Diabetes is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly. It can create other health issues and cause complications. <\/p>\n
The good news is that diabetes can be controlled, and in some cases can even be prevented before it becomes an issue. <\/p>\n
First, it\u2019s important to understand what diabetes is and then we can begin to understand how it can be prevented. <\/p>\n\n\n
Often before a diabetes diagnosis is announced something called prediabetes is identified. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than they should be but not high enough to qualify for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes CAN be prevented. <\/p>\n\n\t
That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to understand what the numbers mean. An important number to know is your A1C level which is calculated by a test that measures what percentage of your hemoglobin is coated with sugar. \u201cThe higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher the risk for diabetes complications.\u201d1<\/p>\n\n\t\t
An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal. Ranges between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered prediabetes and anything over 6.5% indicates diabetes. This is an important number to watch to help keep things under control. <\/p>\n\n\n
The immune system creates antibodies that destroy insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed for cells to take up glucose. If insulin is lacking, as is the case with Type 1, then this raises blood glucose levels and results in diabetes. A person living with Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy because they lack the cells needed to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes CAN NOT be prevented. <\/p>\n\n
Considered to be the more common form of diabetes, Type 2 occurs when cells in the body become more resistant to the effects of insulin, so less glucose is taken up by the cells. This raises blood glucose. Cells in the pancreas try to produce and release more insulin to overcome this resistance. Over time, the pancreas can\u2019t produce enough insulin and blood glucose levels remain high resulting in diabetes. Type 2 diabetes CAN be prevented. \t<\/p>\n\n\n
Because Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, let\u2019s take a look at the factors that can be controlled.<\/p>\n\n
Being told that you are at risk of developing either of the two definitely serves as a wakeup call, but there are many things you can do before or after this happens.<\/p> \n\n
There are prescription medications that can help reduce the risks of Diabetes, but healthy lifestyle changes are always the safer and most natural options. Prevention also requires regular check-ups and blood tests to make sure your levels continue to stay in range. <\/p>\n\n
At Quest Health Solutions, our mission is to create awareness and provide support and education to our patients and healthcare providers. By working together, we can all learn how to take control of Diabetes. Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, a Diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you on this journey. To learn more, contact us 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com<\/a> or schedule an appointment today<\/a>. In the meantime, please continue to check our blog for more information and let us know about any topics you would like to learn more about in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n