What is the definition of 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.
An elevated sugar level or glucose level is the definition of diabetes. The body uses insulin to regulate glucose levels, so when insulin cannot perform its job properly, complications of the disease occur. Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst and frequent urination.
The two forms of diabetes are:
Type 1: This form of diabetes is genetic and is commonly diagnosed in children. In this case, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin. Type 2: This form of diabetes is metabolic and is the result of the proper production of insulin, but the body is resistant to it.
Both forms of diabetes create an elevation in glucose levels in the blood and therefore must be monitored daily.
A sedentary lifestyle, being overweight or having family members previously diagnosed with diabetes is at a high risk for contracting this progressive disease.
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:
- Headache, irritability, extreme thirst, frequent urination and non healing wounds.
Due to the buildup 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.
In addition, a sedentary lifestyle and excessive weight gain are additional risk factors for the onset of diabetes.
How Do I Get Diagnosed?
The first step is knowing what the signs and symptoms are. Visiting a medical professional is the next step if you believe you are experiencing these signs. A doctor will perform specific diagnostic tests to determine your risk factors as well as determine if you in fact have the disease and which type. How do doctors diagnose it?
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 for Diabetes?
Common treatments for diabetes include daily monitoring of glucose levels, dietary changes, exercise three to four times a week and insulin injections either by syringe, pump or prefilled pens.
The main goal for treating diabetes is to regulate glucose levels while preventing the disease from progressing further and causing other complications.
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.
An elevated sugar level or glucose level is the definition of diabetes. The body uses insulin to regulate glucose levels, so when insulin cannot perform its job properly, complications of the disease occur. Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst and frequent urination.
The two forms of diabetes are:
Type 1: This form of diabetes is genetic and is commonly diagnosed in children. In this case, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin. Type 2: This form of diabetes is metabolic and is the result of the proper production of insulin, but the body is resistant to it.
Both forms of diabetes create an elevation in glucose levels in the blood and therefore must be monitored daily.
A sedentary lifestyle, being overweight or having family members previously diagnosed with diabetes is at a high risk for contracting this progressive disease.
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:
- Headache, irritability, extreme thirst, frequent urination and non healing wounds.
Due to the buildup 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.
In addition, a sedentary lifestyle and excessive weight gain are additional risk factors for the onset of diabetes.
How Do I Get Diagnosed?
The first step is knowing what the signs and symptoms are. Visiting a medical professional is the next step if you believe you are experiencing these signs. A doctor will perform specific diagnostic tests to determine your risk factors as well as determine if you in fact have the disease and which type. How do doctors diagnose it?
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 for Diabetes?
Common treatments for diabetes include daily monitoring of glucose levels, dietary changes, exercise three to four times a week and insulin injections either by syringe, pump or prefilled pens.
The main goal for treating diabetes is to regulate glucose levels while preventing the disease from progressing further and causing other complications.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge about Diabetes Early Symptoms. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Hypoglycemia Causes.
