Our bodies and brains run on glucose, a simple sugar produced by the digestion of carbohydrates. The body’s ability to use glucose depends on the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Blood sugar levels naturally rise after meals, but insulin from a healthy pancreas keeps these levels within a narrow range. In diabetes, however, this balance is disrupted because either the body loses its ability to respond to insulin or the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin. Too much or too little glucose in the bloodstream can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and eyes, as well as nerve cells; acute disruptions of the insulin/glucose balance can be life threatening. Blood and urine tests can determine whether someone is diabetic or pre-diabetic. Diabetes is looming as a major public health concern; an estimated 25 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, with more than a quarter of them undiagnosed.

BASELINE YOUR HEALTH VIDEOS

CHAPTER 1 Baseline Your Health When it comes to our wellness journeys, it is true that we all start from a different place... VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 4 Your Doctor's Visit A physical exam helps a doctor take the measure of your health. Current concerns are addressed and problems spotted... VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 8 Complete Blood Count, and Baselining Your Health Our lifeblood is a complex fluid and a complete blood count (CBC) measures the fundamentals... VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 10 Lipids, Heart Health and Baselining Your Health What individuals eat is reflected in their blood chemistry and the health of their cardiovascular system... VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 14 (currently viewing) Blood Glucose and Baselining Your Health Blood glucose levels naturally fluctuate, but insulin from a healthy pancreas keeps levels within a narrow range... VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 16 Vitamin D and Baselining Your Health Vitamin D is essential to bone health, but it may also be important for muscle, nerve and immune system function and may play... VIEW VIDEO