Diabetes
Diabetes is when the body is unable to process its blood glucose properly. Over thirty-four million Americans are living with the condition, both undiagnosed and diagnosed. Without ongoing and careful management, diabetes may result in the accumulation of sugar inside your blood, increasing risks of life-threatening complications, such as heart disease and stroke, among many other conditions.
Various diabetes types can occur, and the management and treatment of the disease will ultimately depend on the kind that develops. The most prevalent are gestational, type 1, and type 2 diabetes. The less common is cystic fibrosis-related and monogenic diabetes. While the onset of some diabetes types can’t be prevented, there are steps to reduce the chances of developing the condition. Some of these include maintaining a healthy and moderate weight, adopting a well-balanced diet low in added sugars and saturated fats, and engaging in regular exercise.
More often than not, diabetic people use insulin to manage the condition. In addition, doctors may prescribe drugs like metformin, as it can contribute to lowering blood glucose and enhance the effects of insulin. GLP-1 receptors and SGLT2 inhibitors are also common medications recommended to those who have chronic kidney disorders and atherosclerotic cardiovascular conditions.
