Did you know that approximately 7.8% of the American population is diabetic? According to the W.H.O, about 300 million persons across the world will be suffering from diabetes by the year 2025.When the numbers are so high, it is advisable to gather as much information as possible about the ailment. This will help you identify whether you are prone to the diabetes and if so, how you can prevent it.
It is a well-known fact that we need energy for doing all tasks such as walking, speaking, running, studying, thinking and even sleeping! Our energy requirements are met when our cells absorb the glucose produced from the food that we eat. The hormone insulin enables our cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
Diabetes is the nomenclature given to the ailment wherein the body either
• Does not produce the required levels of insulin or
• Is unable to utilize the insulin that is produced.
How Can You Identify If You Are Diabetic Or Are Prone To Diabetes?
Persons who are diabetic usually suffer from the following symptoms:
• Fatigue and irritability
• Frequent urination
• Feeling thirsty often
• Feeling more hungry than usual
• Weight loss
• Blurry vision
• Slow healing of wounds.
If you find yourself suffering from these symptoms, it is advisable to test if you have diabetes.
There are three major types of diabetes. They are as follows:
1. Type 1: This form of the ailment affects about 10% of diabetes cases. Children and young adults are more susceptible to it. However the disease may also afflict adults. In Type 1 diabetes, the beta cells that produce insulin are destroyed. Consequently, there is practically no insulin produced.
2. Type 2: This is the most common form of diabetes. In this condition, the insulin production is insufficient or it is not fully utilized. It usually affects:
a) Persons with a family history of diabetes,
b) Those who lead sedentary lives
c) Women who have had gestational diabetes, and
d) Those who are overweight
3. Gestational diabetes: This form of the ailment occurs during pregnancy. It usually disappears after the delivery. However, women suffering from gestational diabetes are prone to Type 2 diabetes later on in life.
Persons who are not diabetic but have blood sugar levels that are much higher than normal are prone to diabetes. They are said to be pre-diabetic. They can prevent or delay the occurrence of diabetes by following an exercise regimen and by losing weight.
If diabetes is not identified and treated well in time, it can lead to other complications. Due to the weakening of the immune system, people who are diabetic, frequently suffer from skin and urinary infections. If they get injured, the wound heals very slowly. Some of the other complications that may occur are blindness, failure of the kidneys, stroke, heart attack, diseases of the blood vessel, nerve damage, and amputations. At times, diabetes can even lead to coma and death.
How To Prevent And Control Diabetes
Diabetes cannot be cured. However, it can be controlled by taking the necessary medications, exercising regularly, limiting the intake of fat and including an adequate amount of fibre in one’s diet. If you are not suffering from diabetes, you can reduce the chances of its occurrence by being active, eating nutritious food and avoiding excessive intake of fat. Get your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels tested twice a year. “Prevention is better than cure”. Start taking all the necessary steps to prevent the occurrence of diabetes as soon as possible.