Everything you wanted to know about Diabetes

It’s been dubbed one of the fastest-growing health crises of our time, with 29 million Americans suffering from diabetes. However, despite the condition being so prevalent, there is a huge lack of knowledge about exactly what the disease is, and how it is caused and treated. In many cases, this serious condition is largely preventable.

Diabetes has become one of the leading chronic health conditions in the nation. It is a metabolic disease that results in high sugar levels in the blood. This kind of condition can be due to the following factors:

(a) Inadequate insulin production

(b) Body not responding to insulin

(c) Both (a) and (b)

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system damages the cells in the pancreas where insulin is made.

Type 2 diabetes: This type of disease occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, causing the blood to accumulate sugar.

Prediabetes: This is when the blood sugar is higher than normal but not enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes: This occurs during pregnancy and this type of diabetes is the responsibility of insulin-blocking hormones.

Who is at risk for diabetes?

If you are obese or overweight and you do not exercise regularly, you are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Simply carrying fat stores on the body causes low-grade inflammation. The more body fat a person stores, the higher the degree of chronic inflammation. This inflammation takes a toll on the body, leading to various diabetes-like metabolic diseases. Extra fat around the belly is especially significant since it is linked to insulin resistance, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

What is the treatment?

A person will have to take the aid of a professional in order to keep any type of diabetes under control. The main objective would be to maintain the level of blood sugar in the range. The range depends upon the type of diabetes diagnosed. To understand the level of physical activity and diet required, consultation with Dr. Anthony Jones is required.

Treatment for type 1:

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can last a lifetime. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the damage caused to the pancreas is permanent and insulin is therefore required to live. Blood sugar levels need to be checked all day long. A perfect diet is the best medicine. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Anthony Jones at his office or through the premium Telemedicine services powered by PatientMD. 

Treatment for type 2:

This form of diabetes should be managed by exercise and diet. Consultation with a physician is required before taking any medication. 

Treatment for gestational diabetes:

The blood sugar level needs to be monitored a number of times throughout the day. If the level is high, the level may or may not be brought down by diet or exercise. Many women might also need insulin to lower the blood sugar level.

Parting Thoughts:

Remember, do not let a diabetes diagnosis get you down. You can bring it under control with a few lifestyle changes. Do you want to know how your diabetes can best be managed? Our physicians can help you with a customized treatment plan.