Diabetes impacts how a person's body uses food for energy. With diabetes, the body makes either little insulin, or cells improperly use insulin. Insulin converts sugars to energy for cells and tissues. Without enough insulin or with insulin resistance, irregular blood sugar levels damage tissues and organs throughout the body.
Significance
According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes. Of those people, 5.7 million do not know they have diabetes.
Causes
No one knows the exact cause of diabetes but it is most likely related to genetic factors and environmental factors, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity.
Symptoms
Diabetes symptoms include excessive thirst, increase hunger, weight loss, frequent urination, changes in your vision, increased fatigue and irritability. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
Diagnosis/Testing
Two types of blood glucose tests are used to diagnose diabetes. A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level above 126 mg/dl, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) above 200 mg/dl both indicate diabetes.
Treatment
Depending on the type of diabetes, a doctor may recommend treating the condition with a change in diet, increased exercise, insulin or other medications to keep the blood sugar levels as stable as possible.
