Diabetes

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that causes high levels of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream over a prolonged period of time. Glucose enters the body from foods we eat.

The pancreas is the organ responsible for regulating blood sugar. The organ produces hormones called insulin and glucagon. Insulin helps the blood glucose to enter your cells for energy while glucagon raises blood glucose levels when needed. When the pancreas becomes compromised by an immune system attack, the insulin producing islet cells slowly die, causing diabetes.

There is no cure for the disease at this time, only treatments, but there are promising studies going on right now that can possibly cure the condition on the horizon.

Type 1 and Type 2

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are two different conditions that affect how your body manages blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leaving the body unable to make insulin. It typically appears in childhood or early adulthood, though it can develop at any age.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, usually develops gradually when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. It’s often linked to genetics, excess weight, and inactivity. Both types require ongoing management to maintain healthy glucose levels and reduce long-term complications.

Management Information

Diabetes management information helps people understand how to control blood sugar through daily habits, medication, and monitoring. It covers topics like nutrition, exercise, A1C goals, medications, and recognizing warning signs. With the right guidance, individuals can adapt their lifestyle, stay informed about treatment options, and reduce the risk of complications while maintaining long-term health and confidence in their diabetes care.

You can check out a list of diabetes symptoms as well as type 1 and type 2 treatments and management information.

There are blood tests that can reveal if you have diabetes. Your doctor might prescribe a glucose tolerance test or an A1C aka Glycohemoglobin, HbA1C, Hemoglobin A1C test.

I’ll be posting about dangerous conditions like hypoglycemia as well as exciting new research studies, so keep an eye out!