Diabetes is a serious life-long condition that can affect the entire body. When the blood sugar levels are too high because the body cannot use it properly, this can lead to diabetes. If diabetes is left untreated, the high amounts of blood glucose can result in serious health complications. Although there is currently no cure for this health condition, those with diabetes can live an enjoyable life if they learn more about this condition and manage it effectively. There are two main types of diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, the body attacks and destroys the cells that produce diabetes while in Type 2 diabetes; the body does not make enough insulin.
Yes. Managing diabetes will involve some changes in the eating habits of the affected person. For instance, eating a balanced diet that contains carbohydrates, protein and fats in reasonable amounts will be important, as it will help in maintaining a healthy weight. Moreover, diabetics will need to have regular meals and ensure that the meals have low quantities of saturated fat and excess sodium while controlling the type and amount of carbohydrate intake at a time.
Participating in flexibility training, strength building and aerobic activity can help in controlling blood sugar levels for persons with Type 2 diabetes. Similarly, physical activities can assist in attaining and maintaining the required weight as well as improving cardiovascular health, effectively helping to control both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
People who have this health condition can take the necessary steps to ensure that they reduce the risks linked to diabetes. Some of the tests that they must take frequently are blood sugar checks, dental exams and regular eye check-up as well as laboratory checks for cholesterol, micro albumin and lipid labs. When doing these tests, it is important for the patient to understand what each test measures, what the goals are and how frequently they should be done.
Patients with Type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin for the rest of their lives so as to effectively handle the condition. For those with Type 2 diabetes, changes in lifestyle, as well as oral medications, will help in controlling their blood sugar levels.
While hyperglycemia means high blood sugar levels, hypoglycemia is a condition that is characterized by low blood glucose. When one has low sugar levels, they will need glucose to normalize their blood sugar. On the other hand, patients with high sugar levels will manage their condition by either engaging in physical exercises or administering insulin. The symptoms of these two conditions vary. Symptoms associated with hypoglycemia include sweating, shaking, nervousness and irritability. Those associated with hyperglycemia are dry skin, headache, blurry vision and thirst.
Managing blood sugar levels will help in preventing eye diseases from developing and prevent existing eye diseases from worsening. Research has also established that some diabetic eye diseases can result in blindness.
When administering insulin, many steps should be taken to ensure that the highest standards of hygiene are observed. At the same time, some of the essential supplies needed are insulin, syringes, needles, a container for disposing of the needles, glucose tablets and two glucagon shot kits.
Kidneys are very important organs in the body. When the body cannot use up the required amount of glucose, this can lead to abnormally high levels of sugars in the blood. In the end, high blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to the kidneys.