Why Are Glucose Levels Altered in Diabetics?

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body by not utilizing or producing enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone that gets the sugar or glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to produce energy. In diabetics who don't have enough insulin to move the sugar or glucose, glucose levels are elevated.

Causes

• Obesity, family history, inactivity, age, ethnic background and history of gestational diabetes are a few of the causes that lead to diabetes and altered glucose levels.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests are the definitive way to diagnose diabetes. A fasting blood glucose test or hemoglobin A1C will show if a person has the disease.

Pancreas

• This is where insulin is produced. After being overused or damaged, it simply stops performing as it should and does not produce the insulin the body needs to manage glucose levels.

Treatment

• Some diabetics require insulin or oral medications to maintain normal glucose levels, while others can manage their levels with diet and exercise.

Prevention/Solution

• A diabetic diet, exercise, avoiding stress and getting a good night's sleep can help prevent glucose levels from reaching an abnormal range.