In Type-1 diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin so those with this type of diabetes will need to be on insulin therapy life long. Where as in the case of type 2 diabetes, the body produces plenty of insulin but cells are unable to use it.

In either case, the body fails to properly process sugar. Excess sugar can damage the large and small blood cells in your body. It can also damage organs, the most vulnerable ones being: eyes, heart, feet and kidneys.

Symptoms commonly associated with diabetes:

Urinating often: Your body tries to get rid of more fluid to balance your urine, which otherwise has too much glucose.

Excessive thirst: Your body lets you know that you need to replace the fluid being lost to excess urination.

Excessive hunger: When your body cells don’t receive glucose, your body interprets this as feeling hungry.

Wounds that do not heal: Your blood circulation is altered and can no longer promptly deliver the materials your body needs to repair wounds, particularly in the lower extremities.

Rapid weight loss: Glucose can no longer be used by body cells for energy, and hence your body draws on fat reserves, resulting in weight loss.

Dizziness/giddiness: You will experience dizziness because your cells do not have enough sugar, because you are dehydrated, because your blood pressure has been altered or because of damage to your nerves.

Prevention of diabetes:

Sedentary lifestyle is the biggest enemy and hence physical activity is critical. At least include 30 minutes of physical activity into your schedule that will make you breathe faster and increase your heart rate. If you drink alcohol, consume in moderation.

In Type-1 diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin so those with this type of diabetes will need to be on insulin therapy life long. Where as in the case of type 2 diabetes, the body produces plenty of insulin but cells are unable to use it.

In either case, the body fails to properly process sugar. Excess sugar can damage the large and small blood cells in your body. It can also damage organs, the most vulnerable ones being: eyes, heart, feet and kidneys.

Symptoms commonly associated with diabetes:

Urinating often: Your body tries to get rid of more fluid to balance your urine, which otherwise has too much glucose.

Excessive thirst: Your body lets you know that you need to replace the fluid being lost to excess urination.

Excessive hunger: When your body cells don’t receive glucose, your body interprets this as feeling hungry.

Wounds that do not heal: Your blood circulation is altered and can no longer promptly deliver the materials your body needs to repair wounds, particularly in the lower extremities.

Rapid weight loss: Glucose can no longer be used by body cells for energy, and hence your body draws on fat reserves, resulting in weight loss.

Dizziness/giddiness: You will experience dizziness because your cells do not have enough sugar, because you are dehydrated, because your blood pressure has been altered or because of damage to your nerves.

Prevention of diabetes:

Sedentary lifestyle is the biggest enemy and hence physical activity is critical. At least include 30 minutes of physical activity into your schedule that will make you breathe faster and increase your heart rate. If you drink alcohol, consume in moderation.