Glucose is the major source of energy for all body cells, this is because the cells do not recognize any other source. There are various sources of glucose namely carbohydrates, protein, fats or lipids. Every food eaten whether in form of solid or liquid must be broken down to an end product which is finally broken down to glucose through various pathways of metabolism.
The level of glucose in the Body must be maintained within appropriate level so as to avoid problems of health that may arise from taking glucose. To do this, it's necessary that individuals monitors his/her blood glucose level and this can be done by sample routine laboratory analysis.
Whenever blood glucose level is found to be above its normal range, such an individual may be said to suffering from a disease condition known as diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough—or any—insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.
Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. Although diabetes has no cure, you can take steps to manage your diabetes and stay healthy.
The most common type of diabetes are
• Type 1 (insulin dependent diabetes)
• Type 2 (non insulin dependent diabetes)
• Gestational diabetes.
• Pre diabetes
TYPE 1 DIABETES
Also called juvenile diabetes, is a type of diabetes that usually occurs at adolescent stage and in this case the person has been diagnosed with the disease very early in life and may depend on insulin through out his/her life as a therapy. It's therefore necessary for young and adolescent individuals to screen themselves regularly.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
This is type of diabetes occurs in elderly people most likely from the age of 40. The people in this category must have change in their life style. This change may not require them to take any insulin therapy.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occur in women during pregnancy and it's usually within the first trimester. Most of the time, this type of diabetes goes away after the baby is born. However, if you’ve had gestational diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
PRE DIABETES
A condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
• increased thirst and urination
• increased hunger
• fatigue
• blurred vision
• numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
• sores that do not heal
• unexplained weight loss
When you have any of these symptoms, go see your doctor.
WAYS TO MANAGE DIABETES
• Follow your diabetes meal plan.
• Make physical activity part of your routine.
• Take your medicine.
• Check your blood glucose levels.
• Work with your health care team.