Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose otherwise know as blood sugar. Without ongoing careful management, diabetes can lead to a buildup of sugars in the blood which can increase the risk of dangerous complications including stroke and heart diseases. Different kinds of diabetes can occur and managing the condition depends on the type. Not all forms of diabetes stem from a person being overweight or living an inactive lifestyle. In fact some are present from childhood.

TYPES OF DIABETES

Three are major types of diabetes type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as Juvenile diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce in People with type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent which means that they must take artificial in daily to stay alive.
Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body uses insulin while the body still makes insulin. Unlike in type 1, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did. This is the most common type of diabetes according to the National Institute of Diabetes. This type2 has a strong in link with obesity.

Gestational diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy when the body can become less sensitive to insulin. Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and resolves after giving birth. Less common types of diabetes include monogenic diabetes and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

SYMPTOMS

1. Increased thirst and urination
2. Increased hunger(especially after eating)
3. Fatigue
4. Blurred vision
5. Slow healing of sores.
6. Unexplained weight loss.
7. Labored or heavy breathing.

CAUSES

1. The most common form of diabetes is caused by genes.
2. Lifestyle: excessive eating of carbohydrate food and drinking of carbonated drinks.
3. Overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity can most likely result in type 2 diabetes.

PREVENTION

1. Performing physical activity on a regular basis.
2. Eat less of carbohydrate food
3. Eat more of grain food e.g. Oat, cereals, and protein.
4. Develop the habit of taking fruits and vegetables every day.

MANAGING DIABETES

1. Planning what you eat and following a balanced meal plan.
2. Exercising regularly
3. Taking medicine if prescribed and following the guidelines on how and when to take it.
4. Monitoring your blood glucose and blood pressure levels regularly.
5. Keeping your appointments with your health care provider and having laboratory tests as ordered by your doctor.

NOTE: What you do at home every day affects
your blood glucose more than what your doctor
can do every few months during your
checkups.