by Carrie Belt

Created on: June 09, 2009

Diabetes is a very common health condition that impacts millions of Americans and their families. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the basics about diabetes so that you can recognize the condition if you get it and so that you can better understand the condition if a loved one has it. Whether you have diabetes or are looking for information for loved ones about diabetes, it is important that you understand some basic facts about diabetes and the human body. After all, understanding diabetes and how the body functions is one of the best ways to prevent negative side effects and symptoms associated with the condition.

Without further adieu, here are 10 things diabetics should know about diabetes and the body:

Millions of Americans have diabetes. In fact, 23.6 million Americans are believed to have diabetes. It is estimated that 17.9 million Americans have been formally diagnosed with diabetes. That's roughly 7.8% of the entire U.S. population, according to TypeFree.

It is estimated that 5.7 million Americans have diabetes, but have not yet been diagnosed with the condition. That amount translates to about one quarter of people believed to have diabetes that have not been diagnosed, also according to TypeFree. Wow!

There are two tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes. One test is the Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG). The other is the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGT). The FPG is easier, faster, and less expensive to perform, according to the American Diabetes Association.

When taking the FPG test, if a person has a blood glucose level between 100 and 125, the individual may have pre-diabetes. If the person has a blood glucose higher than 126, the individual is likely to have diabetes.

There are several different kinds of diabetes. The most common forms are Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and pre- diabetes. Each type of diabetes presents with unique circumstances and is treated differently.

Many people can treat their diabetes with oral medications, such as Metformin (Glucophage). However, some diabetics, especially individuals with gestational diabetes, will need to inject insulin to treat their diabetes.

While some people believe that proper diet and exercise can eliminate diabetes, there is no substantial proof of this claim. However, there is proof that diet and exercise can minimize the negative effects of diabetes and keep a diabetic healthy for longer.

Some of the negative effects of diabetes include sexual problems, incontinence, blurred vision, blindness, low blood sugar, high blood sugar, fatigue, frequent urination, irritability, and poor circulation. Again, diet and exercise can minimize the extremity of these consequences.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes treatments for complications, general care, and medical costs totaled $174 billion annually.

In 2002, more than 200,000 Americans died because of diabetes. These deaths may have also been associated with heart disease and other fatal conditions. It is believed that diabetes is under-diagnosed as a cause of death among Americans.

Remember: diabetes is a serious condition that should be taken as such. Diet, exercise, and treatment with medications are three ways to help prevent the negative side effects of diabetes and enable diabetics to enjoy a long and healthy life.

Learn more about this author, Carrie Belt.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.