Chemistry of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the body. Diabetes comes in a variety of types with the most common being type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease resulting from an insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by an insulin resistance normally resulting from genetic factors, poor diet, excess weight and inactivity.

Cause

• The cause of type 1 diabetes, known as diabetes mellitus, is unknown, but is usually attributed to genetic predisposition, environmental factors and a viral trigger. Diabetes can occur at any age and anywhere in the world. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas. Beta islet cells produce the hormone insulin, which is used to distribute glucose into cells to be used for energy.

Effects

• Once the islet beta cells are attacked by this autoimmune disease, the pancreatic cells are rendered inactive, or they produce very little insulin during what is commonly known as the honeymoon period. The direct result of this insulin reduction or elimination is dangerous levels of glucose within the bloodstream.

Ketoacidosis

• A result of untreated diabetes is ketoacidosis, known as DKA. DKA is a very serious complication that occurs when blood glucose levels are high, causing hyperglycemia, for an extended period of time. When the body can not use glucose for energy within the cells, the body begins using fat storage for energy. When the fat is broken down, acids called ketones are produced. These ketones are present in the blood and urine, and become dangerously toxic in high quantities. Ketoacidosis occurs and can lead to coma and even death if left untreated.

Insulin Therapy

• Diabetes mellitus is typically treated through daily self-maintenance with synthetic insulin shots made from rDNA manufactured in a laboratory to compensate for the pancreas's inability to produce insulin on its own. These shots are administered by the diabetic through a syringe, insulin pen or an insulin delivery pump worn on the body.

  This synthetic insulin is taken in two forms: a fast-acting insulin to cover carbohydrates and glucose corrections, and a slow-acting insulin to cover a 12- to 24-hour period. These synthetic insulins come in many varieties--20 types within the U.S. according to the American Diabetes Association--and are generally chosen by an endocrinologist.

Carbohydrates

• The management of insulin therapy in relation to carbohydrate can be tricky for any diabetic. Typically a ratio is established during the beginning stages of the onset of diabetes to determine the diabetic's body's carb-to-unit dosage. Carbohydrates are a key component of self-maintenance for diabetes, and are initiators of increased blood sugar.

  Carbohydrates break down post-ingestion into glucose molecules, which are converted into ATP, or energy, in the cells with the aid of insulin. Too little insulin causes an excess of unconverted glucose causing hyperglycemia, and too much insulin causes hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Carbohydrates are necessary when a diabetic is experiencing hypoglycemia to compensate for the excess insulin in the blood stream, which can lead to serious consequences, such as seizure or even death.