What Is Diabetes?
With diabetes affecting so many people, it's hard to go a day and not hear the word. But what exactly is diabetes? Get the low-down on the disease, how it starts and what consequences it can bring.
Diabetes: Explained
Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses food for energy. Sounds simple, but digging into the different types of diabetes proves it's not.
Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses food for energy. Sounds simple, but digging into the different types of diabetes proves it's not.
What Is Pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is just what it sounds like. Your body's adopting some behaviors that could cause you trouble down the line if you don't do something to stop them -- now.
Pre-diabetes is just what it sounds like. Your body's adopting some behaviors that could cause you trouble down the line if you don't do something to stop them -- now.
Throwing a Wrench in Your Body's Ability to Process Sugar
A doughnut will always spike your blood sugar -- it's when your cells become resistant to the insulin your body produces to get things back to normal that problems arise.
A doughnut will always spike your blood sugar -- it's when your cells become resistant to the insulin your body produces to get things back to normal that problems arise.
Beware of Top Warning Signs
Extra thirsty? Tired when you're usually bright-eyed? These are just some of the red flags to keep an eye out for.
Extra thirsty? Tired when you're usually bright-eyed? These are just some of the red flags to keep an eye out for.
Ethnic and Genetic Risk Factors for Diabetes
Certain groups of people are at higher risk for diabetes than others. Are you in one of them?
Certain groups of people are at higher risk for diabetes than others. Are you in one of them?
Extra Weight Means Extra Risk
If you need more inspiration to slim down, consider this: Being overweight or obese alone will up your changes of developing type 2 diabetes tremendously.
If you need more inspiration to slim down, consider this: Being overweight or obese alone will up your changes of developing type 2 diabetes tremendously.
What Your Waistline Says About Your Diabetes Outlook
It's not just the weight -- where you carry those extra pounds matters, too.
It's not just the weight -- where you carry those extra pounds matters, too.
How a Diabetes Diagnosis Is Made
It's important to tell your doctor about any symptoms you're having. It's that knowledge, plus testing, that will help her figure out if diabetes is at play.
It's important to tell your doctor about any symptoms you're having. It's that knowledge, plus testing, that will help her figure out if diabetes is at play.
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG)
Consider this blood test, which is a normal part of physical exams, the proverbial whistle blower when it comes to diabetes.
Consider this blood test, which is a normal part of physical exams, the proverbial whistle blower when it comes to diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
If your M.D. still suspects diabetes after your FBG comes back, he may opt for the OGTT.
If your M.D. still suspects diabetes after your FBG comes back, he may opt for the OGTT.
Consequences of Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause many other problems, from minor to major.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause many other problems, from minor to major.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy refers to a group of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. It can affect nerves throughout the body, although it most commonly affects nerves in the feet and legs.
Diabetic neuropathy refers to a group of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. It can affect nerves throughout the body, although it most commonly affects nerves in the feet and legs.
Your Vision: The Dangers of Diabetic Retinopathy
Between 12,000 and 24,000 new cases of blindness are attributed to diabetes each year.
Between 12,000 and 24,000 new cases of blindness are attributed to diabetes each year.
Kidney Disease and Diabetes
The filters in your kidneys get destroyed over time if glucose levels are consistently too high, as is the case with diabetes.
The filters in your kidneys get destroyed over time if glucose levels are consistently too high, as is the case with diabetes.