administration prescribed by a clinician. Diabetes surveys show that diabetes affects 1 in 4 people above 65 years of age. 9.4% of the US population have diabetes. 

Health issues in people with diabetes may include heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, foot issues, kidney ailments, and eye complications (just to name a few). There are many other conditions which may be affected or even brought on by diabetes, that are not listed here. 

Health specialists diagnose and identify diabetes through blood tests. 

Managing type 2 diabetes by maintaining blood sugar levels, reducing saturated fat, reducing blood pressure, planning diet, and increasing exercise is common. Prescription drugs prescribed by a clinician are another common way of treating the disease. 

One can take preventive measures by turning out for free diabetes awareness seminars and other similar events. Education and awareness are the key to combating diabetes. 

*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.