Grocery stores and cafés are now swamped with low-fat, sugar-free food products and light beverages. People are now being conscious with what food they buy and eat. They are now aware of the amount of sugar intake that comes with every meal, or at least of every food product. That is why these items are a sell-out to those who carefully watch their diet. But this is more good news to the people suffering from diabetes. For now, they can enjoy eating their favorite piece of cake, scoop of ice cream and can of soda without having to worry of their glucose level. But what really is diabetes? Why do diabetics need to monitor their sugar level?
Diabetes is a type of medical condition in which the blood sugar level of the body is higher than the average percentage. So, if the sugar level is high, this would result to the abnormal production and use of insulin which would also cause sugar to build up in the blood. Diabetes is said to be the sixth leading cause of death in the US. The condition affects children and adults alike.
The people suffering from diabetes may experience some if not all of these symptoms: frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden changes of vision, numbness of hands or feet, very dry skin, sores that heal slow and more infections than usual. In severe cases of diabetes, nausea, vomiting and stomach pains may be experienced by the individual.
To determine if one has diabetes, a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Tolerance Glucose Test (OGTT) may be conducted. In the FPG, blood sugar levels are tested after the individual has undergone fasting and in the OGTT, the test will be done after the individual has been made to drink a glucose-rich beverage.
There are different types of diabetes. There is the type 1, type 2 and the gestational diabetes. The type 1 diabetes was previously called the IDDM, Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus or juvenile-onset diabetes. This is either caused by an exposure to an environmental stimulus like a virus, or environmental factors or may be genetic. Type 2 diabetes, previously known as NIDDM, Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus or adult-onset diabetes, is said to have been caused by old age, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity and race or ethnicity. Another type of diabetes is the gestational diabetes. This is only affects women during pregnancy. Some cases though may lead to type 2 diabetes. Other causes of diabetes are surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections and other illnesses.
To treat diabetes, one has to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Proper diet should be observed. This goes true to all types of diabetes. Because no matter how much medicine you take, if you are not eating the right kind of food, diabetes will not be treated. In some of the types of diabetes though, there are specific treatments that need to be followed. In type 1 diabetes, insulin injections are needed. The amount of insulin should be proportional to the food intake and daily activities. And sugar levels should be closely monitored. In type 2 diabetes, medication or insulin are taken. Losing excess weight should also be done.
The right people must also be consulted for the monitoring of the condition. A health care provider to check on your glucose levels, an endrocrinologist to specialize on your diabetes care, and/or a dietitian for proper daily nutritional care. So the next time you visit the groceries, you will know which can of soda to take.
