Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.
There are two main types of Diabetes :
Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. Although older adults can develop this type of diabetes, it begins most often in children and young adults, who then have diabetes for life
Type 2 diabetes : Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent, or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type
This type of diabetes is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. Diabetes can affect many parts of your body. It’s important to manage diabetes because, over time, it can cause serious health problems like heart disease, stroke , kidney disease, eye problems, and nerve damage that may lead to amputation. Also, people with type 2 diabetes may be at greater risk for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Diabetes affects your whole body. To best manage diabetes, you’ll need to take steps to keep your risk factors under control and within the normal range, including: You hold the keys to managing your diabetes by:
- Healthy Diet :Planning what you eat and following a healthy meal plan.
- Exercising Regularly: Try to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Walk, swim or find some activity you enjoy.
- Achieving a healthy weight : Work with your healthcare team to develop a weight-loss plan.
- Taking medication and insulin, if prescribed, and closely following recommendations on how and when to take it.
- Monitoring your blood glucose and monitoring your blood pressure at home with the BGCHECK blood glucose monitor.
- Quit Smoking (if you smoke).