If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably asking yourself, what is diabetes? If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you’re probably wondering about Insulin resistance and complications. But did you know that Type 2 diabetes is also a real threat to your health? If not, then read on to learn more about the disease and how to manage it. Here are some tips to get you started. Hopefully, these tips will help you understand the disease better and make the best possible decision about your treatment.
Type 1 Diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes may require regular insulin shots or wear an insulin pump. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body manage blood sugar levels and gives it energy. It is not a pill because stomach acid destroys it. People with diabetes are prescribed the right amount of insulin based on a doctor’s recommendation. However, they may also be prescribed other medications to help them control their blood sugar levels. Depending on the severity of their diabetes, doctors may recommend that they take Metformin in addition to insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must balance their insulin and food intake with their physical activity. A well-balanced diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats. Small meals should be eaten frequently to reduce the chances of a glucose spike, and exercising should be included in your routine. Lastly, people with type 1 diabetes should exercise regularly as it lowers their blood sugar levels. It is important to remember that emotional health is just as important as physical health.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps cells absorb glucose from the blood. In insulin resistance, the body cells cannot use this hormone effectively, causing glucose to build up in the blood. When this happens, the blood glucose level rises above a healthy range, known as prediabetes. One in three Americans has prediabetes, a condition in which the body doesn’t respond to insulin.
Although scientists do not yet understand the exact mechanisms of insulin resistance, they know that people who are obese and/or have high levels of visceral fat are at an increased risk of developing it. Waist measurements of 40 inches and over are associated with insulin resistance. Asian Americans are at an increased risk for insulin resistance, even if their BMI is not high enough. The body’s response to insulin is affected by other factors, such as genetics and physical inactivity.
Complications
Diabetics are at an increased risk of developing many complications, including high blood pressure, foot ulcers, and nerve damage. These complications generally can be avoided with proper diabetes management. Nonetheless, diabetics need to be especially vigilant of foot wounds. Ultimately, the complication of diabetes may lead to an amputation. Amputation is the most common form of lower limb amputation for diabetics. Here are some of the most common complications of diabetes.
Microvascular complications of diabetes are far more common than macrovascular complications. These include foot problems, amputation, and diabetes retinopathy. The risk of microvascular complications increases with age, duration of diabetes, and presence of neuropathy. However, if the complications are detected early and treated, the diabetic patient may experience fewer serious symptoms and less frequent hospitalization. In addition, diabetes patients with peripheral artery disease are at an increased risk of developing microvascular complications.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of diabetes may be complicated, but that does not mean you must stop eating all your favorite foods. Rather, you should focus on eating a healthy diet and engaging in moderate physical activity. Taking medication and supplements may also help you manage your diabetes. Diabetics can take advantage of positive changes in their lifestyle, such as weight loss, improved mental and physical health, and a better control of their blood sugar levels.
There are different types of diabetes, each with its own classification. The most common forms are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. However, some cases are more difficult to classify, such as gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes, on the other hand, is defined as glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Glucocorticoid steroid use and organ transplantation are also associated with onset of diabetes in pregnancy.