If you think you might be having symptoms of a diabetes condition, you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, or you are unable to control your diabetes condition, you need to know what you are dealing with. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition or disease that is typically caused one of two ways.
Type I diabetes (juvenile or insulin dependent diabetes) occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough of the insulin hormone. The insulin hormone is necessary to assist the fat and muscle cells in the body in metabolizing blood sugar. Insulin is necessary to help the cells absorb blood sugar, which is then used as energy. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, blood sugar rises and spills into the urine. The excess blood sugar is filtered by the kidneys. This can cause serious ramifications to the organs, especially the kidneys.
Type II diabetes (adult onset or insulin resistant diabetes) occurs when the cells in the body become resistant to the insulin hormone. If the cells become resistant, they are unable to use the insulin even though the body produces it. If the body is not adequately using the insulin, blood sugar levels rise and the effects are the same as with type I diabetes.
Pre diabetes is a condition that can be diagnosed before diabetes actually occurs. This is a “warning” condition that gives you some time to get things under control before you develop diabetes.
Pre Diabetes Condition Warning Signs
Pre diabetes is a condition of diabetes that occurs before your body becomes completely resistant to insulin. If pre diabetes is diagnosed early enough changes can usually be made to prevent a diabetes diagnosis in the future.
According to the American Diabetes Association, pre diabetes most often occurs in people at risk for developing type II diabetes. Type II diabetes usually occurs in adults. It is more likely to occur in people with other uncontrolled health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular conditions. Poor overall health leads to an increase in the likelihood of developing type II diabetes. Testing for pre diabetes allows your physician to determine your risk factor and get you on a plan before diabetes occurs.
There are many symptoms of diabetes and even pre diabetes. These symptoms can include excessive thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, increased sweating, dizziness, and fruity smelling breath, urine or sweat.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms contact your doctor immediately to schedule a diabetes screening. Untreated diabetes can be deadly.
Treatment for Diabetes Disease or Condition
There are many treatments for diabetes. Both types of diabetes typically require blood sugar monitoring and logging several times per day. It is also necessary to follow a diabetic diet and keep a food journal. Your physician may also recommend that you maintain a regular exercise and activity schedule. Other treatments can include insulin injections (necessary with type I and sometimes necessary with type II), oral medications, and sometimes gastric bypass surgery in severe uncontrolled type II cases.
Type I diabetes is not preventable or curable at this time. On the other hand, type II diabetes is very much a “lifestyle” disease. Making better choices now can lead to decreased risk of developing type II diabetes in the future. If you suffer from type II diabetes, the condition can be reversed in some circumstances. Follow your physician’s recommendations and research other options that might help you control your diabetes condition.
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