With over 20 million people suffering with diabetes in the United States alone, many people still don’t know what causes diabetes. Diabetes is caused by numerous factors, but the main culprit is obesity. If you exercise regularly, and keep your weight controlled, your chances of becoming diabetic are greatly reduced.

During a routine blood test, a doctor may discover a patient suffering from what is called pre-diabetes. Being aware of this condition and taking steps to improve your lifestyle is very important to prevent yourself from contracting full blown diabetes.

There are two forms of diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is a more serious condition. Sufferers have to take insulin every day because their bodies are unable to produce insulin. Common symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes include an increase in urination, excessive thirst, loss of weight and increased appetite.

Type 1 Diabetes is more prevalent in children, but it does occur in adults. Type 1 Diabetes was formally known as juvenile diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is far more common than type 1. It can be caused by genes, often being passed on by the parent. This doesn’t necessarily mean that all parents with diabetes will pass the disease on to their children. Some symptoms include wounds that heal very slowly, nausea, increased urination, weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision.

You will be more prone to diabetes if you are overweight, or if you are genetically predisposed, i.E. Members of your family have been diabetic. Diabetes Type 2 usually occurs in adults who are older than 45.

Uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes can cause heart disease, kidney failure or blindness. Circulation is compromised, and the weak flow of blood to the limbs can even lead to amputation.

People living with diabetes need to have their eyes checked regularly, look after their feet – preferably visiting a podiatrist, and consult with a professional health care worker. They need to be totally committed to looking after themselves in every way. With proper care, diabetics can live a normal life.

You will have to learn how to control your condition. Remember, knowledge is power. Do some research and learn as much as you can about diabetes, and find out why our bodies need insulin.

Don’t ever skip meals. This is a major cause of low blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar level is too low, you will experience very unpleasant symptoms.The medical term for this condition is Hypoglycemia. You may even end up in a coma. Instead of eating the normal 3 meals per day, rather try and have four smaller meals.

To avoid your blood sugar level dropping, keep something sweet with you at all times. Fruit juice or soda, raisins or hard candy (like peppermints) are good to boost your blood sugar. But be careful, too much sugar is also bad. Only eat the candy when the first symptoms of low blood sugar occur.

Grill vegetables and add spices, lemon juice or garlic to add flavor. Eat fresh fruit such as bananas and strawberries but always do this in a controlled way. Avoid certain fruits like mangos, custard apples, and grapes due to their high sugar content.

High stress levels can cause high blood sugar. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to control this. Learn some de-stressing techniques such as walking and yoga. Make time to relax whenever possible. Lifestyle changes can certainly be difficult to deal with at first but with perseverance and determination you can put yourself firmly in control.