Diabetes has slowly crept into the life of almost eleven million Americans who’ve diabetes and are aware they have the illness. Up to seven million Americans who’re not aware they have diabetes. Added to this glaring number of diabetes-stricken Americans are the millions more who’re in the prediabetes stage.
People with diabetes have more chances of surviving the illness if they know how to deal with diabetes and they have the financial resources to support the medication and other supplies required by people with diabetes.
Getting Type 1 diabetes is normally dependent on you genes although it isn’t a very high risk factor. Obesity and age are however risk factors in getting Type 2 diabetes. But no matter how old you ‘re, if you’re obese and have a record of gestational diabetes, have one or both parents with Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, then it is better to have yourself checked for diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is usually found in children while Type 1.5 diabetes is the name given to diabetes found in adults. Adults with Type 1.5 diabetes is marked by a slower attack on the beta cells in comparison to the vicious attack of beta cells in children with Type 1 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the body’s insulin cannot control its blood sugar levels.
There are two types of diabetes that may have an impact on people. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile onset or insulin dependent diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, or adult onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes are the two types. Type 1 diabetes affects children and young adults, as their body doesn’t produce any insulin. Thus, making them dependent on insulin injections for survival. Type 2 diabetes occurs in people over 40 and those who’re obese, have a family history of diabetes and unhealthy lifestyle.
Diabetes is a condition that is commonly seen in adults as well as children and young adults these days. Most of the time, if one or both or the parents have diabetes, their children seem to develop diabetes during some time of their life. This is very common and people often think diabetes runs in their families.
Genes are passed on from parents to their children. Of these genes, when the child inherits the gene for Type 1 diabetes, he or she may develop it at some stage of their life. However, if these genes are absent, a person won’t develop type 1 diabetes. Statistically speaking, if both parents have type 1 diabetes, there is 30% chance the child develop type 1 diabetes. If it is only the mother with type 1 diabetes, there is 4% chance that offspring born before she was 25 years will have type 1 diabetes. If the mother crossed 25 years of age, there is only 1% chance the child will develop diabetes. In case of the parent, there is 6% chance his child will develop diabetes.
In case of type 2 diabetes, there is no specific genetic pattern. Therefore, the chances of developing diabetes is contingent on the number of people in your family with the condition. Also, presence of other genetic disorders, like Down’s syndrome, increase the risk of contracting diabetes. However, it has been estimated, if both parents suffer from type 2 diabetes, there is 75% chance their child may develop it too.
It has been found by American Diabetes Association that if there’s an individual whose mother has Type 1 diabetes, then the likelihood of developing diabetes in her child is 1 in 25. And if the individual was born before his/her mother was 25 years old, then the risk of developing juvenile diabetes is 1 in 100. If the father has Type 1 diabetes, the chances of the person developing diabetes is 1 in 17. In case one of the parent has Type 2 diabetes before they turn 50, the chances of the person developing diabetes is 1 in 7. If the one of the parent develops it after they turn 50, the risk of diabetes is 1 in 13.
There is another type of diabetes called gestational diabetes that develops in women during pregnancy. This diabetes affects 2 to 7 percent of pregnant women. This occurs because during pregnancy, the organization is busy with the various hormones secreted for evolution of the fetus. The body requires more insulin to maintain the blood glucose levels in check during this time. However, if a woman’s pancreas fail to provide the required amount of insulin, it may cause a rise in blood sugar levels. This will lead to gestational diabetes. The symptoms of gestational diabetes disappear once the baby’s born. However, it can develop again when the woman gets pregnant again and is a sign that the wife is at a serious risk of developing diabetes later in life. This brings one to the subject is gestational diabetes hereditary or not.
They don’t have the exact cause for gestational diabetes during pregnancy according to researchers. However, it is thought that hormones from the placenta have a role in developing gestational diabetes. It is said, the placental hormones may prevent insulin to act and therefore, lead to high blood sugar levels. Also, women who’re overweight or those who don’t follow a healthy lifestyle, may develop gestational diabetes. Women with a history or family of diabetics too may fall under the risk of developing hyperglycemia.
There are several ways of testing for diabetes including the glucose test which measures the blood’s glucose level and the oral glucose test. The glucose test is best done after not less than 12 hours of fast.
The main concern for people with diabetes is the way to control the level of their blood glucose in such a manner that they can lessen diabetes-related complications. Thus, monitoring of one’s blood glucose level is still a must for people with diabetes. Controlling the blood glucose level means choosing the type of food you eat and taking the proper medication.
A person who wishes to be in control of his diabetes should have all the necessary supplies on hand whether he remains in the house or he travels. A diabetic should always make sure that his insulin supply isn’t exposed to extreme changes in temperature. A diabetic is also more prone to foot problems so he should take good care of his feet by using comfortable socks.
Other important supplies for diabetics include blood glucose monitors, blood pressure monitors, gels, and glucose tablets.
If you have diabetes, make sure that you’ve your supplies wherever you go. Also inform your housemates or officemates about the possible stores where they can buy these supplies in case you have an emergency. Always scout for stores that sell supplies for diabetics near your home or office or where you frequently go. And if you are required to travel, make sure you carry more than adequate because you never know what might happen. Also check if the places you’ll go to have some shops which sell the supplies you need.
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