What Is Diabetes? When there is an imbalance of insulin and glucose in the blood that causes glucose levels to be abnormally high, this is a condition called diabetes, or hyperglycemia. Insulin serves to regulate glucose levels to stay within normal values. In the absence of adequate insulin, glucose isn't changed into energy for the cells to use as fuel, leading to organ damage and complications.
Diabetes is defined as having an elevated blood glucose (sugar) level. It is caused by an imbalance of insulin and glucose. We need Insulin to regulate our glucose levels. When there is an insufficient amount of insulin in the blood, the glucose levels rise, which could lead to other complications of the disease process. Insulin regulates glucose levels by converting glucose into energy for use by the cells for fuel. When insulin can't do it's job, glucose builds up in the blood and causes symptoms of thirst and increased urination.
There are two forms of diabetes:
Type 1: Is genetic and the pancreas is not making insulin. It is usually diagnosed in young children
Type 2: Is metabolic, in that insulin is being produced but the body is resistant to it.
Both types cause increased glucose in the blood that must be monitored daily.
You are at risk for the development of diabetes if you are overweight, have family members diagnosed with it, and live a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary and may not present themselves in all people. Some have no signs at all of the disease while others may exhibit any of the following:
increased urination
extreme thirst
non healing wounds
fatigue
irritability
headache
Due to the build up of glucose in the blood, the body tries to get rid of it via the kidneys, resulting in polyuria (increased urination). Frequent trips to the bathroom cause dehydration, which explains the extreme thirst and headache. Dehydration is the same reason for the headache of a hangover.
Living a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight are risk factors for development of the disease.
How can I find out if I have diabetes?
Knowing the symptoms is the first step, as well as learning what your risk factors are. If you suspect that you may have this condition, there are diagnostic tests that your doctor can administer to determine if you indeed have the disease.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will order diagnostic testing that tests your blood for glucose levels. Normal blood glucose is between 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl
What is the treatment:
Treatment of diabetes includes changes in diet, regular exercise at least 3-4 times per week, daily monitoring of glucose levels, and insulin injections by syringe, insulin pump, or prefilled pens.
The goal of treatment is to control glucose levels within the normal range to prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease.
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to write and share her knowledge about What Causes Diabetes with others. She also provides more information about Facts And Stats On Diabetes on Clivir.com
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