Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body fails to produce or properly use Untreated, diabetes can have devastating complications including heart disease, …
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Your Monthly Guide to Good Health
PROPER TREATMENT:
the Closest Thing to a Cure for Diabetes
An Overview of Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body fails to produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is required to convert food into energy There are two primary types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin; in type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to the insulin Untreated, diabetes can have devastating complications including heart disease, nerve and kidney damage, and blindness According to the American Diabetes Association, early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of the disease Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and blurry vision
A Care Plan
A care plan for management and treatment of diabetes is necessary for anyone who has the disease A care plan for diabetes is tailored to an individual and takes into account his or her work schedule, eating and exercise habits, and medical history A
care plan usually involves care by a care team–several different specialists in addition to a primary care physician For example, many people with diabetes work with a registered dietician, a nurse educator, a podiatrist, and an eye doctor, and a primary care physician Of course, the most important member of the care team is the individual with diabetes–only that person can determine how he or she feels and is willing and able to do on a daily basis
Treating Diabetes
Currently, there is no 
cure for diabetes; therefore, effective management of the disease is vital The treatment goal of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is to lower blood sugar levels to as close to normal as is safely possible There are generally many factors involved in lowering blood sugar levels including measuring blood sugar levels, taking insulin shots or diabetes pills, participating in physical activity, losing weight if necessary, and meal planning Approximately 18 million people in the United States have diabetes, yet 52 million of these people do not know that they have the disease If you experience one or more symptoms of diabetes, consult a physician to have your blood sugar glucose tested
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Health Information Center: Body/Mind and companion Personal Health Guides are published by, and are the property of, Aegis, Nashville, TN Copyright 2003 by Aegis All rights reserved The editorial content is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional Consult your physician about all health-related matters Comments and suggestions regarding these publications may be directed to Aegis, One Burton Hills Blvd, Suite 200, Nashville, TN, 37215
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