Diabetes is a chronic disease that results from higher than normal levels of sugar in the blood. This occurs as the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin and fat, liver and muscle cells fail to respond properly to insulin that is produced.
Types
There are three different types of diabetes. Gestational is the type that occurs during pregnancy. Type 1 usually occurs during childhood, although it can appear when older. Type 2 diabetes is the common form that usually begins in adulthood due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin for blood glucose levels to stay within normal limits. Because more people are overweight or obese and many people do not exercise enough, type 2 cases are significantly increasing. With statistics showing that more than 40 million Americans have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic and an additional 20 million people having diabetes, preventive medicine can play a major role in reducing these numbers as well as managing cases of existing diabetes to prevent serious complications.
Risk Factors
Although some risk factors cannot be changed such as age, hereditary factors and ethnicity, other risk factors can be changed or prevented. These include not getting enough exercise, being overweight or obese and having high cholesterol.
Symptoms of High Sugar Levels in Blood
Several symptoms can occur when glucose levels become too high in the blood. These include weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, hunger, excessive thirst and frequent urination.
Preventive Medicine and Diabetes
Using the expert services of a preventive medicine doctor in Colorado, these specialists can help reduce the risks of developing this serious disease. These doctors can also help those who are currently diabetic in assisting them in managing their illness to prevent dangerous complications. Preventive medicine specialists not only write prescriptions, but treat the entire body using preventive measures such as weight loss programs, exercise programs, nutrition therapy and controlling high cholesterol levels. With preventive programs and education, patients can significantly lower their chances of developing this disease. Those who are pre-diabetic can also benefit from these highly trained doctors in controlling their condition and possibly reversing it. Individuals who currently suffer from this disease can expect complete monitoring and management of their illness as well as treating any complications that arise. These doctors provide extensive testing for cholesterol and triglycerides as well as fasting blood glucose level testing and urine analysis. Education can include meal planning & exercise, foot care, self-testing of glucose levels, blood pressure monitoring and properly using medications or insulin. Because there is no cure for this illness, effective treatment involves making lifestyle changes to reduce and prevent diabetes.
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