Diabetes
If you have been told that you have diabetes, that means that the sugar levels in your blood are to high. Your body needs some sugar for energy, but too much sugar is not good for your health.
Most of the food that you eat is changed into sugar. Insulin (a chemical hormone in your body) helps to move the sugar to the cells of your body so it can be utilized as energy. If your body does not make enough insulin or the insulin you have does not work correctly, then the sugar cannot be taken up by your cells, and the levels in your blood elevate.
Signs of Diabetes:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Wounds that are slow to heal
- Decreased feeling in your feet
- Tingling or burning in your feet
- Vision loss
Why is it important to identify your diabetes?
Diabetes, if left untreated or poorly treated, can lead to significant damage of your eyes, kidneys nerves and blood vessels.
What is a good blood sugar level?
For people who are not diabetics - normal blood sugar levels are from 70-120. It does go up after eating, but then returns to normal within approximately 2 hours.
For patients with diabetes, your blood sugar level before meals should be between 70-150, but this should be individualized; ask your doctor what level is good for you. After meals your blood sugar level should be less then 200 after about 2 hours.
A low blood sugar can be very dangerous. This is called hypoglycemia. If you suspect a low blood sugar - you need to treat it quickly.
Signs of hypoglycemia include:
- Shakiness
- Sweaty
- Tired
- Headache
- Confused
- Increased Irritability
- Fainting
Four things you should do everyday to help keep your blood sugar stable:
- Eat healthy food
- Exercise regularly
- Take your medication as directed
- Test your blood sugar as directed
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This site provides materials for information and education only. It is not to be considered medical advice. LVCA encourages you to see your physician for any of the health issues discussed here. The field of medicine changes on a regular basis, therefore we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided on this site, nor do we guarantee that the information represents the most currently accepted standards.
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