Medically speaking, Diabetes, often
referred to by doctors as diabetes mellitus, describes a group of metabolic
diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either
because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not
respond properly to insulin, or both. Patients with high blood sugar will
typically experience polyuria (frequent urination), they will become
increasingly thirsty (polydipsia) and hungry (polyphagia).
Quick Reference on Diabetes
·
Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes
high blood sugar levels.
·
Type 1 Diabetes - the body does not produce
insulin. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.
·
Type 2 Diabetes - the body does not produce
enough insulin for proper function. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes
worldwide are of this type.
·
Gestational Diabetes - this type affects females
during pregnancy.
·
The most common diabetes symptoms include
frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight
loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction,
numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
·
If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating
plan, do adequate exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life.
·
Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be
physically active, and test their blood glucose. They may also need to take
oral medication, and/or insulin to control blood glucose levels.
·
As the risk of cardiovascular disease is much
higher for a diabetic, it is crucial that blood pressure and cholesterol levels
are monitored regularly.
·
As smoking might have a serious effect on
cardiovascular health, diabetics should stop smoking.
·
Hypoglycemia - low blood glucose - can have a
bad effect on the patient. Hyperglycemia - when blood glucose is too high - can
also have a bad effect on the patient.
Approximately 90% of all cases of
diabetes worldwide have Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is when the body does
not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the cells in the body do not
react to insulin (insulin resistance).
Some people may be able to control
their type 2 diabetes symptoms by losing weight, following a healthy diet,
doing plenty of exercise, and monitoring their blood glucose levels. However,
type 2 diabetes is typically a progressive disease - it gradually gets worse -
and the patient will probably end up have to take insulin, usually in tablet
form.
Overweight and obese people have a
much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a healthy
body weight. People with a lot of visceral fat, also known as central obesity,
belly fat, or abdominal obesity, are especially at risk. Being overweight/obese
causes the body to release chemicals that can destabilize the body's
cardiovascular and metabolic systems.
Being overweight, physically
inactive and eating the wrong foods all contribute to our risk of developing
type 2 diabetes. Drinking just one can of (non-diet) soda per day can raise our
risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 22%, researchers from Imperial College
London reported in the journal Diabetologia. The scientists believe that the
impact of sugary soft drinks on diabetes risk may be a direct one, rather than
simply an influence on body weight.
The risk of developing type 2
diabetes is also greater as we get older. Experts are not completely sure why,
but say that as we age we tend to put on weight and become less physically
active. Those with a close relative who had/had type 2 diabetes, people of
Middle Eastern, African, or South Asian descent also have a higher risk of
developing the disease.
Men whose testosterone levels are
low have been found to have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, say that low
testosterone levels are linked to insulin resistance.
Diabetes Is A Metabolism Disorder
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is
classed as a metabolism disorder. Metabolism refers to the way our bodies use
digested food for energy and growth. Most of what we eat is broken down into
glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar in the blood - it is the principal source
of fuel for our bodies.
When our food is digested, the
glucose makes its way into our bloodstream. Our cells use the glucose for
energy and growth. However, glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being
present - insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in the glucose.
Insulin is a hormone that is
produced by the pancreas. After eating, the pancreas automatically releases an
adequate quantity of insulin to move the glucose present in our blood into the
cells, as soon as glucose enters the cells blood-glucose levels drop.
A person with diabetes has a
condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is too elevated
(hyperglycemia). This is because the body either does not produce enough insulin,
produces no insulin, or has cells that do not respond properly to the insulin
the pancreas produces. This results in too much glucose building up in the
blood. This excess blood glucose eventually passes out of the body in urine.
So, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not getting it
for their essential energy and growth requirements.
Diabetes can take a toll on nearly
every organ in your body, including the heart and blood vessels; eyes; kidneys;
gums and teeth; and the nervous system.
Heart disease and blood vessel
disease are common problems for many people who don’t have their diabetes under
control. You're twice as likely to have heart problems and strokes as people
who don’t have the condition. Blood vessel damage or nerve damage may also
cause foot problems that, in rare cases, can lead to amputations. More than
half the legs and feet removed are not lost because of an injury, but as a
result of this disease.
Diabetes is the leading cause of
new vision loss in the U.S. in adults 20 to 74 years old. It can lead to eye
problems, some of which can cause blindness if not treated: Glaucoma,
Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes is the leading cause of
kidney failure in adults in the U.S., accounting for almost half of new cases.
You might not notice any problems with early diabetes-related kidney disease.
In later stages it can make your legs and feet swell.
Over time, high blood sugar levels
can harm your nerves. As many as 70% of people with diabetes get this type of
damage. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy can cause pain and burning or a loss of
feeling in your feet. It usually starts with your toes. It can also affect your
hands and other body parts. Autonomic neuropathy stems from damage to the
nerves that control your internal organs. Symptoms include sexual problems,
digestive issues (a condition called gastroparesis), trouble sensing when your
bladder is full, dizziness and fainting, or not knowing when your blood sugar
is low
Having diabetes puts you at higher
risk for gum disease. Your gums might be red and swollen and bleed easily.
Controlling Diabetes - Treatment Is Effective And Important
All types of diabetes are treatable. Diabetes type 1 lasts a
lifetime, there is no known cure. Type 2 usually lasts a lifetime, however,
some people have managed to get rid of their symptoms without medication,
through a combination of exercise, diet and body weight control.
What are your choices?
1. Do nothing and suffer, then die.
2. Diet and exercise. Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented
by a person being a normal body weight, physical exercise, and following a
healthful diet. Dietary changes known to be effective in helping to prevent
diabetes include a diet rich in whole grains and fiber, and choosing good fats,
such as polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. Limiting
sugary beverages and eating less red meat and other sources of saturated fat
can also help in the prevention of diabetes. Active smoking is also associated
with an increased risk of diabetes, so smoking cessation can be an important
preventive measure as well.
First STEPS:
1. If you are overweight, you should have a blood test taken
to determine your A1C and fasting plasma glucose levels. The lab results will determine the proper
course of treatment recommended by your physician.
2. It may require that you lose weight, moderate your diet,
and begin an exercise routine.
The choice is yours.
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