Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses food for energy.
Normally, the sugar you take in is digested and broken down to a simple sugar, known as glucose.
The glucose then circulates in your blood where it waits to enter cells to be used as fuel. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move the glucose into cells.
A healthy pancreas adjusts the amount of insulin based on the level of glucose.
But, if you have diabetes, this process breaks down, and blood sugar levels become too high.
There are two main types of full-blown diabetes.
People with Type 1 diabetes are completely unable to produce insulin.
People with Type 2 diabetes can produce insulin, but their cells don't respond to it.
In either case, the glucose can't move into the cells and blood glucose levels can become high. Over time, these high glucose levels can cause serious complications.

We use different methods to control this (high) level of blood glucose.
Injections with a syringe, pre-filled pens, insulin pumps or oral medications.

How do you know when you have diabetes?

Symptoms:

1.Frequent urination
2.Increased thirst
3.Unplanned weight loss
4.Weakness and fatigue
5.Numbness or tingling in hands, legs or feet
6.Blurred vision
7.Dry, itchy skin
8.Frequent infections
9.Slow healing of cuts and bruises

What are the long term complications?

Complications:

1.Neuropathy - nerve damage, especially in extremities
2.Nephropathy - kidney damage, kidney failure
3.Retinopathy - vision problems, blindness
4.Cardiovascular Disease - heart disease and increased risk of strokes
5.Erectile dysfunction in men and decreased desire in both men and women
6.Depression
7.Amputation 

How to control this?

Treatment:

1.Medications - oral antihyperglycemic agents, injectable antiyperglycemics, insulin
2.Blood glucose monitoring
3.Keeping excess weight off
4.Dietary changes - more vegetables and fruits, complex carbs and whole grains, fewer over-processed, fatty, starchy, sugary choices
5.Daily exercise

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