Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), often referred to as diabetes, is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin and/or effectively utilize the insulin. Diabetes is a serious, life-long condition and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism (the body's way of digesting food and converting it into energy). There are three forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that accounts for five- to 10-percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may account for 90- to 95-percent of all diagnosed cases. The third type of diabetes occurs in pregnancy and is referred to as gestational diabetes. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health issues for pregnant women and their babies. People with diabetes can take preventive steps to control this disease and decrease the risk of further complications.
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- Q How has our understanding of diabetes changed?
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In this video, Ronald Tamler, MD, clinical director of the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, discusses how our approach to blood sugar control has changed. Full Answer
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- Q When should I test my blood sugar level?
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Though all blood sugar readings are helpful, certain readings -- such as those taken in the morning, before meals, two hours after meals, and before bedtime -- provide particularly valuable clues as to whether your overall diabetes management is... Full Answer
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- Q What kinds of foods affect blood sugar?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyStarches, fruits, and sugar you eat are digested and produce the sugar that circulates throughout your body. Watch the animation to learn more about your diet and sugar. Full Answer
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- Q What ethnic groups are at increased risk for diabetes?
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While being overweight or obese increases diabetes risk for everyone, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) do not have to be overweight to be at risk for diabetes and have an even greater risk for diabetes with increasing... Full Answer
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- Q How do carbohydrates impact my insulin and blood sugar?
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Carbohydrates, or carbs, are quickly converted into glucose and absorbed into the blood stream. In this video, Ronald Tamler, MD, clinical director of the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, explains what happens to carbs next. Full Answer
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- Q Is diabetes hereditary?
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Eliot LeBow, LCSW, Social WorkYes, Primarily in Juvenile Diabetes there is a genetic component that is passed down bi-generationally. Basically, if your grandfather or grandmother had Juvenile Diabetes you are more prone to develop Type One Diabetes. Full Answer
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- Q How do I know if I have diabetes?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyYour doctor can diagnose diabetes by doing tests to measure the levels of sugar (glucose) in your blood. You might also experience symptoms of diabetes, including excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and fatigue. There are... Full Answer
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- Q What are the best foods for lowering blood sugar?
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Pass the peas, please. In a study, a diet high in lentils, nuts, peas, and other legumes seemed to be more helpful than a diet high in wheat fiber when it came to tamping down blood sugar.And, lucky for lovers of legumes, beans tend to have a low... Full Answer
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- Q What should my blood sugar target be to reduce risk of complications?
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Your blood sugar target, measured with an A1c test, should be set by you and your doctor. Your target may be different, explains Ronald Tamler, MD, clinical director of the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, than someone else's target. Full Answer
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- Q What is the A1C test for diabetes?
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The A1C test is a test that measures a person's average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. Hemoglobin is the part of a red blood cell that carries oxygen to the cells and sometimes joins with the glucose in the bloodstream. Also... Full Answer
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