Diabetes – Key Facts About Diabetes

Diabetes is essentially a consequence of the higher than norm glucose level in the blood. Now with the advent of technology, technique and equipments to measure the glucose levels in the blood, it is just a matter of monitoring and controlling the levels. The glucose levels in the blood can be controlled by induction of insulin.

Insulin is the carrier of glucose from blood to the cells of the body. Diabetes is understood to be caused because of inadequate production of insulin by the body or inability of the body to use the insulin produced. The dynamics of insulin production and insulin uptake by the body are still unknown.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterised by inadequate level of insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by inadequate uptake of insulin.

Diabetes specialised doctors believe the cause of diabetes to be genes, lifestyle and environment factors. Type 1 diabetes is said to be caused mainly because of carrier genes and attacks even at childhood. Some three percent of pregnant women suffer diabetes during their trimester. But the glucose level in their body normalizes soon after delivery. Asians are known to be more susceptible to diabetes than those belonging to the Caucasian race.

Whether it is Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms are more or less the same. The afflicted person is forever thirsty and consumes large quantity of water. He also passes urine in large quantities and more frequently. This is more than proportionate to the quantity of water consumed. But these symptoms alone should not make one come to the conclusion that one has diabetes. For instance, thirst could be because of thyroid problems and abnormal urination could be because of kidney problem. It is advisable to get oneself tested by a health care provider.

Test for diabetes starts with a small prick in the finger for blood sample. Sometimes two tests are taken one on empty stomach and another after consumption of sugary juice.

A blood glucose level between 70 to 110 mg/dL is said to be normal. A diabetic patient could be suffering from low glucose or high glucose levels. If the test reports confirm diabetes, the person should thereafter monitor the blood glucose levels at intervals suggested by the health care provider.

A diabetic need not necessarily go to a laboratory to get himself tested. Blood glucose measuring palm held devices are available. A drop of blood of the diabetic is wiped on a strip and fed into the device. Instantaneously it outputs the blood glucose level on its display screen. Advanced devices direct infrared rays through the skin to directly measure the blood glucose level.

Some diabetics need to just follow a diet and exercise regimen to maintain their glucose levels. Some need to take medicines regularly. While more severe cases of diabetics need to inject insulin shots in the prescribed dosage. Nowadays inhalers are also available as a method of treatment for diabetes.

For certainty none would like to have a brush with diabetes. The complications arising out of diabetes could be deadly. So if it does descend on you take help. The treatment methods are simple to follow. Live a life of discipline. Discipline diabetes.