Unexpected weight loss, exhaustion, increased thirst, frequent urination – all these symptoms indicate diabetes mellitus: a condition that occurs when the body does not process glucose properly.

During digestion, the food you eat is converted into a sugar called glucose, which your body uses for energy. To move glucose from the blood stream into your cells your body needs insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. In diabetics, the pancreas is either unable to produce enough insulin or the body is unable to react appropriately to the insulin that is being produced. In both cases, because the glucose does not get converted into energy, it accumulates in the blood and causes a rise in blood sugar levels.

More about Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes commonly occurs in children and adolescents, though adults may also be affected. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces very little insulin or none at all. Therefore, insulin injections must be administered regularly throughout the patient’s life. This condition can be caused by autoimmune problems, viral infections, or is genetically inherited from one or both parents.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the form of diabetes that usually occurs in adults, especially the elderly. With this condition, either the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin or the body’s cells become unresponsive to insulin, and blood glucose levels are pushed dangerously high (above 126 mg/DL). Currently, type 2 diabetes is on the rise due to problems associated with obesity. Also, Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and native Hawaiians are specific minority groups who are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a state where blood sugar levels are slightly above normal, thereby putting someone in danger of developing type 2 diabetes. A person is considered to be pre-diabetic if their blood sugar level is above 100 mg/DL but below 126 mg/DL. It is estimated that around 57 million people in the suffer from this condition. Unfortunately, prediabetes can cause damage to the heart and circulatory system even before type 2 diabetes is diagnosed. However, it is possible to reverse the damage that occurs with prediabetes by eating right and making healthy changes to lifestyle.

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy in previously non-diabetic women is called gestational diabetes. Though this condition usually disappears after childbirth, these women are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes throughout their lifetime. In addition, the elevated sugar levels caused by gestational diabetes may affect the health of a developing the baby; so proper monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential throughout pregnancy. By exercising regularly and making healthy food choices, women who had gestational diabetes can diminish the risk of getting type 2 diabetes in the future.

Risks of Diabetes

You may have increased risk of developing diabetes if you
 

• Are obese

• Are older than 45 years of age

• Have a history of impaired glucose tolerance

• Have a family history of diabetes

• Are African-American, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander

• Have a history of gestational diabetes

• Have heart disease

• Have polycystic ovary disease

 

Complications of Diabetes

If not monitored properly, diabetes can cause serious health complications. The condition can affect all parts of the body and may lead to:

 

• Heart disease

• Blindness

• Kidney failure

• Nerve damage

• Stroke

• An increase in cavities

• Pregnancy complications or birth defects

• Leg and feet ulcerations

 

Diabetes in Children

Every year, thousands of children and adolescents are diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. Though the exact causes of childhood diabetes are not understood, the condition manifests itself in young people in much the same way as it does adults. Typically, children develop type 1 diabetes; however type 2 diabetes is starting to appear in more adolescents due to a rise in childhood obesity. For children younger than 10, however, the diagnosis is typically type 1 diabetes and rarely type 2.

Managing Diabetes

Those diagnosed with diabetes, can manage the condition by making some healthy changes in their lifestyle and working closely with their health care providers.
 

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skim milk, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish

• Include fiber-rich products like pasta, rice, crackers, breads, and cereals

• Reduce salt and fat intake

 

In addition, exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes each day to help keep weight at a healthy level. It is also important to manage stress and anxiety because these emotions can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Those who smoke should quit immediately because smoking aggravates blood pressure.

Regular visits to the dentist are recommended because high blood sugar levels have been reported to cause cavities. Contact a doctor as soon as possible regarding any changes in vision or sores, blisters, or cuts that take a long time to heal. Check with a doctor about taking daily doses of aspirin since diabetics have a greater chance of suffering a heart attack. And be sure to undergo regular blood sugar testing and blood pressure checkups.

Care for diabetes can seem to be overwhelming However, there are three “check points” that make up the basic elements of comprehensive diabetes care; these are commonly referred to as the “ABC’s of diabetes”.

• A – A1C test: this test measures blood sugar levels over the past three months; for a diabetic the goal of this reading is below 7

• B – Blood pressure: should be monitored at every doctor’s visit if not more; the target blood pressure level is 120/80

• C – Cholesterol levels: should also be tested on a routine basis as advised by a doctor: LDL (or “bad” cholesterol) value should be less than 100, while the HDL (or “good” cholesterol) value should be greater than 40

 

Losing weight is the key for people who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Usually, weight loss can be achieved through moderate changes in diet and physical activity.  

Doctors advise getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. With a little creativity, someone can increase their activity level without radically altering their daily routine. For example, they may walk around their home or office while talking on the cell phone, park their car further away from your office or apartment, and take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator.

The risk of diabetes can also be lowered by making a few diet changes. When grocery shopping, check the nutrition label and look for foods that are low in fat, sugar, and calories. Also, stock up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Living with Diabetes

Living with diabetes can be challenging. But by making healthy lifestyle changes and constantly monitoring the “ABC’s” of diabetes, you can lead a healthy life. By controlling your diabetic condition today, you can prevent further complications down the road.