Diabetes is one of the more common chronic conditions in America today–chances are, you know someone affected by diabetes, or you may be affected yourself. Close to 10% of Americans are currently diagnosed with diabetes, and another 1.5 million new cases are added each year. In spite of its prevalence, there are many misconceptions regarding diabetes–what it is, what causes it, and what you can do to prevent or treat diabetes. Many people are afraid that their family history or lifestyle condemns them to diabetes, but that doesn’t have to be the case! There are many steps you can take to assess and reduce your risk of developing diabetes or manage diabetes if you have developed it already.
Diabetes is not just one disease; it is a group of conditions in which the body fails to properly process glucose, a form of sugar. Glucose then builds up in the blood, where it can cause long-lasting damage resulting in heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and death. There are three main types of diabetes:
Once known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults and accounts for just 5% of total cases. People with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, the hormone responsible for helping glucose move from the bloodstream into cells.
Also known as adult-onset or insulin-resistant diabetes, Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and is usually diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults. People with Type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but their cells are unable to use it.
During pregnancy, a woman’s need for insulin increases, and sometimes the body is not able to keep up with the demand. Pregnant women who cannot produce enough insulin develop gestational diabetes.
The goal in treating diabetes is to manage blood glucose levels–excess blood sugar can cause serious complications. Work with your health care provider to develop a healthy meal plan, rich in fruits and vegetables, lean meats, beans, and low-fat dairy. Make physical activity part of your daily routine. You may need to monitor your blood glucose levels and take insulin or other diabetes medications to keep it in check.
If you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes–perhaps because of your family history, or if you have ever had gestational diabetes, or if you are overweight–there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. Changing your lifestyle now can save you from years of medical treatments and unwanted complications. Start by:
Be sure to check out our other article on how sugary drinks increase your risk of hypertension and diabetes.
This post was last modified on November 3, 2022 12:23 pm
Spider veins are a common cosmetic concern for many people, causing small, visible veins to appear just beneath the surface… Read More
Digital Signage for Hospitals: Streamlining Communication in Hospitals SEO description: The use of digital signage for hospitals transforms the way… Read More
Oxygen is the most critical element for human survival, and in scenarios where oxygen levels are compromised, having access to… Read More
In the world of competitive sports and bodybuilding, serious athletes are always on the lookout for reliable, high-quality supplements to… Read More
Car accidents can change lives, causing long-term injuries that affect physical health, finances, and emotional well-being. Recognizing these effects is… Read More
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that can result from various forms of negligence, such as car accidents,… Read More
It sucks to be on a tight budget. You have to pick and choose what you buy at the grocery… Read More
We’ve all laid in bed tossing and turning, not being able to sleep. But what if this is happening to… Read More
Addiction can profoundly impact every aspect of an individual’s life, from their physical health to their relationships, career, and spiritual… Read More
The mental health landscape for teenagers is increasingly concerning. Adolescence is a period fraught with changes—physically, emotionally, and socially—that can… Read More