Diabetes and You

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Did you know that diabetes is a disease that affects seven percent of the population of the United States? Diabetes is a condition that affects people from all lifestyles. If you are living in Van, Texas and think that you are at risk for diabetes, it is advisable that you seek medical advice. Go to your East Texas medical clinic and take a test for it. Treatment and careful management are the keys to living with the disease.

Symptoms of Diabetes

There are numerous symptoms of this disease. You should get to know some of the more familiar symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, go straight to your doctor. If you urinate more frequently than usual or experience excessive thirst or hunger, you are exhibiting some of the classic symptoms of "diabetes." These symptoms seem harmless but they are telltale signs of a serious medical condition. Other symptoms that occur in many people are more concerning. Unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and even blurry vision are attributes of diabetes. Early diagnosis is the key to a long, healthy life.

Insulin & Diabetes

People with diabetes are unable to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is important, as it is necessary to convert carbohydrates into energy. If you have diabetes, your body will struggle to process sugars and starches into the energy that you need. The most common test is the Fasting Plasma Glucose test (FPG). As the name implies, the plasma of your blood is tested for glucose levels after you have fasted. The other test that is commonly performed is the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). As in the FPG, when you take the OGTT you will have to fast. After fasting, you will drink a cup of a glucose rich solution. Two hours after drinking the glucose solution, you will have a blood test.

The Cause of Diabetes

The exact cause remains a mystery but there are a number of factors that can increase a person's risk. People who are overweight or do not exercise are at increased risk of diabetes. African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at increased risk of diabetes. The condition is genetic so if you have family members, especially direct family members, with it you are at greater risk. If you are in a higher risk group, then it pays to consider some lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health and reduce your risk level. Your Van, Texas medical clinic will be able to provide you with a great deal of information regarding this.

Living with Diabetes

You cannot change your genetics but you can change your lifestyle. If you are at risk of diabetes, it pays to lead a more active life. Regular exercise and a healthier diet can prevent it, even in people who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Some of the lifestyle changes may be difficult to make but they can help you live a longer, healthier life. If you feel the need to take a diabetes test, Countryside Clinic is a health clinic that services the East Texas area.

~HealthCrazed.com

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