Diabetes is a disease that affects over 25M Americans and almost 25% of them are not aware that they have it. The reason for this is that many of them do not understand the disease itself and are not aware of the symptoms related to the early onset of diabetes. Type II diabetes which is the most common form will usually show up in adults. However, in America we are seeing an alarming increase of Type II diabetes in younger people resulting from heightened rates of obesity and laziness. Unfortunately, diabetes is a chronic condition that will stay with the patient for life.

Our bodies are made to break down food into nutrients and glucose which are carried by our blood to the cells in our body. Insulin is the vehicle responsible for getting glucose into the cells where it is used for energy. If your body is not making enough insulin (a pancreatic hormone) available, the glucose can build up in the blood which leads to diabetes.

Type I diabetes usually results from a condition where your body stops producing insulin and consequently requires the patient to have insulin injected or pumped into the body each day.

Type II diabetes results from the body’s inability to use insulin properly. It begins as insulin resistance and as the body’s demand for insulin rises, the pancreas starts losing its ability to produce the required amounts of insulin naturally. Patients of Type II diabetes usually need to take insulin to make up for the shortage.

New Horizon Medical emphasizes the importance of having blood tests, cholesterol tests and blood pressure taken at least once a year as part of a physical. Incorporating good nutrition, an exercise plan and a smart lifestyle will help you stay healthy and avoid risks of diabetes.