Diabetes mellitus.
A chaotic glucose balance.
Whether sitting at a desk, taking a break or performing physical labour – our bodies always need energy. We get most of it in the form of carbohydrates in our meals. During digestion, these carbohydrates are transformed in the intestine. They enter the bloodstream as glucose, or blood sugar, and thereby supply each individual cell of our body with the energy it needs.
- The blood sugar level fluctuates constantly in health people, too. But if the body's mechanisms for regulating the glucose balance do not work correctly, this means a case of diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes – too much sugar in the blood
If the body's mechanisms for regulating the glucose balance do not work correctly (anymore), this means a case of diabetes, more properly known as diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is usually diagnosed by doctors on the basis of an excessively high blood sugar level. This, just like an excessively low blood sugar level, can have different causes:
- An inherited predisposition
- Diabetes can also be triggered by viral infection or another physical illness.
- A poor diet and an unfavourable lifestyle increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetes – avoiding long-term effects
The effects of diabetes are just as varied as the causes of this metabolic disorder. They range from "bothersome" symptoms such as thirst and a frequent urge to urinate, up to severe, at times life-threatening acute effects and long-term effects. In any event, it is important that the unbalanced blood sugar level be brought under control again and for the long term, as this is the only way to mitigate or prevent the effects of diabetes.
Diabetes monitoring - blood sugar levels under control
Diabetes monitoring, the regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, is an important step in regulating the glucose balance. Knowing the glucose levels in the blood makes it easier to estimate the effects and success of various therapies. To learn how the HumaSens Glucose Meter can help you do this, see here.
Reliable blood glucose values are the essential basis of diabetes therapy – whether it consists of dietary changes, oral medication or insulin injections. Find out how HumaSens can help with your therapy.
There are different forms of diabetes. Indentifying the typical indications or symptoms can help to differentiate the different forms of the disease. Find out more here...