Preventive Medicine for Diabetes

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide. This is a lifelong disorder, and you must use several methods to control it. Depending on the type of diabetes you suffer from, you may be able to take steps to prevent your condition from worsening.

What is Diabetes?

• Diabetes is a condition that involves how your body produces and uses insulin. Insulin is created in the pancreas and allows the body to absorb glucose for energy. Diabetes comes in three forms: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes, which develop during pregnancy. When you are affected by type 1 diabetes, your body either does not produce insulin at all or does not respond to it. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks the cells in your pancreas that creates insulin.

  Living with diabetes can have a variety of health repercussions. The condition can lead to blindness, stroke, kidney failure, amputations and even birth defects.

Are You at Risk?

• Type 1 and Type 2 are prevalent among different populations. Type 1 occurs equally among males and females but affects Caucasians at a higher rate. It can be passed on from parents to offspring. Type 1 represents a high percentage of diabetes cases in children; thus, the term "juvenile diabetes." Symptoms for Type 1 diabetes can crop up quickly and affect people who live a healthy lifestyle, and include constant hunger, increased urination, and extreme fatigue.

  Type 2 diabetes is more common. It is often associated with old age, obesity, family history, activity levels and ethnicity. Symptoms develop over time and include frequent urination, weight loss, blurry vision and slow healing of injuries. This version of diabetes is prevalent among minorities including African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanics.

Ways to Prevent your Condition from Worsening

• Those who suffer from diabetes can take steps to keep their condition from becoming more dire. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented due to its sudden onset nature. Those with Type 2 diabetes can undergo tests if they are showing symptoms or worry about family history. They can change their nutritional habits and begin exercising to control their weight. Diet and exercise are the main forms of preventive measures.

  Medications to lower blood sugar levels are available to diabetic patients. Five types of pills are used: sulfonylureas, meglitinides, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. These help control blood sugar levels and have been prescribed for Type 2 diabetes with varying success. It's often recommended that even though you take these pills, diet and exercise should be a consistent part of your daily life.