Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease caused by your body’s having problems with insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas to enable you to utilize the fat and sugar you consume. If the pancreas produces insufficient insulin, or your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, diabetes is the result.

The onset of type 1 diabetes is due to the pancreas being unable to produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes usually start to show symptoms in childhood or early adulthood, and they must inject themselves with insulin to keep their blood sugar stable.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is producing insulin but at insufficient levels for correct functioning. In some cases, the body is resistant to insulin. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 is a preventable condition in most cases, as it’s most often due to being overweight and eating a diet high in fat and sugar. Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1, with more than 18 million Americans being affected.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually come on gradually, and you may not notice them in the earlier stages. As time goes on, the symptoms slowly become more noticeable, but you still might be oblivious to what’s happening, or believe you’re just a little tired or off color. Symptoms you may experience include:

• Increased thirst, and sometimes appetite
• Needing to urinate more frequently
• Weight changes
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Wounds that heal more slowly
• Itchy skin
• Yeast infections
• Sexual problems
• Tingling sensation or numbness in the extremities

Because the symptoms are normally so mild and can be for years in some cases, it’s estimated that more than five million Americans have undiagnosed diabetes.

Can diabetes be prevented?

Type 2 diabetes is most often entirely preventable. You need to follow a healthy lifestyle, with weight loss being the most important factor - losing just 7% of your body weight can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Cut out fat and excess calories, but stick to established healthy eating plans rather than fad diets, eating plenty of whole foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. You should also be aiming to spend at least two to three hours a week exercising.

How should I manage diabetes if I have it?

The same healthy lifestyle changes that prevent diabetes also help improve your health after a diagnosis. Dr. McFarland and her team can draw up a diet and exercise plan that meets your needs and helps you reach your healthy living goals. They can also help you manage your diabetes by prescribing the appropriate medications and helping you control your blood sugar using insulin injections.

For a full program of support to help you manage your diabetes, call MyNP Professionals today to arrange a consultation, or book online.