An epidemic began over twenty years ago that is still out of control. It is not transmitted by microorganisms, but is instead an unintended consequence of modern life that seriously affects every social strata. The causes are not always easy to define, but they parallel the current plague of obesity common in most countries today. Diabetes treatment in The Woodlands is designed to combat this illness on a personal level.

Although this phenomenon has created much media attention, most people are not completely clear what a positive diagnosis really means. The disease is actually a group of conditions related to metabolism, or the ongoing internal chemical processes necessary for life. Commonly called diabetes mellitus, it is characterized by high blood sugar due to inadequate insulin production or poor physical response to available amounts.

The disease has two primary forms. Those having Type 1 produce no insulin, and rely on daily injections. It is the least widespread, comprising around one-tenth of all cases, but those numbers are rising along with increases in Type 2, which is by far the most common. Type 2 is associated by many people with aging, and progresses with time. Being overweight, inactive, and eating poorly all encourage development.

Many older people fall victim to metabolic syndrome, characterized by excess abdominal fat. It is part of the group of symptoms termed pre-diabetes. Because the onset and development are slow, it is difficult for many to sustain long-term personal vigilance and concern regarding consequences. The problems it causes may be hidden, blamed on aging, or simply overlooked.

The good news is that all forms of this illness have effective treatments. The process begins with common blood tests that confirm blood sugar levels over a period of time, followed by a diagnosis. Even though this is the era of pharmaceutical marketing aimed directly at patients, there is no single medication that can be taken to cure victims. For most people, healing begins with a change in diet.

Any alteration of a normal routine can be unsettling, but the results are often surprisingly positive. Although the word diet is commercially associated with losing weight, it also includes the quality of nutrition. Most doctors recommend a regimen that includes consuming nearly half of all food as carbohydrates, less than one third in fats, and the remainder in animal proteins.

The primary barrier for most is making changes to long-term habits. Visual results in the form of weight loss are encouraging, but dietary changes must be combined with aerobic exercise appropriate for age and health. Most people need at least thirty total minutes each day, which need not be done in a single effort. The physical results appear quickly, and benefit every system within the body.

Making these changes with the help of medical technicians helps slow disease progression, and in some cases can bring it to a halt. If no improvement is shown after making an honest effort, some patients benefit from specific medications that help produce more insulin naturally, as well as improving cellular response. Although prescribed medication may be necessary, it must still be accompanied by consistent exercise and improved diet.