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The Significance of Diabetes

In America, 23.6 million people have a form of diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 5.7 million Americans are unaware they have the disease. Diabetes is significant because the disease can be both life altering and life threatening, especially when left untreated.

  1. Diabetes Defined

    • People with diabetes cannot properly metabolize glucose.

    Type 1 Diabetes

    • Usually found in younger people, type 1 diabetes stems from the body's inability to produce insulin.

    Type 2 Diabetes

    • Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs more in adults. It occurs either from the body not producing enough insulin or from the body's inability to respond to the insulin produced.

    Influence on the Body

    • People with diabetes sometimes develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that results in symptoms like fatigue, confusion, faintness and sweating. In some cases, it could lead to seizure and loss of consciousness.

    Long-term Significance

    • Untreated diabetes leads to the buildup in glucose in the cells, which may lead to kidney disease, high blood pressure, nerve damage, stroke and birth defects. In 2006, the seventh most common cause of death in the America was diabetes, according to the NIDDK.

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