The Basics of Diabetes Control
 

Diabetes is incredibly common in today’s society. More and more people are developing diabetes and even a larger number of children are being diagnosed with it every single year. Diabetes is serious and can severely affect someone’s life, which is why it is important to understand diabetes control and how to obtain it, if you find that you are suffering from the disease.

Diabetes: The Basics

Diabetes is a condition wherein someone has a blood sugar level that is too high and unhealthy for one’s body. It results from one of two problems: the body either stops producing its own insulin, which controls the blood sugar level; or the body is still producing insulin as it should, but something interferes with the body’s cells’ ability to process that insulin correctly. Either of these is dangerous.

There are actually several separate types of diabetes. The first type, known as type 1 diabetes, is more serious. Type 1 is often the type of diabetes someone is born with. Many people who are born with it will end up requiring insulin injections. With type 1 diabetes, the body stops producing the insulin it needs. Thus, insulin injections are required to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

The second type of diabetes it diabetes type 2. Type 2 diabetes is defined by something called “insulin resistance.” In other words, the cells in the body stop being able to process insulin correctly.

There is a third type of diabetes as well, gestational diabetes. Pregnant women will sometimes end up with high glucose during their pregnancy and they will have to monitor their blood sugar closely to ensure that they and their baby make it through the pregnancy safely.
 

There may be new types of diabetes still being discovered. 
The Importance of Diabetes Control

It is important to strictly control diabetes, because the complications from it can be deadly. In addition to things that are relatively mild – frequent urination increased thirst/hunger and even weight loss – there are complications that are more deadly. It is common for people to develop eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma, for instance. Even diabetic retinopathy – bleeding and damage to the eyes – can occur.

There are other complications as well. The risk of heart attack goes up, and since heart attacks are often fatal, this is very dangerous. Sometimes damage to the blood vessels that supply the arms and legs with blood occurs, which can lead to further complications. Even high cholesterol and strokes can be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, and strokes are notoriously hard to recover from. Kidney failure and kidney disease are among the most dangerous complications.

Best Diabetes Control Methods

Always consult a clinician before starting your track to diabetes management. Weight management and exercise should be approved by your clinician in case you have any additional conditions that may limit these changes. 

Common goals are weight control and a daily exercise regimen. These can help reduce insulin resistance. Exercise also helps with weight control. You should also regularly consult with your clinician in case there are medications, diet programs, and other steps they want you to take in order to improve the control you have over your disease. With diabetes, knowledge is power. Early diagnosis is important, so get checked regularly. 

*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.