Introduction

Diabetes is characterized by a collection of metabolic diseases in which an individual has high levels of sugar in the blood. This could be as a result of insufficient production of insulin or the inability of the body’s cells to respond to insulin. Patients with high levels of blood sugar are likely to experience frequent urination which leads to increased desire for water and food.

Facts about Diabetes

– Diabetes is known to be a long-term condition that leads to high levels of blood sugar.

– In the year 2013 more than 382 million people around the world were estimated to be struggling with diabetes.

– The popular symptoms of diabetes include intense thirst, unusual weight loss, frequent urination, numbness, bruises and cuts that don’t heal, male sexual dysfunction, tingling and numbness in the feet and hands, and many other symptoms.

– The cigarette can lead to very serious effects related to cardiovascular health, therefore diabetic individuals should refrain from smoking.

– There is a type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes that affects females when they are pregnant.

– Since the risks associated with cardiovascular disease are at higher levels for diabetics, it is essential that the levels of cholesterol and blood pressure are regularly monitored.

Diabetes is Metabolism Disorder

Diabetes is classified as metabolic disorder. Metabolism refers to the way our bodies utilize digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food that we eat is broken down into glucose which is a type of sugar in the blood.

When food is digested, the glucose extracted is absorbed into the bloodstream where it is used up by the cells. However, glucose may not get into the cells if insulin is not present. A diabetic patient develops a condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is increased, often because it is not properly absorbed. The resulting build up of glucose is passed out of the body in the form of urine or other bodily secretions. Therefore, despite the blood having lots of glucose, the cells are not able to turn it into energy for their essential growth and energy requirements.

Types of Diabetes

There are three types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce any insulin at all. It is also referred to as insulin-dependent or early-onset diabetes. Patients suffering from type 1 diabetes have to undergo treatment for the rest of their life.

Type 2 Diabetes

This is a condition where the body does not produce sufficient insulin or the body cells are unable to react (aka insulin resistance). Around 90% of people with cases of diabetes around the world have type 2 diabetes. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be controlled through following a special diet, weight loss, exercising, and closely monitoring the levels of glucose in the blood.

3. Gestational Diabetes

This type affects pregnant females. Blood sugar usually returns to normal after the pregnancy.

The best way to treat any type of diabetes is through consultation with a clinician. In case the levels of sugar in the blood are high, then medications may be prescribed in order to enable the body to make use of its own insulin. Working with your healthcare professional is the only way to get on the path to proper diabetes care.

*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.