Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as Diabetes, is a metabolic disorder. It is a very common disease in the United States. It is estimated that almost 16 million people in the U.S. suffer from diabetes.
Someone with diabetes is unable to produce insulin or properly utilize it when it is produced. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the blood glucose levels in the body and converts starch, sugar, and other foods into energy. Constantly high levels of blood sugar may denote diabetes. High blood sugar levels may cause frequent urination and increased thirst and hunger. These are the most common symptoms of diabetes.
Diabetes is broadly categorized into three types: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes because the body fails to produce insulin and the person requires insulin injections on a regular basis.
In Type 2 Diabetes, the cells fail to utilize the insulin that is produced, causing its deficiency and resulting in a high level of blood sugar. This type of diabetes can be controlled by oral medication.
Gestational diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy, who have not had diabetes before.
Type 1 Diabetes is partly inherited and triggered by certain infections. There is a genetic element in individual susceptibility to these triggers. Type 2 Diabetes is primarily caused due to lifestyle factors and genetics. Symptoms of diabetes may develop rapidly in Type 1 Diabetes and slowly in the case of Type 2 Diabetes. Prolonged high blood glucose levels also adversely affects the eyesight. In fact, blurred vision has been a common complaint among diabetics.
It should be noted that diabetes is not curable, but is completely controllable. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes can be controlled through oral medications. Controlling the blood glucose level depends completely upon the patient, who needs to regulate his or her daily lifestyle and diet, and must follow a moderate exercise regimen on a regular basis.
A diabetic must have detailed information to successfully manage his or her diabetic disorder. A high level of blood sugar increases the risk of hypertension and cardio-vascular disease. For diabetes control, dietary management is crucial and a patient needs to closely regulate his or her sugar intake to keep the levels close to normal in order to avoid serious trouble. Furthermore, it is essential to control one’s diabetes through lifestyle modifications to lead a long and healthy life.
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