Diabetes

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Modified on 2009/10/14 21:35 by admin

» Diabetes

Diabetes comes in two general forms: Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes usually presents itself during childhood when the body fails to produce insulin. Type II diabetes generally occurs in overweight middle aged men and women. While Type II diabetics continue to produce insulin, their bodies become immune to its effects.

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the glucose or "blood sugar" level in the body. Blood sugar levels vary during the day, increasing immediately after meals and decreasing at night while the body is at rest. Insulin allows the sugars ingested during meals to enter cells that use the sugar to create energy.

Type I diabetics must inject themselves with insulin in order to allow the sugars entry into their cells. Type II diabetics already have enough insulin (as their pancreas continues to produce it) yet their bodies no longer react to it. In other words, Type II diabetics are desensitized to the hormone. Without insulin (Type I), or the proper reaction to it (Type II), the body cannot use the sugars in the blood to produce energy. Nevertheless the body still needs energy and resorts to inappropriate sources such as fat cells to get it. In Type I diabetics this may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which can result in immediate coma or death. Over the long term both diabetic types can suffer from many complications including:

- early symptoms diabetes: blood vessel damage that can lead to impotence, gangrene, reduced wound healing abilities, failing vision, and kidney problems.

- nerve damage resulting in loss of feeling and numbness, digestive difficulties, and blood pressure variations.

- reduced white blood cells that lead to a greater susceptibility for infection.

Type I diabetics use insulin replacement therapy to mimic the body's normal production of insulin. Replacement therapy is accomplished by either a conventional injection of insulin via a small needle or by the use of an insulin pump that is programmed to inject the prescribed amount at specific intervals throughout the day.

Cures for diabetes Type 2: Type II diabetics typically attempt to control their condition through exercise and diet. Unfortunately, exercise and diet alone often fail to adequately address the Type II diabetic's inability to respond to insulin. As a result, many Type II diabetics take oral hypoglycemic drugs.

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