Diabetes has often been called the silent killer and for good reason. There are three main types of this disease. The first is called type 1, the second is called type 2 and the third is called gestational diabetes.
Type 1 occurs in people whose bodies do not produce insulin. People who suffer with this category of the disease must take insulin injections. As of right now there is no way to prevent this type of the disease. Type 1 makes up about 10% of all the cases in Europe and North America. People who suffer from type 1 diabetes are usually healthy in other areas.
Type 2 is not caused by the body’s failure to produce insulin, as is the case with type 1. The cause for type 2 is a resistance to insulin. This resistance is sometimes combined with reduced insulin secretion. Many times this particular variation is a result of lifestyle and genetics.
Gestational diabetes can often resemble type 2. This particular type occurs in pregnant women. It usually occurs in 2-5% of reported pregnancies. The disease is completely treatable; however it is important that the pregnant woman be under careful medical supervision for the entirety of the pregnancy.
Some classic telltale signs of diabetes are frequent urination and increased hunger or thirst. Depending on which category of the disease you have, symptoms can develop rapidly or very slowly. In type 1, symptoms usually develop within weeks or months. In type 2, symptoms will develop at a slower pace and may be very subtle.
If left untreated or poorly managed any category of this disease can be deadly. There are certain steps that a diabetic needs to take in order to manage the disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the most important steps that you can take is to eat a healthy diet. You can work with your physician to come up with a good meal plan.
The next important step for a diabetic is to understand and monitor blood glucose levels. There are many different types of equipment that can be used to monitor your blood sugar. It is important to talk to your doctor and have a good understanding of where your blood sugar level should be, and how many times a day you should check your levels. To learn more and the medication and the costs involved, visit this page here on this site: cheap diabetic supplies.
Regular eye exams are also very important. This disease can directly cause vision problems such as diabetic retinopathy or macular edema. Diabetics are at a very high risk for severe vision problems. If these problems are left untreated the result could be blindness. This is why it is imperative to have your eyes checked at least once a year.
Another important step in managing this disease is exercise. Exercise can help to regulate blood sugar levels, therefore decreasing the severity of the disease. Before beginning any new exercise program be sure to consult your physician.
Diabetes can be a dangerous or even deadly disease, but it does not have to be. The key is to do the things that need to be done in order to manage this disease. You should have regular medical examinations with both a physician and an eye doctor. When you combine medication along with a good diet and an appropriate exercise program, this disease will be under control.