Diabetes is a condition characterized by the body's inability to properly convert food into energy. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at diabetes, including information on its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
The three primary types of diabetes are discussed in detail in this segment of the eMedTV Web site. Of the different diabetes types (type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes), the most common one is type 2.
The causes of diabetes differ, depending on the type involved -- type 1, type 2, or gestational. This page of the eMedTV Web site explores the various causes or risk factors for each of these three types of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes risk factors include age, family history, an inactive lifestyle, and being overweight. This page on the eMedTV website discusses these and other risk factors, including high blood pressure and ethnicity.
As this eMedTV page explains, increased thirst, blurred vision, and constant hunger are common signs of diabetes, which can come on quickly or gradually, depending on the type. Or, there may be no signs, which can be the case with gestational diabetes.
A diabetes diagnosis can be made with an oral glucose tolerance test or a fasting plasma glucose test. This eMedTV article describes both of the tests used in diagnosing this condition, including the gestational form of diabetes.
In addition to explaining diabetes treatment methods, this eMedTV article offers self-management tips. The goal of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication.
By engaging in diabetes prevention strategies, you can prevent or delay complications related to diabetes. This eMedTV archives offers several diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips that can help decrease your risk of diabetes.
As this eMedTV segment explains, diabetes complications are often serious and may include kidney damage, blindness, lower-limb amputations, and other problems. This article discusses these and other complications of the disease.
Recently, quick-acting and long-acting insulins have been developed for people with diabetes. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at additional advances in diabetes research, including islet transplantation and preventing kidney disease.
According to recent diabetes statistics, 20.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. This eMedTV selection offers an in-depth look at the statistics on this disease and what they tell us about diabetes.
