Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin production or use. Lack of exercise and excess weight are significant factors. Symptoms include thirst, hunger, weight loss, fatigue, frequent urination, irritability, and blurred vision. Pre-diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Testing includes fasting plasma glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests. Treatment includes insulin injections and lifestyle changes.
Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough or use insulin properly. Our bodies use insulin to convert carbohydrates into energy. About 13 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, though the cause is still unknown. Many doctors believe that lack of exercise and excess weight are significant factors.
Many people are unaware that they are at risk for diabetes. If a person is under 65 and gets little or no exercise, or is over 65, they may be a candidate for diabetes. If a person is overweight, has a family history of diabetes, or is Hispanic, African American, Asian American, Native American, or Pacific Islander, they may be a candidate for diabetes. A woman who has given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds may also have an increased risk of diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst and hunger, weight loss, fatigue, frequent urination, general irritability, and blurred vision. Most people experience each of these symptoms from time to time, so they’re easily ignored. If you or a loved one experience some or all of these symptoms on a regular basis, see your doctor about diabetes testing.
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are high, but have not reached dangerous levels. Having pre-diabetes does not mean a person will eventually have diabetes. Progression to diabetes can be prevented through weight loss, diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco, and by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
To test for diabetes or pre-diabetes, a doctor will order a fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test to determine blood sugar levels. After a fast, if blood sugar levels are above 100, a person may have pre-diabetes. If blood sugar levels are above 125, a person may have diabetes.
Treatment for diabetes includes insulin injections and a change in habits. Daily exercise and a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help prevent diabetes. Always talk to your doctor about changing your diet or starting an exercise regimen. With proper diet and exercise, you may be able to reduce your risk of diabetes.
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