Diabetes
Diabetes,
also known as diabetes mellitus, is a condition wherein the body
produces too much glucose. The body either cannot produce insulin or
has a poor time responding to the insulin that is produced. The excess
of glucose can cause major complications including cardiovascular
disease, nerve damage, and even blindness in some cases. It is
imperative that diabetes be diagnosed as early as possible so that
these complications can be avoided. There are three primary types of
diabetes, as well as some other, lesser known types that are classified
on their own.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes can be a serious disease, and occurs when the body fails to make any insulin whatsoever. Diabetics with type 1 diabetes MUST take insulin injections in order to break down the glucose in the system. Sometimes pancreas transplants can help with this condition. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body produces insulin, but is unable to use it properly to break down glucose. Those with type 2 diabetes often go unchecked because it is hard to recognize the symptoms of diabetes 2 right away. Gestational diabetes occurs in women who are pregnant, but who’ve never had diabetes before. They develop their high levels of glucose during the pregnancy, and may develop type 2 diabetes afterward as a result.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease that occurs when the
pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood
sugar levels.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels
of sugar in the blood. It begins when the body does not respond
correctly to insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. Type 2
diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
Diabetes Symptoms and Diabetes Causes
There are no known specific causes of diabetes. Researchers have speculated on possible links. With type 1 diabetes, it is believed that genetics may play a role, or that environmental factors may contribute to development. With type 2 diabetes, researchers are much more convinced that genetics play a significant role, and clear risk factors have also been identified. Symptoms in type 1 diabetes are dramatic and can usually be spotted easily, but symptoms of type 2 diabetes are more subtle, and can often go unchecked until late in life and cause serious complications.
Diabetes Treatment
As with any disease, diabetes treatment will vary from patient to patient. Generally speaking, diabetes is usually treated with proper diet, an exercise routine, and medication. If the case of diabetes is extreme, insulin treatments should be administered. The bottom line is that glucose must be regulated, which is why having a healthy diet that is low in cholesterol, fat, and simple sugars is incredibly important. It is also important for diabetics to keep their weight down to aid in the regulation of glucose. There are organic and all natural treatments for diabetics as well, but it is important that you do your research with regard to these methods.
Diabetes Diagnosis
Diabetes diagnosis is usually prompted by excessive urination and excessive thirst on the part of the patient. Sometimes significant weight loss can also occur. Unfortunately, with type 2 diabetes, sometimes more severe symptoms, such as heart attack, stroke, or severe eye problems , must occur before a diagnosis is ever reached. It is important to have regularly scheduled health screens, as doctors can sometimes detect diabetes early this way. Hypoglycemia is often detected and serves as a warning that diabetes could be the culprit.
Diabetes Prognosis
The risk of long-term complications from diabetes can be reduced. If
you control your blood glucose and blood pressure, you can reduce your
risk of death, stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
Reduction of HbA1c by even 1% can decrease your risk for complications
by 25%.
