What is Diabetes ?

So you've heard the term "diabetes," but what is diabetes? Diabetes is a hormone abnormality that occurs in people all over the world. Normal bodies produce and recognize the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels and helps breakdown sugar that enters the body. A person with diabetes either doesn't produce insulin or their body doesn't interact correctly with the insulin that it produces.

There are two types of diabetes. Those with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually found when the diabetes sufferer is young.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Those with Type 2 diabetes either don't produce enough insulin or their body ignores the insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed at any time in a person's life. It's also more common in some groups than in others. For example, African Americans are more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes than Caucasians.

Diabetes can lead to a lot of physical complications. For example, it can lead to blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputation or death. Though these problems are real and scary, there are millions of diabetics who live long, healthy, happy lives. The key to staying healthy is understanding the disease and taking steps to minimize the negative effects of the disease.

How Do I Know if I Have Diabetes?

The only surefire way to know if you have diabetes is if you go to your doctor and get a blood test. However, there are some outward symptoms that could mean you have diabetes. For example, extreme thirst, irritability, fatigue and dizziness are all signs of diabetes. The problem with such vague symptoms is that they can mean you have any number of different medical problems. To be sure, go to your doctor and tell him or her all of your symptoms. If diabetes runs in your family you should be especially cognizant of these symptoms.

Coping with Diabetes

Though no one wants diabetes, it is one disease that people can live with for a very, very long time. After you're diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will set up a care plan for you. This will include sugar regulation and dietary modifications. The best way to learn what diabetes is, is by communicating with your doctor.

By: Michael Dinsmore

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