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Diabetes is the inability of cells to respond to insulin, a
hormone produced by the pancreas that moves glucose from the blood
to the cells, or the inability of the pancreas to produce enough, if
any, insulin to allow the glucose to be converted into energy. In
the process of digestion, food is converted to glucose, or sugar,
that is carried by the bloodstream to cells to use for growth and
energy. Insulin allows the cells to use the glucose. With diabetes,
since the glucose isn’t used, it is excreted from the body in the
urine. The body has no source of fuel for growth or energy and
diabetes health problems arise.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes, the most common form, include
increased thirst and appetite, fatigue, weight loss or gain, nausea,
dry mouth, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts or abrasions, yeast
infections and itching skin in the groin area. If you experience
these symptoms, your doctor will send you for a fasting plasma
glucose test. This test requires you refrain from eating for 8 hours
before the test and get blood drawn. This blood will be tested for
glucose levels. If this test indicates the presence of diabetes,
your doctor will start you on a diabetes treatment plan.
Diabetes is a serious disease that, if left unchecked, can lead
to debilitating conditions and heart disease, stroke and high blood
pressure. Nerve disease is an issue with diabetes health concerns,
as is loss of vision, limb amputation, kidney disease and gum
disease resulting in loss of teeth.
If you catch your diabetes early, it is very possible that you
can control it and never have to take medication. It is up to you to
change your eating habits, increase the amount of exercise you get
and keep on eye on your own health. Regular check-ups with your
doctor or clinic, the eye doctor and dentist and self-testing your
glucose levels. Your “diabetes health” is in your hands and you can
keep it that way.
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