Diabetes

An alarming number of people have some form of diabetes. Understanding the causes behind diabetes can help you minimize your risk of developing it. A family history of diabetes may increase your chances of developing this disease. Also, if you’re overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle, you are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comes in two forms. Type-1 DM is characterized by an inability of the body to produce insulin, due to damage in the pancreas. Insulin is pivotal in maintaining blood sugar levels in the bloodstream. People with type-1 diabetes must take insulin daily. Type-2 diabetes occurs when the body loses its ability to respond to normal insulin production. A third, less frequent type of the condition is called gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnant women. During pregnancy, if a woman develops abnormally high blood glucose levels, it can influence the onset of type-2 DM, for the duration of her pregnancy.

While there is no known cure for the disease, lifestyle changes can go a long way towards managing type-2 diabetes. For instance, reducing your carbohydrate intake and adding light exercise to your daily routine can help maintain blood sugar levels and keep your body healthy.

If left untreated or undiagnosed, the high blood glucose levels in the body can make you vulnerable to other health complications. A person with either form of diabetes is at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. This is because the excess blood sugar can lead to reduced blood flow and can add strain on the heart.

Understanding the disease as comprehensively as possible can help you manage your diabetes treatment. Work with your doctor if you feel you are at risk for diabetes, to know your status and work out a management plan. Women in their third trimester of pregnancy should get tested and take precautionary measures to avoid the onset of gestational diabetes.