Sunday, August 30, 2009

You've been diagnosed with Diabetes.. Now what?

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

Early symptoms of diabetes may include the following-
Extreme thirst
Extreme hunger
Frequent urination
Sores or bruises that heal slowly
Dry, itchy skin
Unexplained weight loss
Blurry vision that changes from day to day
Unusual tiredness or drowsiness
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Frequent or recurring skin, gum, bladder or vaginal yeast infections

If you have one or more symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. It doesn't hurt to get yourself checked, better safe than sorry.

Diabetes is more serious than some people make it. There are many serious complications with Diabetes.

Some Complications-

Heart Disease People with diabetes have extra reason to be mindful of heart and blood vessel disease. Diabetes carries an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and complications related to poor circulation.

Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)/Kidney Transplantation Diabetes can damage the kidneys, which not only can cause them to fail, but can also make them lose their ability to filter out waste products. This is called nephropathy.

Eye Complications Diabetes can cause eye problems and may lead to blindness. People with diabetes do have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can save your sight.

Diabetes, Oral Health and Hygiene There are more bacteria in your mouth right now than there are people on Earth. If those germs settle into your gums, you've got gum disease. "Not me?" you say. Read more.

Diabetic Neuropathy and Nerve Damage One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy means damage to the nerves that run throughout the body, connecting the spinal cord to muscles, skin, blood vessels, and other organs.

Foot Complications People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage in the feet or when blood flow is poor. Learn how to protect your feet by following some basic guidelines.

Skin Complications As many as one-third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives. In fact, such problems are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. Luckily, most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated if caught early.

Gastroparesis and Diabetes Gastroparesis is a disorder that affects people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Depression Feeling down once in a while is normal. But some people feel a sadness that just won't go away. Life seems hopeless. Feeling this way most of the day for two weeks or more is a sign of serious depression.

Keeping tight control of your diabetes is VERY important. (For more information on keeping tight control of your diabetes, please read here - http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/tight-control.jsp)


Diabetes didn't slow down some of the most successful people in the world, so it shouldn't slow you down either.

Thanks for reading, I got most of my information from diabetes.com (American Diabetes Association).

I'm currently working on a Blog about what Cure For A Cutie is all about. And i'll TRY to post a blog once a week to keep you updated :)


-Corrine
Owner of Cure For A Cutie

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