Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day!
Today awareness is raised about having and living with diabetes. Some people know about this metabolic condition, while some don't fully understand it.
What's Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus commonly known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used as energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make glucose or can't effectively use the insulin it producing.
Types of Diabetes
There are different types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes: It's an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks and destroy the cells in the pancreas, where insulin is made. It's unclear what causes this attack, but about 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin, or can no longer effectively convert glucose to energy. Hence, causing sugar to build up in your body.
- Prediabetes: This occurs when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but it is not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes: It is a high blood sugar occurring during pregnancy. Insulin- blocking hormones produced by the placenta, causes this type of diabetes.
General Symptoms of Diabetes;
- Increased hunger and thirst.
- Weight loss.
- Frequent urination.
- Blurry vision.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Sores that don't heal.
Do you know your history with diabetes?
Do you know someone that has diabetes, encourage them to eat right, check their blood sugar level when awake in the morning before breakfast, after eating, and before bedtime, encourage them to take their drugs regularly, stay in a ventilated area, rest adequately, and exercise appropriately.
If you have an history, and you're below 45 years of age, talk to a health practitioner if you have thought that needs to get cleared.