Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus, often shortened as Diabetes, is a medical condition in which the cells of the body find it difficult to absorb and utilize sugar orbecause there is inadequate secretion of insulin. This results in high levels of sugar in the blood. The first signs are frequent urination known as polyuria, constant thirst – polydipsia and constant hunger – polyphagia.
There are three main types of Diabetes – Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestation Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Here, the body does not secrete insulin at all. Because people usually develop it before the age of forty, it often referred to as either juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes. People hardly talk about this type of diabetes because it is not half as prevalent as type 2 diabetes. However, it is also dangerous. Patients with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin injections that will enhance the absorption of sugar; for the rest of their lives. This will, in turn, regulate blood sugar level. They also have to follow a special diet as prescribed by their physician.
Type 2 Diabetes
For this type of diabetes, it is either the body secretes inadequate insulin orthe cells in the body don’t react to insulin. They are insulin resistance. This is the most prevalent type of diabetes. In fact, 9 out of every 10 cases of diabetes are type 2 diabetes.
To control this type of diabetes, you need to constantly monitor your blood sugar level, embark on a serious weight loss program, change your diet and do plenty of . But since thexercisesese measures only control it, they don’t cure it. It gradually gets worse as the cells of the body begin to grow old and weak, and the immune system also becomes weaker with age.
The patient will eventually have to take insulin in the form of tablets. The more overweight you are, the greater your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.This is major because obesity makes the body secrete certain chemicals that weaken both metabolic and cardiovascular systems of the body.
Being obese is not the only factor that promotes type 2 diabetes. Not putting your body through regular physical activities can also put you at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Eating the wrong food plays a major role too. You should watch what you eat.
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes is the one that is common among pregnant women. Patients have a very high level of blood glucose, and their body cannot produce insulin to utilize all the sugar. If this diabetes is not curbed or controlled, it can lead to complications during childbirth. It can make the baby bigger than normal, and this can lead to a caesarian section.
Once this diabetes is diagnosed, patients often need to be put on blood-sugar controlling medications. Results of recent research indicate that eating a lot of animal fat and cholesterol puts you at a high risk of developing this type of diabetes. Needless to say, if you still plan to become pregnant, you should limit the amount of cholesterol and animal fat you consume.
The A1C test
The Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test
A result of above 126 mg/dl indicates full-blown diabetes. But if your result is between 100 mg/dl and 125.99 mg/dl, you are already in the prediabetes stage. Suffice to say a less than 100mg/dl result means you might not have diabetes. This test is only valid when performed by your clinician and provided to you as a diagnosis.
*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.
