Diabetes is not curable – at least with the knowledge we have so far. Nevertheless, researchers at the American Diabetes Foundation continue to work on various ways to monitor and control the disease. As just a taste of the complications that diabetes can cause, over four million people are currently suffering from what is known as diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is an illness that results in damage to the small blood vessels of the retina. The end result – blindness. With continuing research, it’s hoped that treatments will soon be developed that will lead to either preventing the disease entirely or, at least, a cure for it, if caught in time.
Diabetes, if untreated, causes glucose to remain in the blood. As a result, the person’s blood sugar level. If left untreated, in addition to eye diseases, the excess sugar can wreck all sorts of havoc on the body.
The potential problems that diabetes can cause is why the ever increasing number of cases of type two diabetes among teenagers is disquieting. It foreshadows a future where up to as many as a quarter or more of all adults could have diabetes resulting in medical bills of billions of dollars and straining our current healthcare system to its breaking point.
This causes the diabetes research being done in this country and overseas to be even more important. In a sense, we’re all racing against time to discover workable cures and treatments towards the disease. And even though there’s no cure yet, scientist are continually coming up with different and innovative ways to make life livable for those that do have diabetes.
Today, the treatments for the disease are either going on a diet for type two diabetes or using prescription drugs. For more information, please see diabetes diet guidelines.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is meant for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Always see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any underlying symptoms or medical condition.