Diabetes - What is the Definition of Diabetes

Today, diabetes is much more manageable than it used to be. It used to be an illness that was often fatal. People with diabetes have abnormally high blood glucose levels. The high levels of glucose in the blood can cause many different health problems but today it is very easy to manage.

No one knows exactly what causes diabetes but we do know that it happens when people have too little insulin production or their body doesn't use the insulin efficiently. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin for blood glucose to be absorbed. With Type 2 diabetes, the body is not able to use the insulin to help cells absorb glucose.

It's thought that both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes occur as a result of genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. The dominating factor is different for everyone. Gestational diabetes only affects women who are pregnant and goes away on its own once a woman gives birth. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs at a young age and has to do with genetic factors. No matter what the cause, the symptoms of diabetes include urinating frequently, feeling thirsty all the time, dizziness, and stomach pain. 

You should see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis if you exhibit any of the symptoms. The tests to diagnose diabetes are easy and simply require you to give a blood sample. Your blood glucose level will be determined. A normal number is close to 99 mg/dL but someone with diabetes would have a level of 126 mg/dL or more. Several tests will be done before a diagnosis is made.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you have to be diligent about monitoring your blood glucose levels and you can do that in several ways. You can use a small testing device that takes a tiny sample of your blood and analyzes it in seconds. There are also testing devices that use infrared light instead of pricking your finger.

Treating your diabetes is pretty simple in most cases. Often, just watching what you eat and exercising regularly are enough to regulate blood glucose. Some people may need to take insulin but that's easy now that there are both oral inhalers and insulin pens that give you the right dose.

Diabetes isn't something anyone wants to have to cope with but it's a more manageable condition nowadays. There are still serious long term complications that can occur with diabetes but if you take care of yourself and follow your doctor's recommendations, you can live a long and happy life.