What Is Diabetes? Can You Control It?

Diabetes is a disease that affects a large portion of our population today. In this disease, the glucose in blood remains at high levels. Normally, the hormone insulin is released into the body (after eating). Insulin helps regulate blood glucose by taking glucose out of the blood and putting it into cells. This glucose provides our body's cells with energy. Type I diabetics do not make insulin, and type II diabetes is when the body doesn't make or use insulin properly. Without insulin, glucose stays in the blood and can't be taken up by cells. Over time, high blood glucose can cause eye, nerve, kidney, and  heart damage; stroke; lead to removal of a limb, or premature death. Type II diabetes risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, overweight, and an unhealthy diet. The first attempt in controlling type II diabetes is usually through diet changes and increased physical activity. If these steps are not taken or do not help control blood glucose, a physician will prescribe medication(s). Medications may stimulate insulin release, change insulin action, or change glucose uptake. These medications will most likely have to be taken indefinitely.

It is important to know that lifestyle modifications can prevent or slow the development of type II diabetes. If you are at risk for developing this disease, it might be time to consult your physician and consider how your lifestyle could help or hurt you!

For more information about Type I and Type II Diabetes, take a look at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/diabetes-diabete/index-eng.php