Many people feel afraid and puzzled when diagnosed with diabetes. However, one feels relaxed when they understand what it is and how to deal with it. Nevertheless, it is important to take the condition seriously and start diabetes treatment immediately.

 

Diabetes is a condition that makes it difficult for the body to use insulin properly or incapable of making enough insulin. The work of insulin is to move glucose from your blood stream into the cells of your body where it is used to produce energy which is essential for the functionality of the body. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, and it plays a significant role in the body since without it sugar cannot enter the cells and therefore it builds up in the blood stream. Consider getting a blood glucose monitor just to be sure. 

 

Types of diabetes

Pre diabetes

This is the condition where people have higher than normal levels of blood sugar but not as high as those with diabetes. This is a warning sign that one should improve their lifestyle to avoid the risk of type 2 diabetes.

 

Type 1 diabetes

This is an autoimmune disease whereby the immune system attacks the beta cells in your pancreas causing the pancreas to produce insulin at low levels or produce none at all. This type of diabetes is more prevalent in the whites than it is in other races.

 

 

Type 2 diabetes

This is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs when the body cannot use the insulin it produces properly. The condition is also referred to as insulin resistance. It normally happens when one is overweight, and body fat makes it hard for the body to use the insulin it produces. Some of the predisposing factors include age, physical inactivity, race, and family history among others.

 

Gestational diabetes

This occurs when the sugar level during pregnancy is higher than during pre- pregnancy levels. Its causes are not well known at the moment. Some experts, however, argue that some hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the capacity of the mother to use her insulin. If not properly controlled, this type of diabetes may end up affecting the baby.

 

Diagnosis of the types of diabetes

There are two tests used to determine which type of diabetes one is suffering from. The Fasting Plasma Glucose(FPG test) the glycemia level after fasting for eight hours whereas the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test(OGTT) measures the glycemia levels after drinking a standardized drink, rich in glucose.

 

In case you are diagnosed with diabetes, one has to start living a healthy life as well as take the proper medication as prescribed. Of course, having a blood sugar monitor ready would always be a good idea. 

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Know the early symptoms of diabetes by heading over to http://www.ehow.com/about_5142169_early-symptoms-diabetes.html.