Effects of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system that affects nearly 24 million Americans, according to the American Diabetes Association. It is a chronic, lifelong disease caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the body. A normal fasting blood sugar level is under 120. Diabetes may be diagnosed by monitoring blood sugar levels, with an oral glucose tolerance test, or with a hemoglobin A1C blood test which gives an average of the last two to three months of blood sugars. Risk factors for diabetes include family history, heart disease, obesity, ethnicity, polycystic ovary disease, high cholesterol, smoking and gestational diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

• Diabetes is classified by type. Type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile diabetes) is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. Type 1 is the result of the body's inability to produce insulin. It is sometimes difficult to control, and is characterized by extreme high and low blood sugar levels. Insulin injections and frequent finger stick blood sugar monitoring is necessary.

  Type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset) is usually diagnosed later in life. It is frequently associated with being overweight and a lack of exercise. Simply changing one's diet and increasing exercise can reverse the effects and the need for medication. Type 2 diabetics are often able to use oral medications to control their high blood sugars. Some type 2 diabetics may require insulin injections as well.

  Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women. These women may only have diabetes while pregnant, but many develop type 2 diabetes after the pregnancy. Treatment varies depending on the severity.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of diabetes are classic and commonly seen with all types. Excessive hunger, thirst, and urination are the three key symptoms that are noted when diabetes is diagnosed. Other symptoms include elevated blood sugar levels, irritability, fruity breath, fatigue, weight loss, and blurred vision. If blood sugars remain elevated for an extended period of time, a diabetic coma may be the end result, states Susan B. Stillwell, MSN, RN. This loss of consciousness requires hospitalization and treatment with intravenous insulin. If untreated, death will will be the result.

Effects

• The effects of diabetes can be devastating if blood sugars are not controlled. Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage (and the need for dialysis as a result) are the most deadly effects. Uncontrolled high blood sugars also may affect the eyes and cause blindness. Diabetes frequently affects circulation, and a simple cut on the foot can lead to an amputation due to infection. Boils are common, and slowed healing increases the incidence of infection. High blood pressure, frequent infections, neuropathy, high cholesterol, dehydration, constipation and impotence are all effects of diabetes. Diabetics tend to experience longer hospitalizations and mortality rates.

Prevention and Treatment

• Only type 2 diabetes can be prevented, but both type 1 and type 2 can be better controlled with lifestyle changes. Making conscious decisions about diet and exercise are key in preventing and controlling diabetes. Limiting intake of high sugar food and drinks is critical for maintaining normal blood sugar levels. The proper amounts of proteins and starches, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best way to keep diabetes under control. Daily exercise is also necessary. Diabetics must have regular checkups with their doctor or endocrinologist to ensure that they are staying healthy.

Considerations

• The effects of diabetes can be difficult to live with. But with proper treatment, these can be minimized. There are many resources available to help educate the diabetic and their family to learn to live with the disease and minimize its effects. The American Diabetes Association website, www.diabetes.org, offers much useful information and links to support groups as well.