What is Diabetes?

When the body does not produce or properly use insulin, diabetes results. Diabetes, unqualified, typically is a reference to diabetes mellitus, however there are many rarer conditions also called diabetes. This disease is often diagnosed when an individual endures a problem that is caused by it, such as a stroke, heart attack, neuropathy, wounds not healing, an ulcer on the foot, certain kinds of eye conditions, fungal infections, or delivering a baby with hypoglycemia or macrosomia.

It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1. Most Americans who are diagnosed have type 2. It often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.

A condition called pre-diabetes occurs when a patients blood glucose levels are abnormally high but not quite enough for a type 2 diagnosis. This condition is also referred to as impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance. Body cells become more insulin resistant or the required amount of insulin is not being produced by the pancreas. Depending on the test used for diagnosis it is also called impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). According to new estimates provided by the according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Pre-diabetes is becoming more common in the United States.

In order to determine whether or not a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signals pre-diabetes. In the OGTT test, a person's blood glucose level is measured after a fast and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage.

Diabetes testing is needed for individuals with any of the many risk factors, as well as for many at different age groups. However, keep in mind that maintaining your blood sugar at a proper level now can help to minimize the risk of diabetes complications later in life.

Persons diagnosed with diabetes may eventually suffer from damage to the retinas, renal failure, cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, nerve damage and many other health problems.

Proper diabetes treatment, focusing on the control of blood pressure and personal habits like smoking and keeping your weight under control could help in avoiding diabetes complications.

Diabetes can lead to serious health problems and early death, but those with diabetes can take action to manage the condition and reduce the risk of these complications. Diabetes is a disease that affects over 21 million in the U.S. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of early death and disability as well. Diabetes is linked to life long complications that damage almost every part of the human anatomy. It's very serious, but it is manageable.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

John Richmond is a freelance writer who does research in the medical field and is a contributor to YourDiabetesInfo.com. John has thoroughly researched the topic of diabetes and hopes you find his writings to be educational.

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