What is Diabetes ?

Diabetes is a serious condition that occurs when a person’s insulin level is unable to move blood sugar from the blood stream into the body’s cells, where it can be used for energy.

Types of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes. They are caused by different problems and have slightly different symptoms.

Type I Diabetes - a condition where the body makes little or no insulin. It usually strikes children and young adults, but can occur at any age. The symptoms of type I diabetes often develop suddenly and include increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, sudden weight loss, and extreme fatigue.

Type II Diabetes - a condition where the body makes insulin but can not use it well. This is the most common type of diabetes and usually affects people over the age of 40. Most people who get type II diabetes are overweight. The symptoms of type II diabetes tend to build up slowly, over a long period of time, and are often overlooked. They may include: feeling very tired, frequent infections, slow healing cuts and sores, blurred vision, dry/itchy skin, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, increased hunger, increased thirst, and frequent urination.

Diabetes and Heart Disease

When you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop heart disease and to have it at an earlier age than most people without diabetes. This occurs because diabetes can damage blood vessels.

People with diabetes tend to have higher levels of LDL and cholesterol.

How to Control Your Diabetes

Although there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can learn to control your condition. The goal for controlling diabetes is to keep your blood sugar level near “normal”. Experts know that keeping your blood sugar level close to normal helps to prevent or delay blood vessel damage. Be sure to discuss the best levels for you with your primary physician or health-care provider.

Here are five management tools you can use to control your diabetes :

1. Education : Classes, books, support groups, and your health-care team can help provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manage your diabetes.

2. Meal Planning : Choose healthy foods, eat the right amount of food for you, and eat your meals at regular times.

3. Physical Activity : Regular exercise helps to lower blood sugar, manage your weight, and cope with stress.

4. Diabetes Medication : Some people need insulin shots or diabetes pills to help achieve and maintain normal blood sugar levels.

5. Diabetes Tests : Test and record your blood sugar levels regularly. You and your health-care team will use these results to manage your disease and control its effects.