What is diabetes? Know the facts, protect your health.
What is diabetes? I am glad you are seeking knowledge regarding “what is diabetes?” because many millions of people suffer from diabetes and even more suffer from pre diabetes unknowingly. Therefore we want to educate the world and be educated by the world about diabetes.
The blood glucose levels in diabetics tend to be consistently elevated (above 126mg/dl). If the blood glucose levels are consistently high diabetes will be diagnosed. Glucose, which is a simple sugar, is essential for the cells of the body to function properly. It is converted from the starchy food we eat and released into the blood stream by the stomach. Without Glucose the cells and muscle tissues would lack the necessary fuel it need to function. In order for the body to be able to absorb glucose it needs the assistance of insulin. What is insulin? You may ask. Insulin is a hormone produced in the beta cells of the pancreas; a small organ tuck away behind the stomach. Its main function to ensure the cells gets enough glucose and that the liver stores the extra glucose in the form of glycogen.
What does the pancreas has to do with diabetes? The pancreas is a vital organ in the glucose conversion process. When we eat the sugar level in the blood rises. The pancreas will release insulin to bring down the sugar level. When the sugar level falls too low the pancreas will releases glucagon. This hormone instructs the liver to convert the stored glycogen back to glucose and release it in the blood stream. The pancreas is always doing a balancing act to ensure your blood sugar levels stays within the normal range. It’s like you steering a car to keep it on the road. How many types of diabetes? There are more than one types of diabetes. Each type is dependent on what part of the glucose to energy conversion process that is at fault. If the pancreas stops producing insulin then type1 diabetes will result. What is diabetes type 1? When the pancreas does not produce any insulin it is usually as a result of damage to the pancreas, an infection or even a birth defect. This type of diabetes tends to occur in children or young people. Diabetics suffering from type 1 diabetes are normally treated with daily insulin injections. A healthy well balanced diet and a little exercise also helps. What is diabetes type 2? If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to fulfil the body’s requirement then diabetes type 2 will result. The same diagnosis will result if the body is unable to use the insulin produced by the pancreas. When the body cannot use its own insulin your doctor may tell you that you are insulin resistant. Insulin resistance is sometimes treated by incorporating a healthy diet and an exercise plan in your daily routine. If insulin resistance is severe a little medication may be included to bring down the sugar levels. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is the same as type 2 diabetes except is tend to occur during pregnancy. It is also treated with diet, exercise and in some instances medication is included. Gestational diabetes normally goes away after pregnancy but there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in subsequent years. Can I protect myself? Yes you can. Diabetes type 2 can be effectively controlled by a change in lifestyle. Lifestyle change will incorporate well planned and well balanced meals plus moderate exercise. Depending on the severity of the Insulin resistance or the shortfall of insulin production a little medication might be needed. What should I do? The body sometimes gives us little warning cues that something might be wrong. Some diabetics even experience pre-diabetes symptoms for up to ten years before diabetes is actually diagnosed. If the symptoms are not apparent you might still be at risk. Have a look at the top 5 diabetes risk factors. After reading this page on, "what is diabetes?" you can get further information on the different diabetes types.
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