Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body uses sugar. The two most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2, which develop in people at different ages and for different reasons. Diabetes is diagnosed with a fasting blood glucose test and then monitored with other tests to make sure you’re getting the right treatment and managing your insulin to stay healthy.
What is Diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent , is usually first diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this form of the disease (Death ceremony), the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to convert glucose (sugar) into energy. Without insulin, too much glucose stays in the blood. This can lead to serious health problems including heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure.
Type 2 , which used to be called adult-onset diabetS or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of the disease. It usually begins after age 40 but can occur earlier if you are overweight or have certain other risk factors. In this form of the disease, either your body does not make enough insulin or it cannot use it properly.
Type 2 is more common in African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders than in whites. It is also more common among older adults and people who are overweight. People with type 2 often have family members with the condition (Funeral ceremony).
Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of : type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is when your body doesn’t produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin it does produce doesn’t work properly. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should visit your doctor to get tested for diabetes:
• You are urinating more than usual, especially at night.
• You are excessively thirsty.
• You are having trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or contact lenses. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes.
• You are feeling very tired all the time. This is because when your cells don’t have enough sugar (glucose) for energy, they begin to break down stored fat for energy, which can leave you feeling exhausted.
Causes of Diabetes
There are a number of different causes of diabetes, and it is important to be aware of them so that you can be sure to get the best possible treatment for the condition. One of the most common causes of is a condition called insulin resistance, which occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to the hormone insulin. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, and over time, can cause damage to the pancreas, which is responsible for producing insulin. Other causes of include certain genetic disorders, infections, and medications.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
There are a number of common symptoms of diabetes, which can be broadly divided into two categories – those related to high blood sugar levels, and those related to low blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar symptoms include increased thirst and urination, as well as fatigue and blurred vision. Low blood sugar symptoms include feeling shaky or anxious, sweating, and dizziness.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis. They will be able to rule out other conditions and confirm whether or not you have .
Diagnosing Diabetes
There are a few different ways to diagnose diabetes. The most common way is through a fasting blood sugar test. This test measures your blood sugar after you have fasted for at least 8 hours. If your blood sugar is higher than normal, it could be a sign of diabetes.
Another way to diagnose is through an A1C test. This test measures your average blood sugar over the past 3 months. If your A1C is higher than normal, it could be a sign of diabetes.
If you have symptoms , such as increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, or blurred vision, your doctor may also do a glucose tolerance test. This test involves drinking a sugary drink and then having your blood sugar checked an hour later. If your blood sugar is high, it could be a sign of diabetes.
Diabetes Treatment
There are a few different ways to manage , and the best method for you may depend on the severity of your condition. Many people with diabetes can control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, while others may require medication or insulin therapy.
If you have SUGAR, it’s important to work with your healthcare team to create a treatment plan that works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing , so it’s important to find a plan that fits your lifestyle and health needs.
Prevention of Type 2 diabetes: Steps to Take
There are several steps you can take to prevent type 2 , including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and sugar
- Quitting smoking
- Getting regular physical activity
- Managing stress
Checking your blood sugar regularly