Diabetes

The Basics

Diabetes is a disease that has to do with how the body manages sugar, or glucose. Glucose is necessary; it’s a source of energy for cells and it acts as fuel for the brain. There are different types of diabetes, but regardless of the type, a person with diabetes has too much glucose in the blood.

Although the disease can be controlled, it can lead to serious complications including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, stroke, hearing impairments, eye damage and more.

Causes

There are a number of factors that can contribute to glucose levels being higher than they should be. Some examples are: liver disease, inactivity, poor diet, medications, problems with digestion, and chronic infections. In many cases, the chances of developing diabetes can be reduced significantly with proper diet and exercise, awareness, and testing.

Often, patients are put on medications to help regulate glucose levels.But these medications can have adverse side effects such as:

• stomach pain,
• weight gain,
• heart rate changes,
• breathing problems, 
• skin rash,
• urinary tract infections,
• and more.

Although these medications can help people with diabetes, the healthier approach is to work to diminish the symptoms with diet and lifestyle changes.