Diabetes - Information

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, the first thing you should do is to find out as much information about the disease as possible. Although there is no cure for diabetes, proper treatment and lifestyle choices can make it easy to live with diabetes and allow someone with this condition to live a long, full life.

Only a doctor can diagnose your diabetes. It is often diagnosed when someone feels poorly. They might even faint or feel very sick for a long period of time. There might be frequent visits to the bathroom and excessive thirst. Some people develop a cold and clammy feeling and might think that they are having a heart attack. A blood test will indicate a problem with the glucose levels and the doctor will want to do more tests. Extensive blood work is needed in order to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

Diabetes Type II has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The disease is linked to obesity and diets rich in simple carbohydrates. It can also be an inherited condition. Most diabetics have a first degree relative with the disease. Age also plays a factor and many people are diagnosed with diabetes after the age of 65.

With diabetes type II, the body does not produce enough insulin needed to break down glucose. It remains in the blood system and causes the kidneys to work hard to eliminate the waste. If untreated, the kidneys will eventually fail.

It is important to treat diabetes as soon as you are diagnosed. Depending on your history and blood sugar levels, the doctor will prescribe either oral medication or insulin. Many diabetics dislike taking insulin, although this is the most effective treatment for the disease. Insulin pumps can provide the body with insulin without having to take a shot every day.

There are various medications available to treat diabetes and the doctor will usually prescribe a combination of pills. The dosage may need to be adjusted until the blood glucose levels are under control. It is important to monitor the blood glucose levels at all times, but especially when you are first diagnosed so that you can make sure you are on the proper dosage of medication.

Once your blood glucose levels are under control, you will have to continue to monitor these levels a few times a day. Most diabetics test their blood sugars at least three times a day. This requires a meter, a lancet pen, lancets and testing strips. Supplies can be costly, but most insurance companies will cover some of the costs. There are some places online that will bill your insurance company directly and send you the supplies at a discount, even if you have Medicare. Once you understand the different diabetic supplies that you need, it is a good idea to shop around for the best price on supplies.

You will have to see the doctor a few times a year during the first year to make sure that your blood sugar levels are under control. He or she will want to do blood tests. The big mistake that most diabetics make is that they refuse to acknowledge the disease and do not see their doctor regularly. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure that regular visits to the physician are scheduled.

Diabetes can be a scary diagnosis, but this is a disease that you can live with and control, as long as you follow the advice of your doctor