Diabetes

Diabetes is a common but serious condition that afflicts nearly 500 million people around the world. It presents as higher-than-normal levels of glucose (or sugar) in your blood. Diabetes is a treatable condition, but if you don’t stay on top of it, you could face amputations, blindness, heart disease, and possibly death.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is marked by your body’s inability to produce insulin, a regulating hormone that controls how your body uses glucose. There are two primary forms of diabetes:

• Type 1 — this is a genetic condition where the body cannot produce any insulin. This is because the immune system is not functioning correctly and destroying those cells that are responsible for insulin production. Insulin is necessary for life, so those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes must take insulin medicine each day
• Type 2 — this is a condition brought on by poor lifestyle habits. With type 2, your body may produce insulin, but it’s not enough to process the increased levels of blood sugar resulting from bad eating habits and not enough exercise

There is no cure for diabetes, not even diet-induced type 2 diabetes, but the latter can go into remission with treatment.

Treating Diabetes

How you treat diabetes depends on which type you’ve been diagnosed with.

If you’re suffering from type 1 diabetes, your body produces no insulin, so you have to take insulin every day. There are several forms of insulin available, including short-acting, long-acting, intermediate-acting, and rapid-acting. Your doctor may prescribe one or more forms depending on your particular condition.

Type 2 diabetes can be largely treated through lifestyle changes. Choosing healthier foods and exercising every day can be enough to control your blood sugar levels. However, your doctor may also prescribe medicines like Metformin that further lower blood sugar.

Depending on the medicine you’re prescribed, it may come as an injection (common for insulin), inhaler, or oral medication.

Whether you’re suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, we offer wellness classes to educate you on your condition and treatment options. Reach out today to see how we can help you.