Summer BanksDiabetes mellitus
November 10th 2006 02:16
Diabetes mellitus, which is often referred to as sugar diabetes, is a condition in which the body is unable to properly process carbohydrates (sugars and starches), which are the body's major source of energy. There are two major types of diabetes -- Type 1 and Type 2. In this article, we will examine the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of both types. We will begin with the causes.
Cause :
Normally, digestion of carbohydrates causes the release of a form of sugar called glucose into the blood. As blood glucose level rises, the pancreas is stimulated to secrete the hormone insulin. Insulin acts to reduce the sugar in the blood by transporting glucose from the blood to body cells, where it is used for fuel, or to the liver, where it is stored until needed.
When the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or the body cannot use the insulin it manufactures, diabetes results. The glucose concentration in the blood increases because glucose circulates throughout the body without being absorbed. Eventually, the kidneys filter glucose from the blood, and urine carries the excess sugar from the body.
Types :
There are two major forms of diabetes. Type 1 (or insulin-dependent) diabetes results from a defect of unknown origin in the islets of Langerhans (the areas in the pancreas where insulin is produced). This form of diabetes usually develops in young children.
Type 2 diabetes appears most often in adults over the age of 40. With type 2 (or non–insulin-dependent) diabetes, either the pancreas functions inadequately or the body is unable to use insulin efficiently. In many individuals who have type 2 diabetes, a shortage of insulin-receptor cells (sites throughout the body where the interaction of glucose and insulin occurs) allows the insulin to remain in the bloodstream. Obesity often contributes to the problem because the presence of excess fat cells leads to increased resistance to insulin. In addition, other disorders of the endocrine system may cause hormonal imbalances that disturb glucose regulation.
Research shows that people who have a family history of type 2 diabetes may have a greater tendency to develop the condition themselves. Women are more likely to be affected, but for all adults, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes doubles with every decade of life after the age of 40.
In some women, pregnancy triggers diabetes. The condition usually subsides after childbirth. However, women who show signs of diabetes during pregnancy and deliver babies weighing over ten pounds have a greater risk of diabetes later in life.
Complications :
Although patients with diabetes can usually control the condition, untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications. Extremely high blood sugar levels place great strain on other organs. Diabetes may accelerate atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries). Insufficient blood supply contributes to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, eye disorders, impotence, gangrene (tissue death), and even death.
Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Getting diabetes under control is extremely important to living with the disease. That's why recognizing the symptoms and getting the proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Symptoms :
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are excessive thirst and urination, fatigue, fainting, altered vision, irritability, and slow healing of cuts and bruises. Weight loss may occur despite constant hunger and voracious eating.
The same symptoms may signal type 2 diabetes, or no symptoms may appear at all. Physicians frequently detect this form when they perform routine examinations or tests for other problems.
Diagnosis :
Doctors can diagnose diabetes by analyzing blood samples for elevated sugar concentrations. They may also test blood and urine for excess ketones, the chemical by-products of the breakdown of fat for energy. Since people with diabetes do not use glucose normally, their bodies burn fat for fuel, and as a result, ketones may be eliminated in the urine.
Treatment :
Both forms of diabetes mellitus require a treatment plan that maintains normal, steady blood glucose levels. Once blood sugar levels have been brought under control with insulin injections, diet, or medication, a person with diabetes can usually lead a relatively normal life.
Cause :
Normally, digestion of carbohydrates causes the release of a form of sugar called glucose into the blood. As blood glucose level rises, the pancreas is stimulated to secrete the hormone insulin. Insulin acts to reduce the sugar in the blood by transporting glucose from the blood to body cells, where it is used for fuel, or to the liver, where it is stored until needed.
When the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or the body cannot use the insulin it manufactures, diabetes results. The glucose concentration in the blood increases because glucose circulates throughout the body without being absorbed. Eventually, the kidneys filter glucose from the blood, and urine carries the excess sugar from the body.
Types :
There are two major forms of diabetes. Type 1 (or insulin-dependent) diabetes results from a defect of unknown origin in the islets of Langerhans (the areas in the pancreas where insulin is produced). This form of diabetes usually develops in young children.
Type 2 diabetes appears most often in adults over the age of 40. With type 2 (or non–insulin-dependent) diabetes, either the pancreas functions inadequately or the body is unable to use insulin efficiently. In many individuals who have type 2 diabetes, a shortage of insulin-receptor cells (sites throughout the body where the interaction of glucose and insulin occurs) allows the insulin to remain in the bloodstream. Obesity often contributes to the problem because the presence of excess fat cells leads to increased resistance to insulin. In addition, other disorders of the endocrine system may cause hormonal imbalances that disturb glucose regulation.
Research shows that people who have a family history of type 2 diabetes may have a greater tendency to develop the condition themselves. Women are more likely to be affected, but for all adults, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes doubles with every decade of life after the age of 40.
In some women, pregnancy triggers diabetes. The condition usually subsides after childbirth. However, women who show signs of diabetes during pregnancy and deliver babies weighing over ten pounds have a greater risk of diabetes later in life.
Complications :
Although patients with diabetes can usually control the condition, untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications. Extremely high blood sugar levels place great strain on other organs. Diabetes may accelerate atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries). Insufficient blood supply contributes to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, eye disorders, impotence, gangrene (tissue death), and even death.
Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Getting diabetes under control is extremely important to living with the disease. That's why recognizing the symptoms and getting the proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Symptoms :
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are excessive thirst and urination, fatigue, fainting, altered vision, irritability, and slow healing of cuts and bruises. Weight loss may occur despite constant hunger and voracious eating.
The same symptoms may signal type 2 diabetes, or no symptoms may appear at all. Physicians frequently detect this form when they perform routine examinations or tests for other problems.
Diagnosis :
Doctors can diagnose diabetes by analyzing blood samples for elevated sugar concentrations. They may also test blood and urine for excess ketones, the chemical by-products of the breakdown of fat for energy. Since people with diabetes do not use glucose normally, their bodies burn fat for fuel, and as a result, ketones may be eliminated in the urine.
Treatment :
Both forms of diabetes mellitus require a treatment plan that maintains normal, steady blood glucose levels. Once blood sugar levels have been brought under control with insulin injections, diet, or medication, a person with diabetes can usually lead a relatively normal life.
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