Health Articles > Diabetes > Is Your Diabetes Under Control?

Sufferers with diabetes have a condition that creates a problem with how their body produces energy for food. To achieve this, whatever we eat must be broken down by the body to form glucose. This glucose is our primary source of fuel but the condition of diabetes means that the glucose does not travel around the body properly. Because the natural distribution method employed by the body is faulty, glucose levels rise, which can cause serious health problems. Information in this article is regarding the two major types of the condition. In type 1, which is also called juvenile onset diabetes or insulin-dependent where the body completely stops producing any insulin; this means insulin must be given to the diabetic on a daily basis for them to live. The purpose of insulin is to regulate the amount of glucose in our blood. The second form of diabetes usually affects people when they are of mature years; this can be controlled by diet but is caused by problems with the insulin production or its function. We all eat foods that are rich in energy, which the body uses to convert into sugar for energy like pasta, potatoes, bread, rice and fruit. Many health conditions can be caused by long term high blood sugar levels including: poor vision, heart complaints, problems with the kidneys and in some cases even limb amputation. However, it is possible to manage diabetes by maintaining a strict health regime; then many of the conditions associated with this condition can be slowed down considerably if not stopped altogether. Care of your condition relies on you maintaining certain aspects and any prescribed medication must be taken routinely; but this means sticking to your medication, watching your blood sugar, cholesterol and to stop smoking! Apart from this, your blood pressure and weight should not go above the limits your doctor advised. Diabetes cannot be cured and once diagnosed it is a lifelong complaint; in America there are more than five and a half million recognized sufferers. However, the disease remains undiagnosed in about the same number; around 600,000 US citizens contract this condition each year so you can see the problem is serious. Officially, the number of deaths each year directly attributable to diabetes is 34,000 although in reality this figure is closer to 320,000 individuals; whilst not as a direct result, it is a significant contributing factor in a large number of these deaths.