Blood sugar or glucose is your body’s main source of energy. When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, glucose can’t reach the cells in your body, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. This causes diabetes, a chronic condition that can be managed with proper care and treatment. Here are 8 frequently asked questions about diabetes management.
Is There a Cure for Diabetes and Who Gets It?
Since diabetes is a lifelong disease, there is no known cure. However, there are numerous ways to manage the disease and remain healthy. The condition can be diagnosed in anyone of any age. Therefore, children, teenagers, and adults are all in danger of having the illness.
What Is Type 1 Diabetes?
When you have type 1 diabetes, it means that your pancreas does not produce insulin. This is because your immune system attacks and kills the cells responsible for manufacturing insulin. You need to have artificial insulin injected into your body to stay healthy. The injections are a daily requirement. Children and young adults are mostly diagnosed with this type of diabetes.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
This is the most common type of diabetes. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin very well. This type of diabetes is most common in middle-aged individuals, but young adults, teenagers, and even children can also be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition in pregnant women. It poses a health risk for both the baby and the mother. Between 2% and 10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It typically goes away immediately after the baby is born. However, having gestational diabetes means that you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
To properly manage diabetes, you need to be aware of the symptoms. Different people display different sets of symptoms, so it is very difficult to self-diagnose. Below are a few common diabetes symptoms:
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Feeling very tired
• Excessive weight loss
• Itchy and dry skin
• Slow-healing sores
• Feeling pins and needles in your feet
• Feeling very hungry
How Do You Determine If You Have Diabetes?
There are several ways to find out if you have diabetes. The most common way to diagnose diabetes is by ordering a blood test or urine analysis. For overweight adults and children, screening can be recommended. Your health provider should talk to you about all the benefits of having more than one test to confirm your diagnosis.
What Are the Most Common Diseases Related to Diabetes?
Having diabetes puts you at risk for other health issues. It is important to talk to your doctor and understand how to protect yourself from such problems. The most common diabetes-related health issues include:
• Heart problems
• Nerve damage
• Eye problems
• Kidney disease
• Foot diseases
• Stroke
• Dental problems
What Are the Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Getting Diabetes?
Diabetes is sometimes referred to as a lifestyle disease. There are lifestyle practices that predispose you to getting diabetes. Some of the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes include:
• Being physically inactive
• Being previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes
• Having a close relative with diabetes
• Being overweight
• Having abnormal blood pressure or cholesterol
To be sure you have diabetes or someone you know has diabetes, you need a doctor’s diagnosis. To learn more about diabetes and how to prevent and manage the condition, reach out to Helping Diabetics USA.