What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease caused by an insulin deficiency and characterized by excess sugar in the blood.

When we eat, the pancreas is supposed to automatically produce the right amount of insulin to move the glucose from our blood into our cells. In diabetics, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin or the body cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood, overflowing into your urine, and passing out of your body. Thus, your body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose.

Types of Diabetes

There are two major forms of diabetes: Type 1, or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and Type 2, or insulin resistant diabetes mellitus. Both forms cause increased blood sugar levels, hyperglycemia. The contributing factors that lead to hyperglycemia, however, are different for each form of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is associated with genetic and environmental stressors. This individual is unable to produce insulin. This causes the body to be in a constant form of starvation even though food is being ingested. The food, which is converted (metabolized) into glucose (sugar) in the blood, cannot reach the different cells in the body. Insulin is needed to transport sugar into the cells. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections daily to maintain and control blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes may be associated with inherited characteristics interacting with some lifestyle problems. The problems are aging, obesity and inactivity. These problems predispose individuals to producing excess insulin rather thatn too little. Eighty-eight percent of Type 2 diabetics are overweight. People who are overweight tend to overeat which can cause decreased number of insulin receptor sites on cells for insulin to attach. As the number of insulin receptor sites decreases, the pancreas, which produces insulin, increases production in order to increase transportation of glucose from the blood stream into the cell. This excess insulin production ultimately leads to exhaustion of insulin-producing cells, leading to decreased insulin production and Type 1 diabetes. By decreasing food intake and increasing exercise, one can decrease the stress on the pancreas to produce high levels of insulin and reverse this disease. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are instructed to monior diet and exercise in order to stabilize blood sugar levels If this does not work, these individuals may be started on oral medications or insulin.

Why Treat Diabetes?

Many people with diabetes may not have any symptoms, so why should they be treated? Research shows that good control of blood glucose levels prevent or lessen the likelihood of the complications of diabetes such as: kidney disease, eye damage, nerve damage to feet, heart disease and circulation problems in the legs.

Risk factors that could increase your chances of diabetes.

• People who have other close family members with diabetes.
• People who are overweight.
• People of African American, Hispanic or Native American have a greater risk of developing diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes.

• Weakness
• Headache
• Increased hunger
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Itching skin
• Vaginal infections
• Sudden weight loss or gain

How can you tell if your blood sugar is low?

• Dizzy or light-headed
• Hungry
• Nervous and shaky
• Sleepy or confused
• Sweaty

Reasons why your blood sugar may be low.

• Delaying or skipping a meal
• Eating too little food at mealtime
• Getting more exercise than usual
• Taking too much diabetic medicine
• Drinking alcohol