Health News Update on Diabetes

Did you know that November was Diabetes month? Here are some facts you might want to know about this disease and how to manage it. Type 2 Diabetics have high blood glucose levels due to decreased insulin or the body is unable to use insulin properly. It is seen most often in middle-aged and older adults but can occur in young people. Type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes, oral medications (pills), and insulin which is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. When the body cannot make enough insulin, it is taken by injection or through use of an insulin pump.  Diabetes can result in poor vision, decreased sensation in the hands and feet and abnormal kidney function. Type 2 diabetes is more common in certain ethnic groups such as Latinos, Native Americans, African Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as