Diabetes

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Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International

In this type of diabetes, the body's production of insulin is quite low. The reason for this occurrence is still unknown; however, what is known, is that for some reason the body's defense system (immune system) attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is managed with insulin injections, a meal plan and exercise. This form of diabetes is also known as "juvenile diabetes" because children or young adults are most often the ones afflicted.
Symptoms ·Type 1 ·Type 2 ·Other Types ·The Facts about Diabetes ·Hyperglycemia & Hypoglycemia ·Ketoacidosis ·Monitoring Blood Sugar
Diabetes is a disease which makes it difficult or impossible for a person's body to properly use glucose, a form of sugar. During digestion food is broken down into glucose which is used by the body to create energy. This process is called metabolism. A person with Diabetes cannot convert this glucose into useable energy because their body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces. This results in glucose building up in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas(a gland near the stomach). Insulin regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates by controlling the entry of glucose into the cells of the body. Without insulin, glucose cannot be transported into the cells to be used for energy. There currently is no cure for diabetes but it can be controlled. The type of treatment depends on the type of diabetes a person has.
SYMPTOMS
Frequent urination Excessive thirst Always hungry Sudden weight loss Weakness, drowsiness or exhaustion Blurry vision Nausea and vomiting Sexual problems Numb or tingling hand or feet Itching of the skin and genitals, vaginal infections Recurring or hard-to-heal wounds or skin or urinary tract infections.
TYPE 1 (Insulin dependent or Juvenile) Diabetes
TYPE 2 (Adult-onset Diabetes)
In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but in some cases not enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Also, the tissues in the body may not be as sensitive to insulin. Treatment of Type 2 diabetes includes a meal plan, exercise and medication (or occasionally insulin). This type of diabetes most often occurs in people over 40.
OTHER TYPES Gestational Diabetes
This form of diabetes can appear in pregnant women who have never exhibited any sign of high blood glucose. The hormonal changes of pregnancy stress the mother's system and, in some cases, the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin. Treatment for gestational diabetes can range from diet management to insulin therapy. While this type of diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the baby, 30 to 40 percent of these women develop diabetes within 5 to 10 years.

The Facts About Diabetes

Approximately 1 in 20 North Americans has diabetes.
For every 6 diagnosed cases of diabetes, 1 of them is Type 1 and 5 are Type 2.
Many people with Type 2 diabetes have not yet been diagnosed and don't know they have diabetes.

Those people who are more at risk of getting diabetes are those with one or more of the following:

People with a family history of diabetes. Diabetes is believed to have an inherited genetic tendency.

People who are overweight: The chance of developing Type 2 diabetes doubles with every 20 percent excess weight. It is believed that excess body fat prevents insulin from working properly.

People over forty: Type 2 diabetes is most common in middle and old age.

Hyperglycemia & Hypoglycemia

Hyperglycemia(High Blood Sugar) is when a person with diabetes has high blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia(Low Blood Sugar), results when people who take insulin or oral medication do not have enough glucose in their body in comparison to the amount of medication.

The reason behind this imbalance is usually because the person didn't eat enough food, the food was not eaten soon enough or too much medication was taken.

This condition must be treated quickly with sugar, sugary foods or fruit juice, otherwise, in extreme situations if left untreated, the person could become unconscious.

If a person becomes unconscious honey or syrup should be rubbed inside the person's cheek, or the person should be injected with glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

* one or more symptoms may occur

* some people show no symptoms

Inappropriate responses

Confusion and inattention

Drowsiness

Pale complexion

Perspiration

Headache

Crankiness

Lack of coordination

Trembling

Sudden hunger

Dizziness

Ketoacidosis

When a person with Diabetes begins to have very high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) s/he should treat the condition or see a doctor.

If left untreated, the body does not have enough insulin to use the high amounts of sugar and so the person's body begins to use the enrgy from its own stored fats.

As these fats are broken down, acids called "ketones" are formed in the body.

If too many ketones are formed the person with Diabetes can fall into a coma. This condition can be fatal. A diabetic coma mostly occurs with Type 1 diabetes.

In order for that dangerous level of ketones to develop it usually takes several hours or days.

The dangerous end result can be averted if a person with Diabetes pays attention to the early symptoms which often are the following:

Extreme thirst

Drowsiness, lethargy

Sugar in urine

Dry, hot skin

Lack of appetite

High levels of sugar and ketones in the blood

Fruity, sweet or wine-like odor on breath

Heavy, laboured breathing

Eventual stupor or unconsciousness

Monitoring Blood Sugar

There are an endless amount of reasons why people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar. Here are a few:

The only sure way to know the level of sugar in the blood and avoid emergencies.

Help prevent long term complications.

Knowing what your blood sugar levels are at will put your mind at ease, like when driving, walking in the park, in a meeting, etc.

A person who properly monitors their blood sugar level will feel better.

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