SOME WORD ABOUT DIABETES
Diabetes is a disease in which there is not enough insulin to process the blood sugar, which can often lead to heart and kidney disease— many diabetics also have elevated cholesterol levels—as well as disorders of the peripheral nervous system and vision. These complications are why it’s important to catch and treat the disease early.
Diabetes can make its appearance in a number of different ways. The disease may form slowly and become more apparent over a long period of time, or symptoms may suddenly appear over the course of a few weeks. Usually, however, the person will have an elevated blood sugar level for at least several months to a year, and then the level will rise to a point where it is abnormal, which will cause the first symptoms of diabetes to appear.
Sometimes, if you’re taking a corticosteroid such as prednisone, the medication will elevate your blood sugar level. If you are taking steroids, your physician will ask you to schedule regular office visits to detect and treat elevated blood sugar levels before diabetes occurs.
Though diabetes occurs primarily in people who are overweight and sedentary, some people get diabetes because their bodies don’t produce enough insulin, not because their blood sugar levels are high. Often, these diabetics are thin, and they usually know they have the disease by the time they are 30 years old.
1. Do I have a family history of diabetes?
2. Did my mother have an elevated blood sugar level during her pregnancy?
3. Am I taking steroids or diuretics?
4. Have I recently gained or lost weight?
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