Diabetes Explained
Sugar is an epidemic in the Western world that currently affects 246 million people . It is a chronic condition meaning that it is long lasting and often stays with someone their entire life . There is currently no solution , however many treatments have been found to manage and suppress its effects.
Diabetes can be a genetic or acquired disease that affects the metabolism resulting in a high blood sugar levels. This affects the body in many different ways. The body can normally react to high sugar levels by creating insulin. However, sufferers of diabetes experience either a reduced output of insulin or their body becomes accustomed to its effects; known as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 can be treated by insulin management , and type 2 can be managed through diet, exercise and a number of medications.
Influencing Factors
Diabetes has been proved to be largely genetically inherited and is more common in later life . It can also be caused by one’s unhealthy habits such as bad dieting and shortage of exercise. The accumiulation of body fat , particularly around the abdominal area, creates a higher risk of acquiring the disease. Less commonly , diabetes can be initiated by infection, stress or exposure to some drugs and chemicals. Some people are more susceptible to these catalysts .
The Symptoms of Diabetes
The disease can be identified by a number of typical symptoms such as mental weariness, feeling a lack of energy , constant urination , bigger appetite, growing thirst and consequent increased fluid intake .
As a consequence of diabetes, the blood system has too much glucose for the body to handle . This can eventually lead to plenty of physical consequences . The high blood sugar level increases the amount of urine and increased fluid loss which can in turn result in kidney failure . When a high amount of glucose is results , it can cause blurred vision and retinal damage which can in turn lead to blindness. Another common sign of diabetes is nausea, vomiting and abnormal stomach pain.
Management and Prevention
Diabetics can manage the disease through a number of lifestyle changes . It is advisable to eat healthy and exercise regularly to maintain a good relative weight. Patients are also told to monitor and maintain blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. There are a number of medicinal remedies available than could lower both blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels to healthy limits , and reduce the effects that diabetes inflicts on the body.
In Summary
The incidence of diabetes has escalated mainly in the Western world. It can be acquired through inheritance from previous generations and through poor living habits. There are a variety of steps that can be taken to help people to manage and live with the disease.