Overview
Diabetes is when blood sugar reaches higher levels than the normal due to lack of insulin, a hormone that enters the body’s cells to provide energy.
There are three types of diabetes:
Type 1
Also known as Juvenile Diabetes, occurs frequently in children and young adults but can develop at any age. Body produces very little or no insulin. Causes are unknown yet but having a family member with diabetes increases the probability.
Type 2
Usually detected in adults but children can be diagnosed too. In this type of diabetes, there is not sufficient insulin or an inadequate use of it. Adults should be tested every three years. If they have a higher risk of suffering the disease, they should be tested often.
Gestational Diabetes
During pregnancy, the body passes through many changes, gaining weight is one of them which may make insulin less effective. Women may be insulin resistant during or before pregnancy.
Diagnosis
Glucose tests measure blood sugar levels. Sugar, also known as glucose, is measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Levels that are higher that the numbers below are diabetes indicators:
Morning while fasting: ≥ 7.0 mmol/L
Any time of the day: ≥ 11.1 mmol/L
Symptoms
There are chances that symptoms may not be present at the moment of a diagnosis:
- Exhaustion
- Urge to pee
- Thirst and hunger increase
- Weight change
- Clouded vision
- Constant infections
- Numbness in hands or feet
- Cuts and bruises heal slowly
- Having a family member with diabetes
- Overweight
- History with gestational diabetes
- Given birth a baby that surpass 4kg weight
- High cholesterol or blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
Checking blood glucose levels
Diabetes treatments help to keep sugar levels as close to the normal range. Doctors and pharmacists can walk you through to learn how to monitor it yourself with the help of a glucose meter or any other device according to your needs. Doctors will order glycosylated hemoglobin tests to determine your average sugar level in the last three months.
Medication
Diabetes Type 1 is handled with insulin injections Diabetes Type 2 can be treated with oral or injected medications as your doctor prescribes.
Lifestyle habits
While medication helps manage diabetes, changes in your nutrition and physical activity are crucial to help regulate sugar levels. Your doctor can recommend exercises, while a nutritionist can teach your new eating habits.
Contact us today to learn more about our Diabeat It program, and to see if it could be the right fit for you.