Glucose Control Disorder

Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body, and the American Diabetes Association estimates that 7.8 percent of the United States population experiences difficulty controlling glucose levels. Millions remain undiagnosed.

Types

• Four main types of glucose control disorders exist. Diabetes occurs with above-normal glucose levels and includes Type I (which occurs in childhood); Type II (which is the most common); and gestational diabetes (found in some pregnancies). The fourth glucose control disorder, hypoglycemia, can occur in non-diabetics and involves abnormally low blood glucose levels.

How it Works

• The digestive system breaks down the sugar and starch in the food we eat and converts it into glucose. Insulin, necessary for the body to use glucose for energy, takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.

Symptoms

• Types I and II diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, extreme hunger, fatigue and irritability. Type II also includes frequent infection, blurred vision, slow-to-heal cuts or bruises, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections. Hypoglycemia signs include shakiness, nervousness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, anxiety and weakness.

Diagnosis

• A physician will order tests to measure blood glucose levels after fasting or after two hours following a patient's consumption of a glucose beverage. If tests return positive, a confirmation test will likely be done.

Treatment

• Proper diet, exercise, frequent testing of glucose levels, maintaining oral health and some oral medication are key to keeping healthy.

Warning

• Left untreated, high glucose levels can hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. Untreated hypoglycemia can result in loss of consciousness or even coma.