Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes seems like a very common disease today. About 14 million people in the United States have some form of diabetes. However, most people don’t fully understand the symptoms, implications or treatment options for people suffering from diabetes. Many people suffering from diabetes are unaware of it, causing the disease to go untreated which can ultimately be life-threatening. Education is the ultimate treatment for diabetes, by learning about the disease people will be able to know if they have diabetes and can begin the various treatment options available. Our physical therapy in Massapequa can give you the help and treatment you need!
Our bodies rely on glucose to create energy. In order for this to happen, our bodies use a hormone called insulin. People with diabetes either don’t produce insulin or produce insulin that doesn’t work properly. Without insulin, glucose cannot be turned into energy and insulin builds up in the bloodstream, causing levels to go extremely high. When this happens your organs stop function properly and serious damage can occur. This type of damage can be easily prevented if the person is aware of the disease and properly educated on treatment. Diabetics can measure their glucose levels regularly to make sure everything is alright. If levels are too high they are able to inject insulin into their body to regulate it.
Two different types of diabetes have been classified, Type I and Type II. Generally, Type I is diagnosed in people under the age of 20. People with Type I are unable to make insulin in their bodies and must take regular insulin injections to regulate glucose levels. Type II is usually diagnosed in patients that are age 40 and over. This type of diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use the insulin how it should. Insulin is still produced, it is just unable to be used. For some cases treatment is very similar to those with Type I diabetes with keeping the disease under control by monitoring glucose levels and injecting insulin when necessary. Since people with Type II still do produce insulin some patients are able to take medicine to help their bodies respond to the existing insulin. While genetics do play a factor, about 90 percent of all people diagnosed with Type II diabetes are overweight. In addition to medicine Type II diabetics can manage the disease by losing weight, exercising and avoiding stress. In some cases making changes to live a more healthy lifestyle can help the body to start responding to the insulin again.
Living with diabetes is all about being able to check and maintain glucose levels in the body. Unfortunately almost half of all Type II diabetics are unaware they have the disease and are therefore unable to start any treatments. People who are at a higher risk should be aware of the symptoms and get screened for diabetes regularly. Some groups that are particularly high risk include people whose parents have diabetes, those who are overweight or pregnant and African-Americans and Hispanics. While screening is especially important for these people it is a good idea for everyone to be screened. By being aware of the disease and how to treat it diabetes can be easily regulated and maintained. If you have diabetes, Park Physical Therapy in Massapequa can give you attention and care.
