What you need to know about Diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious life-long health condition that is very common especially among the U.S, which is caused when glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. If left untreated, high blood glucose levels can cause serious health problems. There are 2 main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Caused by different things, both need to be treated and managed properly.

Type 1- A condition where the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells, meaning no insulin is produced. This causes glucose to quickly rise in the blood. Nobody knows exactly why this happens, but science says its nothing to do with diet or lifestyle.

Type 2- A condition where the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin it makes does not work properly. Therefore, the glucose builds up in the blood. Up to 58% of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through a healthy lifestyle.

Some signs of diabetes:

·        Increased thirst

·        Increased need to urinate

·        Increased hunger

·        Extreme fatigue

·        Blurry vision

Effects of diabetes:

Even though diabetes can be treated and controlled. It can still lead to several health problems. Here are some of the effects if you don’t manage and control your diabetes:

·        High glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs.

·        Even a mildly raised glucose level that doesn’t cause any symptoms can have long-term damaging effects.

·        You are five times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.

·        If the small blood cells of your kidney become blocked and leaky, your kidneys will work less efficiently.

·        Particularly those who smoke, nerve and blood vessel damage can lead to erection problems.

·        Pregnant women with diabetes have an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.