Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which patients present with absolute or relative insulin deficiency. It effects about 6% of western populations and is a major contributing factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus is also the leading cause of new blindness.

1. Types of Diabetes

There are four forms of the disease, classified as: types 1 and 2, gestational and other specific types.

a. Type 1 Diabetes

In people with type 1 diabetes the pancreas is not producing insulin, so blood glucose levels are higher than normal. People with this form of diabetes require daily insulin therapy to survive. This form is further split into idiopathic diabetes and immune mediated diabetes.

Type 1 accounts for around 10% to 15% of all people with diabetes. It is one of the most serious and common chronic diseases of childhood, with about half of the people with this form of diabetes developing the disease before age 18. It is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes.

b. Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is marked by reduced levels of insulin (insulin deficiency) and/or the inability of the body to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This form of the disease is most common among people aged 40 years and over and accounts for 85% to 90% of all people with diabetes. Most people with type 2 diabetes are obese.

c. Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in about 3% to 8% of females not previously diagnosed with diabetes. It is a temporary form of diabetes and usually disappears after the baby is born. However, it is a marker of much greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Screening tests for gestational diabetes are usually performed around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.

d. Other Specific Diabetes Types

This includes people who have diabetes as a result of a genetic defect, or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals.

2. Causes of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is caused by resistance to, or deficient production of, the hormone insulin, which helps glucose move from the blood into the cells.

In type 1 immune mediated diabetes, pancreatic beta cell destruction results in failure to release insulin and ineffective transport of glucose. There is no known cause for idiopathic diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes, the beta cells release insulin but, receptors are insulin resistant and glucose transport is variable and inefficient. Some people may have conditions that can cause diabetes, such as Cushing's syndrome, pancreatitis or liver disease.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include;

a. Obesity
b. History of Gestational diabetes
c. Lack of physical activity
d. Hypertension
e. Age 45+
f. Ethnic groupings other than anglo-saxon
g. Low HDL cholesterol levels
h. Impaired glucose tolerance
i. Family history

3. Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Symptoms of diabetes include; dehydration, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent need to urinate, fatigue, lethargy, severe irritation and itching, excessive hunger, blurred vision, skin and urinary infections and vaginitis.

4. Diagnosis

Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance may be detected on routine blood tests as part of a general health check up or investigation for other symptoms or diseases. Diabetes tests check blood glucose levels.

Fasting blood glucose levels are classified as:

Normal: less than 100 mg/dl
Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dl
Diabetes: greater than 125mg/dl

Because symptoms can be mild, diabetes is often detected when a person suffers a problem that is caused by diabetes, such as a heart attack, stroke, neuropathy, poor wound healing or a foot ulcer, certain eye problems, certain fungal infections, or delivering a baby with macrosomia or hypoglycemia.

5. Diabetes Treatment

Effective treatment endeavors to normalize blood glucose and reduce complications using insulin replacement, diet and exercise. For those with very mild diabetes, diet plus weight loss plus exercise may be enough to keep blood glucose within reasonable levels.

Dietary changes should focus on the ideas of weight loss and blood sugar regulation by keeping the blood sugar levels relatively stable throughout the day, avoiding big peaks or troughs.

The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from its earliest stages, is replacement of insulin combined with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels using blood testing monitors.

Type 2 diabetes may require oral anti-diabetic drugs to stimulate body insulin production and increase insulin sensitivity. Various forms of natural supplements for diabetes treatment have also been postulated as effective.

People with unstable diabetes, or those requiring many injections a day, may benefit from an insulin pump which is worn on the body and delivers a continuous infusion of insulin via a needle implanted into the body.

Gestational diabetes is fully treatable but requires careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy. Even though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the health of the fetus or the mother.

Treatment for all forms of diabetes need not significantly impair normal activities, if sufficient patient training, awareness, appropriate care, discipline in testing and dosing of insulin is taken

6. Complications

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world. If undetected or poorly controlled, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, heart attack, stroke and impotence.

By: Dick Aronson

Labels: diabete, diabetes, diabetes 2, diabetes mellitus, diabetes symptoms, diabetes type 2, mellitus diabetes, type 2 diabetes, type diabetes

Different Type of Diabetes

There are many types of diabetes, but the three most common are:

1. Type 1

2. Type 2

3. Gestational

These three types of Diabetes are same with some differences, everyone with diabetes has one thing in common and that is little or no ability to move glucose out of the blood into the cells, where it is converted into body's primary fuel. We all have glucose in our blood, whether or not we have diabetes. Main source for glucose is food which we eat. When we eat, the digestive system breaks down food into glucose, which is absorbed into the blood in the small intestine.

People who don't suffer from diabetes depend on insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to move glucose from the blood into the body's billions of cells. But people who suffer from diabetes either don't produce insulin or can't efficiently use the insulin produced in their body. Without insulin, glucose can’t move into blood cells. Scientists don't know the exact reason behind cause’s diabetes, but it seems to be a result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors, including viral infections, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle. Till now, diabetes has no solution, but the good news is that the disease can be managed and treated. People with diabetes can live fulfilling, healthy lives.

Type 1

Diabetics with type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or IDDM don't produce insulin and require regular supply of insulin to keep their blood glucose levels normal. Type 1 diabetes was known as juvenile-onset diabetes, but that name has been changed because type 1 diabetes also strikes young and older adults alike.

Risk factors


* A family history of the diabetes increases risk for next generations.

* Diabetes can happen in people of every society, but it's most common among whites.

* Half of type 1 diabetics are under the age of 20. Being age 20 or younger increases the risk.

What causes it?

Most of the children, whose parents are diabetics, do not suffer from this disease, but scientists still believe that heredity plays a big role in Type 1 diabetes because it tends to run in families.
Researchers have researched on several genes that appear to increase risk of type 1 diabetes. But they haven't got a single gene that causes diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes has many hallmarks of an auto-immune condition. In auto-immune diseases, the immune system, this protects from disease by killing invading germs. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the immune system kills the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin.
Type 1 diabetes often occurs shortly after a viral infection, and doctors sometimes notice a sharp jump in type 1 diabetes diagnoses after viral epidemics.

Type 2

Approximately 95 % of diabetics suffer with type 2 diabetes which is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM. Type 2 Diabetics produces insulin, but the cells in their bodies are "insulin resistant" they can't respond properly to the hormone, so glucose is accumulated in their blood. Some people with type 2 diabetes inject insulin, but mostly can control the disease through a combination of weight loss, exercise, a prescription oral diabetes medication, and tight control.

Risk factors


* Similar to Type 1, Type 2 disease also runs in families and increase the risk for upcoming generations.

* Most of the diagnosed people with type 2 are above of age 30 or older. Half of all new cases lie between age 55 and older.

* In comparison of whites and Asians, type 2 diabetes is more commonly found among Native Americans, African-Americans, Latinos, and Hispanics.

* Insulin resistance results in increment of weight and decrement of physical activities. Most of the people suffering from type 2 diabetes have sedentary lifestyles and are obese; there weight increases at least 20 percent more than the recommended weight according to their height and build.

* Less exercise, especially for those who are overweight, increases the risk for diabetes.

* If a female developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy, she is at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later.

* Females who have given birth to babies weighing 9 pounds or more are at an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes.


What causes it?


Scientists are not sure, but type 2 diabetes, like type 1 diabetes, flows from families to families, which shows some genetic connection. In fact, a genetic link in Type2 diabetes seems even stronger in comparison with type 1. Scientists have not yet found a single gene that causes the disease, but they are still in search for errors in several that may contribute to the disease. Researchers also have a doubt on genetic susceptibility to obesity.

Obesity is the only single most important cause of type 2 diabetes. There are different definitions for obesity, but in general, Obesity occurs if a person’s weight is at least 20 percent more than what's recommended according to their height and build. 75% of people with type 2 diabetes have problem of being overweight. That's why type 2 diabetes is usually linked with diet and exercise.

Less weight and good muscles helps the body use insulin more effectively. This is very important to know how much weight we should carry. People whose weight is above their hips have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who carry it on their hips.

Age also plays an important role in type 2 diabetes. Most of the newly diagnosed are of age 55 and above, and around 11 percent of Americans ages 65 to 74 suffers from type 2 diabetes. However, it is not sure if age is a cause of type 2 diabetes or it is simply a reflection of the fact that people tend to gain weight and become less physically active as they grow older.

Gestational

Gestational diabetes affects only to pregnant ladies without any previous history of diabetes. Nearly 137,000 U.S. females develop gestational diabetes each year.

Typically, gestational diabetes is cleared up on its own after female’s delivery. But research shows that about 40% of females with gestational diabetes face type 2 diabetes within 15 years. All pregnant ladies should be tested for gestational diabetes between their 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes and insulin resistance can be prevented by keeping a healthy weight, having healthy food and with the help of regular exercise.

Risk factors


* Diabetes problem flows from generation to generation.

* Increase in weight, increases insulin resistance.

* Native Americans, African-Americans, and people of Hispanic or Latino descent are at increased risk. Whites and Asians have a lower risk.

What causes it?

Hormones may play an important role. Pregnant ladies produce various hormones important for their baby's growth. However, these hormones may interfere with the mother's body's ability to properly use insulin, causing insulin resistance.

Every pregnant lady has some degree of insulin resistance. But if this resistance becomes full-blown gestational diabetes, it usually appears around the 24th week of pregnancy. That's why all pregnant ladies should be screened for gestational diabetes at that time.

By Prashant

Labels: symptoms of diabetes type, symptoms of diabetes type 2, symptoms of type 2 diabetes, type 1 of diabetes, type 2 of diabetes, type of diabetes, type of diabetes mellitus, types of diabetes

Can get diabetes from someone else?

Although we don't know exactly why some people get diabetes, we know that diabetes is not contagious - You cannot get it from others. There is a chance that a person whose parents or brothers and sisters have diabetes might get diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. But lifestyle factors also play a part.


Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a combination of inherited and lifestyle factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your family, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended to control your weight.


Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes

There is no such thing as mild or borderline diabetes. All diabetes is equally serious, and if not properly controlled can lead to serious complications.


People with diabetes eventually go blind

Although diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age, research has proved you can reduce your chances of developing diabetes complications - such as damage to your eyes - if you:

• Control your blood pressure and glucose levels

• Keep active

• Maintain your ideal body weight

• Give up smoking

It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes

Providing you are responsible and have good control of your diabetes, research shows that people with diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone else. Nevertheless, the myth that people with diabetes are not safe persists


People with diabetes can't play sport

Pakistan's famous all-rounder Wasim Akram has diabetes; many other people with diabetes take part in active sports. People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active can help avoid complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease. There may be some considerations to take into account with your diabetes before taking up a new exercise regime - talk to your doctor for more information.


People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you’ve got diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu vaccinations. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose control, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with Type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.


People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate

Sweets and chocolate can be eaten by people with diabetes just like the rest of us, if eaten as part of a healthy diet. Remember that confectionery foods tend to be higher in fat and calories too so for this reason they should be limited especially if you’re trying to lose weight.


People with diabetes shouldn't eat bananas or grapes

All fruit and vegetables are extremely good for you. Eating more can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, some cancers and some gut problems. You should aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This also helps to improve the overall balance of the diet. Eating a variety of different fruit and vegetables ensure you get the maximum benefit.


People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods

Diabetic versions of foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, contain just as much fat and calories, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect. The healthy diet for people with diabetes is the same as that recommended for everyone - low in fat, salt and sugar, with meals including starchy foods like bread and pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables.

By Sherry Chandy

Labels: diabete, diabetes, diabetes 2, diabetes mellitus, diabetes symptoms, diabetes type 2, mellitus diabetes, type 2 diabetes, type diabetes

Welcome to Diabetes blog...

Labels: diabete, diabetes, diabetes 2, diabetes mellitus, diabetes symptoms, diabetes type 2, mellitus diabetes, type 2 diabetes, type diabetes