Managing Diabetes can be achieved through a pro-active approach to your health and knowledge about the condition so you can make the most informed decisions. The most well known and arguably one of the most important parts of diabetes management is the monitoring of blood sugar levels so they can be kept as close to normal as possible. Either a rise or dip in blood sugar can lead to problems in diabetic individuals. There are also several factors which can cause additional complications and worsen the symptoms of Diabetes. These are things like having high blood pressure, being at an unhealthy weight, smoking and long periods of inactivity. Weight Loss can prevent further progression of diabetes, sometimes even allowing patients with prediabetes to avoid progression to type 2 all together. Regardless, you should discuss management methods with your doctor to find out what methods are right for you and your body.

Lifestyle changes are one of the main factors responsible for improving the condition of diabetic patients, these changes should include weight loss, exercise, and a proper diet. These changes assist greatly in mitigating symptoms, avoiding diabetes complications, and maintaining overall health. More pharmaceutical solutions are, using insulin therapy to correct imbalances in the body or taking the medication Metformin, a safe, effective, and inexpensive medication often prescribed to Type 2 Diabetes sufferers.

The initial stage is Insulin Resistance, where the blood sugar levels seem normal due to the pancreas balancing higher blood sugar by producing more insulin.

In Stage 2 the pancreas starts to have difficulty keeping pace with the insulin demand. The pancreas will start to put out less insulin and the blood sugar levels of the patient will begin to rise.

Damage to the pancreas begins to show in Stage 3 where blood sugar levels can no longer be effectively managed by the organ.

In Stage 4 the overwork of the pancreas continues, and the damage starts to become irreversible with blood sugar levels continuing to elevate.

By Stage 5 the pancreas has failed and is no longer capable of producing insulin or produces so little insulin that it cannot manage blood sugar levels. At this stage, the patient will require insulin injections to survive.

While it is difficult, some patients who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes can manage their blood sugar levels through only diet and exercise. They should still monitor their levels to ensure that the diet and exercise approach remains effective and should make regular visits to their primary care physician. Others who are unable to do this will require diabetes medications or insulin injections depending on the severity of the condition. So, while it is very manageable, Diabetes requires constant attention from the patient no matter the severity.

If you require assistance with Diabetes Management do not hesitate to contact Broadway Family Clinic, our expertise can help you mitigate your symptoms and make living with Diabetes as comfortable as possible.