Diabetes

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.