Understanding Diabetes

Understanding Diabetes

The hormone insulin enables the body to transport blood sugar from the blood into the body's cells to be used for energy. When a person has diabetes, the body does not efficiently or can not efficiently use the hormone insulin appropriately. As a result, blood sugar levels are unstable and dangerously high. The body does not receive the energy that it needs to function in a healthy manner.

TYPE I VS. Type II Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children to early adulthood. Traditionally, studies suggested that Type II diabetes was diagnosed primarily in individuals over the age of 45. Recently however, Type II diabetes is becoming increasingly common in children.

Detecting diabetes early can help you to avoid serious complications such as blindness,limb amputation, heart disease and kidney problems.

Risk Factors

• A family history of diabetes

• Being overweight

• An unhealthy Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Are in a high-risk ethnic group

Women and Diabetes

Below are signs that women can look for women that may be diabetic or pre- diabetic. These include the following:

• excessive facial hair

• excessive body hair

• irregular menstrual cycles

• severe acne

• fertility problems

If you are experiencing any of the above, you may be at risk. It is vitally important that you consult a physician for a confirmed diagnosis.

Clearly, these signs can help with early detection and treatment. However, it is important to remember that some individuals do not report having symptoms or signs at all. That is why making annual testing a part of your yearly exam is a must!

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that may develop in women who are pregnant. During some women's pregnancy the body has trouble managing glucose levels. Having a high blood glucose (sugar) level is dangerous and could cause serious harm to both the mother and unborn child.

Failure to treat gestational diabetes can result in the baby receiving too much blood sugar. Receiving too much blood sugar will cause the fetus to grow too large. This could be extremely dangerous during vaginal delivery. Therefore, babies are often delivered by C- section.

Risk Factors for Developing Gestational Diabetes

•You have had gestational diabetes before

•You have given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds

•You are overweight

•You are African American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American. *These ethnic groups have a higher risk of diabetes than other groups.