Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high blood sugar level. There are different types of diabetes including type1,type2 and gestational diabetes. Characteristically they are very similar but stem from different causes and population distributions. Seven percent of the United States population have diabetes. Unfortunately one third of these are unaware they have it.
Diabetes can cause many complications. Long term complications include cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage which can blindness, nerve damage which can lead to poor healing. Poor healing of wounds particularly in the feet can lead to gangrene which can require amputation.
Adequate treatment of diabetes, as well as an increased emphasis on blood pressure and life style including not smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight, can help the lower the risks and aide in the reduction of complications
Common signs and symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, increased appetite, and sometimes weight loss.
Diabetes is diagnosed by a simple blood fasting glucose test. It is however, a progressive disease which means that over time it progressively gets worse and additional measures may need to be implemented to help manage your disease. For many, when diagnosed early enough, diet changes and exercise can help the disease. For others oral diabetic agents or insulin are prescribed. Diabetes should be monitored closely by a physician. Lowering the A1C (a blood test that reveals an average blood sugar level over the last two to three months) level can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.