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Diabetes Explained

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic and progressive condition in which the body either does not make insulin or does not effectively use insulin. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes affects about 171 million adults and children around the world and kills about 3.2 million annually. It is life-threatening if not treated properly, therefore it is important to understand what it is, the symptoms, causes, treatment options and prevention.

  1. Function

    • Insulin is a hormone normally produced by the pancreas. It transports energy (glucose) from food to the cells. It is necessary for life.

    Symptoms

    • When insulin is not available to transport glucose, the body believes that it is starving, causing symptoms that include increased hunger, increased thirst, increased urination, sudden and unexplained weight loss (the body is breaking down muscle and stored fat for energy), lethargy, hyperventilation, irritability and blurry vision.

    Types

    • The two most common types of diabetes are Type I (Juvenile/Insulin Dependent) and Type II (previously Adult-Onset). According to the National Diabetes Education Program, 90 to 95 percent of all diabetics are Type II.

    Causes

    • According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks and kills the cells that produce insulin. Type II, according to the American Diabetes Association, is caused by a strong genetic component as well as diet and lifestyle. There is a direct correlation with the increase in the obesity rate and the increase in Type II diabetes.

    Treatment

    • Type I (Juvenile Diabetics) must have daily injections of insulin to survive. The Type II diabetic may take oral medication to help his body better utilize insulin, or he may also need insulin injections if his body is no longer producing insulin. Both types require diligent monitoring of glucose levels along with a balanced diet and daily exercise. According to the ADA, complications of Type II diabetes may be reversed or slowed with a change in diet and lifestyle.

    Complications

    • Untreated or poorly treated diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, stroke, eye damage, nerve damage, poor healing wounds, frequent hospitalizations, coma and death (even in children).

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