What exactly is Diabetes?
Hyperglycemia or Diabetes is the result of abnormally high glucose levels due to an imbalance of insulin in the blood. Insulins job is to convert glucose into energy to fuel the body’s cells. If glucose is not converted properly, complications and organ damage can occur.
An elevated sugar level or glucose level is the definition of diabetes. The body uses insulin to regulate glucose levels, so when insulin cannot perform its job properly, complications of the disease occur. Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst and frequent urination.
The two forms of diabetes are:
Type 1: This form is genetic. With this type, the pancreas does not make insulin. This form is typically diagnosed in children. Type 2: This form of diabetes is based on metabolism. In this case, the body is performing insulin production; however the body is resistant to it.
Both forms of diabetes create an elevation in glucose levels in the blood and therefore must be monitored daily.
You are at risk for the development of diabetes if you are overweight, have family members diagnosed with it, and live a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the symptoms?
There are many different symptoms of diabetes. In addition, not everyone will display any or all of these signs. Some of the symptoms include:
- Headache, irritability, extreme thirst, frequent urination and non healing wounds.
The body reacts to protect itself by getting rid of the excess glucose through the kidneys causing frequent urination or polyuria. With frequent urination comes dehydration which causes the excessive thirst and headache. These symptoms are the same as dehydration caused by a hangover.
Living a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight are risk factors for development of the disease.
How Can I Find Out If I Have Diabetes?
The first step is knowing what the signs and symptoms are. Visiting a medical professional is the next step if you believe you are experiencing these signs. A doctor will perform specific diagnostic tests to determine your risk factors as well as determine if you in fact have the disease and which type. How do doctors diagnose it?
Your doctor will order diagnostic testing that tests your blood for glucose levels. Normal blood glucose is between 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl.
What are the means of treatment?
Treatment of diabetes includes changes in diet, regular exercise at least 3-4 times per week, daily monitoring of glucose levels, and insulin injections by syringe, insulin pump, or prefilled pens.
The goal of treatment is to control glucose levels within the normal range to prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease.
