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Blood Diabetes

This is just another way of saying Diabetes. The definition of diabetes by the medical profession is a disorder of metabolism which is the way the body uses digested food for energy and growth. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose or blood sugar to be used as a fuel source for our bodies. Some of the glucose is stored and some is used right away. In order for glucose to enter the blood cells for fuel, insulin must be present.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. When food is eaten, the pancreas automatically sends insulin out to move the glucose from the blood to the cells. When there is an abundance of glucose, and the insulin can’t move it fast enough, because the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, the glucose spills into the urine and is passed out of the body.

There are two types of diabetes. Type I is the kind that results when the autoimmune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas and leaves the pancreas non-functioning. This diabetic needs to receive insulin daily to maintain the glucose levels in the body.

Type II diabetic has an insulin producing pancreas but for some reason it is not providing enough insulin or the body isn’t using it effectively. There is usually a slow development of the condition with symptoms that includes elevated thirst levels. Even drinking large amounts of water do not quench the thirst. This results in urinating frequently, and a loss of weight. If one or all of these symptoms begin, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

There are many causes or insulin resistances, which result in diabetes. Infection, gestational diabetes, injury or trauma to the pancreas may result in diabetes. Many genetic conditions result in diabetes. It isn’t contagious and a person cannot “catch” it from another person.

According to the National Institute of Health, in 2002-2003 more than 15,000 youths were newly diagnosed with Type I diabetes. In addition, more that 3,700 youths have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes each year. It has been suggested that the diet of the population over the last fifty years has greatly contributed to the increase of diabetes. The over processed foods and elevated refined sugar introduced to the public’s diet, has produced a generation of sugar dependant addicts. Thanks to informative research and advocates, healthy eating and cutting sugar from the daily diet has helped. The sale of “diet” soda or “sugar fee” foods has been on the increase. This generation has been split by those who want to be healthy and live longer and those who do not care and eat what they want.

Maintaining a blood glucose level of 70-120 is recommended by most physicians. This can be done with diet or insulin injections. Diet and exercise are the best way to control glucose levels and keep the body healthy. Testing daily for the levels of glucose in the blood will keep them in range. A routine of activity that elevates the heart rate and increase metabolism will use the excess glucose and keep the levels within the accepted range.

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