Diabetes is a complex medical issue that affects approximately 34.2 million Americans, and impairs the body’s ability to process blood sugar. There are different types of diabetes that cause different symptoms and have varying treatment plans.
Without proper management, it can lead to a buildup of sugar in the blood. It can result in various complications such as heart disease or stroke.
If you or a loved one have diabetes and can’t afford to fill in prescriptions, we recommend enrolling in a prescription assistance program today.
Here’s what you should know about diabetes.
Defining Diabetes
Commonly referred to as diabetes, diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that causes high levels of blood sugar in the body. This happens due to the lack of insulin in the body.
Insulin is a peptide hormone responsible for regulating amounts of sugar in the blood and carrying it to the cells via the blood. The glucose is then used for energy or stored for later use.
Diabetes causes the body to produce less insulin or to not effectively utilize it. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood and causes high sugar levels.
If left unmanaged, These levels can damage the nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other vital organs.
There are various types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Common Types of Diabetes
Type I Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body doesn’t create enough insulin needed to break down sugar in the blood. This happens because the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin.
The condition usually occurs during childhood, which is why it’s also called juvenile diabetes. Individuals with the condition have to administer insulin regularly to manage this condition.
Type II Diabetes
This type of diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. People with the disorder either don’t create enough of the hormone in the body or their body cells don’t use it effectively. This causes glucose to build up in the blood.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of the disorder. In fact, 90% to 95% of people with diabetes have this type of condition. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it is also heavily linked with obesity.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when there’s higher blood glucose during pregnancy. This occurs because the placenta produces Insulin-blocking hormones.
Symptoms of Diabetes
General symptoms of the condition include:
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Changes in body weight
- Blurry vision
- The urge to urinate frequently
- Feeling extreme fatigue
- Experiencing sores that don’t get better.
Diabetes is a serious condition that needs proper management. Unfortunately, the cost of medical bills prevents many individuals from getting proper treatment. That’s where we come in.
At The Rx Helper, we are determined to help Americans save hundreds on their medical bills by opting for prescription assistance. We offer various patient assistance programs that enable low-income families to receive affordable medication
Contact us now to learn more, or enroll in our programs today.
Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical advice.
