Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. Food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use the hormone insulin, made in the pancreas, to help them process blood glucose into energy.

The three main kinds of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.

Type 1 is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. Treatment for Type 1diabetes includes taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

People develop Type 2 diabetes because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the course of time, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leads to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. People who are overweight and inactive are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Monitor your weight loss effectively with a body fat weight scale.

Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing a little weight can help you reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Lowering and monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels also helps you stay healthy. You can do this with Omron Blood pressure monitors.

Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. This form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born.