Diabetes is caused by the inability of the body to produce the hormone, insulin. It is a chronic disease that affects a person when the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system due to environmental factors, genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyle patterns. Diabetes brings with it a host of other serious diseases and affects the overall health and lifestyle of a patient adversely. It effectively raises the risk of heart disease, blindness and kidney failure. If diabetes is not checked in time, it may also be fatal.

Statistics show that more than 18 million Americans suffer from diabetes. And the greatest cause for concern is that about one-third of this population is completely unaware that they are diabetic.

The simplest and fastest way to either confirm or dismiss diabetes is to conduct a fasting glucose test. Usually, this test is part of the annual routine check ups for adults. The results of this test are quite accurate and reliable. If the test results confirm a fasting blood glucose level of 126 or higher, it is a sure indication that the individual has diabetes.

There are two main types of diabetes. These are type I and type II.
The first type is diagnosed in young adults and children. It is also known as juvenile diabetes. Type II diabetes is usually diagnosed for adults over the age of 40. It is the most common form of diabetes. The onset is usually attributed to poor eating habits and obesity.

The genetic aspect of diabetes is still a topic of debate among researchers. The risk of diabetes is higher for individuals whose parents are both diabetic compared to those who have one parent with diabetes. Generally type II diabetes is associated with genetic factors to a greater extent.

Some of the diabetic symptoms are:

1. Frequent urination, especially at night.

2. Inexplicable weight loss.

3. Lethargy.

4. Sudden vision decline.

5. Dry skin and slow to heal sores, especial on hands and feet.

6. Uncontrollable hunger and thirst.

If diagnosed with this disease, you need to combat it effectively by following a proper diet and exercise program and coordinate care with your doctor. You must cut down on your meal quantities and increase the number of meals per day. This way you can control you glucose levels. You need to test your blood sugar at least once a day and keep a record of the results. It is advisable for diabetics to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes every day.

Living with diabetes may seem like a daunting task that will require serious discipline and commitment on your part. But, if you are a diabetic, the best way to battle this disease and defeat it is to accept it and act accordingly, as do millions of other Americans who live full, active lives with diabetes.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Facts About Diabetes

About the Author

Jon Arnold is an author and computer engineer who maintains various web sites on a variety of topics. More info on this topic can be found at his Diabetes Information web site at http://diabetes-data.com