subject: Are You Wondering: What Exactly Is Sugar Diabetes, And Why It Starts? [print this page] Knowing what exactly is sugar diabetes is important to investigate, particularly for those that think they may have this disease. Sugar diabetes is a serious condition that cause the body not to produce enough insulin. When this happens, the blood sugar levels becomes to high leading to other very serious complications like stroke, coma or even death.
It is not clear what exactly what causes diabetes, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors. People that have diabetes can not properly produce insulin. The pancreas produces this important hormone. Once the food we ingest is broken down, glucose is formed. Insulin is utilized to convert glucose into energy. This energy is needed to help our bodies sustain our day to day living.
Sugar diabetes can be diagnosed by a blood test. The test will measure the amount of sugar evident in the blood. In addition to the blood test, physicians will perform either a fasting plasma glucose test or a oral tolerance test to monitor the amount of sugar in the blood. The fasting test requires the patient not to eat or drink for several hours while the sugar levels are being monitored. And the oral tests involves the patient drinking a sweet drink and then monitoring the sugar levels in the blood.
Diabetes comes in two forms, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes happens when the body does not produce the necessary amount of insulin to keep it going. Type 2 diabetes is when the body rejects the insulin that it produces. Most people that have diabetes have this form of the disease.
Medical professionals have not found a cure for diabetes. But many people go on to live healthy lives after they are diagnosed with the condition. Their physicians teach them how to perform self monitoring so they can keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels. They also learn how to eat a sufficient diet to help alleviate high blood sugar levels.
A diabetic diet consists of foods low in salt and sugar. It is basically a low fat diet rich in fiber and protein. Good whole foods that are not processed, are recommended for people with this condition. It is important that people with diabetes eat regularly to maintain their blood sugar levels. They should eat three square meals a day and at least two healthy snacks.
Exercise is another important activity of a diabetics life. Exercising helps the body to utilize insulin it produces. And it also lowers your blood sugar level. It is important for people with diabetes to reduce weight gain as it leads to many other complications.
When understanding what exactly is sugar diabetes, there are ways to control it from debilitating a person's life. Besides a healthy diet and exercise, there are medications available to help individuals manage with their disease. The medication either involves taking insulin. Or it may be medicine that produces insulin. Some can take their medication orally while others may have to take injections. Self monitoring is an important aspect of maintaining health. But it is clearly a condition that needs to be closely monitored if one is to enjoy a long and healthy life.
