Diabetes
is a chronic condition, but can be treated with diet or medication. No matter
what, check your blood glucose levels and strive for healthy living so that you
may enjoy a long and fulfilling life.
Diabetes is a condition where either not enough or no insulin is created in the
body, or the cells don't use the insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by
the pancreas that takes glucose into the body's cells from the blood. Once it
is inside the body's cells, glucose is used as energy. If insulin isn't available
or doesn't work correctly, the glucose will stay in the blood making the glucose
levels higher than normal. The cells don't get the energy they need.
The
two kinds of diabetes are Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes
requires regular insulin injections. Less than 10% of all people with diabetes
have type 1.
Type
2 diabetes is non-insulin independent diabetes. It usually occurs in people
over 40 years of age with usually have a family history of the condition and are
most often overweight. Most people with type 2 diabetes do not require insulin,
but some people need insulin injections or medication to control their blood glucose
levels. More than 90% of all people with diabetes have type 2.
Keeping
blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible can help prevent the long-term
health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Measure
your blood sugar frequently and follow a treatment plan set up by your doctor
to keep your blood sugar under control. Your doctor or pharmacist can show you
how to monitor blood sugar levels and the equipment you will need to use.
Women
who have gestational diabetes should check blood glucose levels both in
the morning before eating and after meals throughout the day so that the doctor
can adjust her meal plans and insulin.
