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Diabetes: Control Is Vital

By: Fabian Toulouse Diabetes can kill you. It may not feel like it at first, in fact, if your blood sugar levels are in good control, you likely will not feel any effects at all-for a while. Medical advances are yielding great strides in diabetes care, but this terrible disease is still taking a grave toll. In fact, complications from diabetes are the sixth leading cause of death in this country. Diabetics are at a significantly increased risk for stroke, heart attacks, and kidney failure. It is something to take seriously. With the high incidence of diabetes in this country, it is wise to know the warning signals, especially if you are in a high risk category.

People in high risk segments of the population include Asians and Africans Americans. Those with a number of family members suffering from the disease run a higher chance of contracting the disease as do women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Obesity is an important contributing factor. Unfortunately, it is one trait too few people take seriously. Losing weight and following an exercise plan can help cut your risk dramatically.

If you are at risk, you should be aware of the symptoms of diabetes. These include unquenchable thirst, unexplainable weight loss, frequent bathroom trips, diminished energy, blurry vision, and infections. If you think you have symptoms of diabetes, talk to your doctor immediately. Do not wait, praying it will go away. The sooner you get medical care, the faster you can get your blood sugar levels within normal range and the less damage will be done to your body.

Diabetics and those at risk for diabetes have to be cautious of their nutrition and their lifestyle. After all, you would never play with a grizzly bear or knowingly let a dangerous criminal into your house so why would you let your blood sugar levels rise uncontrolled damaging your heart, your kidneys, your eyes, and your nervous system? The good news is that there are many new medications and supplements to treat diabetics, and anyone willing to make the effort to follow a smart nutrition plan and exercise often can expect to see good results in their blood sugar levels.