Diabetes

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Diabetes The Symptoms and Types

I chose this topic today because I am a diabetic myself. Diabetes is a condition with unusually high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. The Insulin produced by the pancreas, is used to lower blood glucose levels. If someone’s pancreas does not generate enough insulin, their body will develop diabetes.

The list of symptoms of diabetes include, severe hunger and thirst, a stronger urge to urinate, and fatigue. The best way of knowing weather you have diabetes is to have a blood sugar test, also know as a Glucose Tolerance Test.

Juvenile Diabetes is a major form of diabetes that affects many children. It is believed to be the onset of Type 1 diabetes. If a child is showing even a few of the symptoms, it is vital that they be checked by a doctor. It is estimated that over two million adolescents are in the pre-diabetes stage. This would mostly due to being overweight. In this condition blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to be considered diabetes.

Teens usually develop this between the ages of 12 and 19.

Type 1 diabetes is the more acute form. This is typically treated with special dietary restrictions, exercise and occasionally with insulin.

Type 1 diabetes is treated with a special diet, exercise and a weight loss plan before insulin is added. This form is considered an insulin dependent disease.

Type 2 diabetes is considered less severe. This is first treated with a diabetic diet, exercise and weight loss. If these measures are not successful in controlling the blood sugar and insulin levels and oral medication may be added. Insulin is finally considered if these treatments are unsuccessful.

Type 2 diabetes normally occurs in adults who are middle age or older, therefore it is sometimes called Late-Onset Diabetes. In this case the pancreas still produces the right levels of insulin but the body has become resistant to it.

If Type 2 diabetes runs in the family, it is feasible to delay the onset through losing weight,getting the right amount of exercise and controlling your diet. If Type 2 diabetes is not treated eventually you will develop the same complications as those seen in Type 1 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is seen in pregnant women. Normally it will disappear after the birth, however treatment for the mother to satabilize the blood glucose will decrease the chance of complications to the baby as well as the mother.

I was diagnosed with diabetes in January of 2010. I currently am on metformin 500 mg twice daily. I have managed to keep my glucose levels in check.However I must admit that I do not exercise or watch my diet as I should. I really am pretty bad at this, but someone must be watching over me as I am still here. I know this is no laughing matter I should get an accountability partner to keep me on the right track.

Granny with a Plan