Diabetes is a complex and often confusing disease to understand. <\/p>\n
Here we take a look at some frequently asked questions and work on answering them to help solve some of the mystery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diabetes is \u201ca chronic and long-lasting health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. Most food is broken into sugar, called glucose, and it is released into the bloodstream. When blood sugar goes up, it signals the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key and lets blood sugar into the body\u2019s cells for energy. A person with diabetes, either doesn\u2019t make enough insulin or can\u2019t use the insulin that it makes as well as it should.\u201d1 There are three types of Diabetes \u2013 type 1, type 2 and gestational which only occurs in pregnant women. <\/p>\n\n\n
With Type 1 diabetes, 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\u2019t be prevented. <\/p>\n\t\n
Type 2 diabetes is 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cResearchers don’t fully understand why some people develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and others don’t. It’s clear that certain factors increase the risk, however, including:\u201d2<\/p>\n
A simple blood test known as the A1C test is used to diagnose diabetes. \u201cThe A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin \u2013 a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen \u2013 is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher the risk for diabetes complications.\u201d3 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 effectively manage and control your diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n
Being diagnosed with prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes or told you are at risk of developing either of the two should serve as a wake-up call. There are many things you can do before this happens and even after it happens to get things under control and to keep them that way.<\/p>\n\n\n
Diabetes can be controlled with proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep, but at times insulin and other medications are required to help keep things under control. <\/p>\n
Blood Glucose Monitors (BGM) and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) are two devices that can help to effectively manage diabetes. Blood Glucose Monitors have been used as a reliable method to check blood glucose since the 70s. Blood Glucose Monitors measure glucose levels at a particular moment in time and focus on a single number. <\/p>\n
A Continuous Glucose Monitor takes glucose readings continuously with a small electrode placed under the skin, held in place by an adhesive. A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit or smart device and allows a patient to record and access valuable information and trends on a continual 24\/7 basis. CGMs do not require fingersticks to measure glucose levels which makes monitoring easier and less painful. <\/p>\n\n\n
Proper diabetes management is key because failing to control blood sugar levels and improper maintenance can put patients at a higher risk for complications. Many complications associated with diabetes can be disabling and even life threatening. It\u2019s important to understand the complications and why proper management is vital:4<\/p>\n\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\u2019re a patient, healthcare provider, diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you. To learn more, contact us 1-800-993-9996, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com<\/a> or schedule an appointment today<\/a>. In the meantime, please continue to check our blog<\/a> for more information and let us know about any topics you would like to learn more about in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n 1.\tCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 10 March 2022. <\/p>\n\n 2.\t(2020) Mayo Clinic. Diabetes. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 11 March 2022. <\/p>\n\n 3.\tMayo Clinic. A1C Test. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 10 March 2022.<\/p>\n\n