Condition Information
What is Diabetes?
The body changes most of the food you eat into glucose (a form of sugar). Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter all the cells of your body and be used as energy. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. There are many factors that contribute to diabetes. Genetics and lifestyle choices are some of them
Managing Diabetes
At the Bull Family Diabetes Center, our focus is on diabetes and the related manifestations of having the disease. High blood sugar levels can cause problems with the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes maintain good control of their blood sugars to prevent or lessen the effects of these long-term complications.
The good news is that with proper care, people with diabetes can lead normal, satisfying lives. Much of this care is "self-managed" meaning you must take daily responsibility for your own care.
Syndicated Sources
- American Diabetes Association
- Centers for Disease Control
- National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Disease
- American Association of Diabetes Educators
- American Dietetic Association
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Diabetes Association of the Dayton Area
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will wearing an insulin pump cure diabetes?
No, an insulin pump is another way to deliver insulin to the body.
2. Why do people have to go on insulin?
Diabetes is a progressive disease and the cells that make insulin may stop producing it. If your body needs insulin, there is no other medication that can be used. Many people feel much better once they begin taking insulin and have improved glycemic control.
3. I have been on the same diabetes medications for a long time. Why does the doctor want to change my medications now?
As diabetes progresses, your medication needs change. There are many new diabetes medications that are very effective and may be beneficial to you.