Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder that results in poor regulation of blood glucose levels in the body.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but it can start at any age. The disease often appears suddenly. In children, symptoms may be similar to those of the flu.

Type 1 Causes

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed that genetic and environmental factors (possibly viruses) may be involved. What is known is that the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood, depriving the cells of nutrition.

Complications that may result from type 1 diabetes include heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, neuropathy (nerve problems), and foot problems.

Diabetes Symptoms

• Symptoms of Type I Diabetes may include:
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Increased Urination
• Weight Loss

• Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes may include:
• Increased Thirst
• Increased Hunger
• Fatigue
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Weight Loss
• Blurred vision or changing vision
• Skin sores that do not heal
• Areas of skin with sensory changes such as numbness, tingling, burning or pain

Type 1 Treatment

People with type 1 diabetes must have daily injections of insulin to keep their blood sugar level within normal ranges. Other parts of treatment may include sticking to a healthy diet (to manage blood sugar levels), exercising (to lower and help the body use blood sugar), daily monitoring of blood sugar levels, careful self-monitoring of ketone levels in the urine several times a day, and checking hemoglobin A1c levels regularly.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, it sometimes runs in families. Although a person can inherit a tendency to develop type 2 diabetes, it usually takes another factor, such as obesity, to bring on the disease. It is a chronic disease with no known cure.

Type 2 Risk Factors

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include a family history of diabetes; being overweight; not exercising regularly; being a member of certain racial and ethnic groups, such as Africans, Asians, and Native Americans; a low level HDL (high density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol); or a high triglyceride level.

Some people who have type 2 diabetes don't exhibit symptoms, and one-third of all people with diabetes don't know they have the disease. In order to screen for type 2 diabetes, people age 45 and older should have their blood sugar tested every three years. After an overnight fast, normal blood sugar levels should be 99 mg/dL or lower.

Type 2 Treatment

The goal of type 2 diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. The key to accomplishing this is to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Physical activity and meal planning are also important because they can help control blood sugar. However, sometimes, these are not enough and either oral medications and/or insulin must be used.

Type 2 diabetes treatment and daily management are vital because the disease can cause serious complications. People with diabetes can develop heart disease or have strokes at an earlier age than people without it. In addition, uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to eye disorders and blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Symptoms of Diabetes?

Symptoms can vary among individuals and the type of diabetes. Common symptoms include excessive thirst and excessive urination. Learn more about the symptoms of diabetes ›

Top Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Knowing the top signs and symptoms of diabetes in adults and children can be lifesaving. The sooner you reduce high blood sugar levels, the better your chances will be for staving off diabetes-related complications and disability.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by a glucose (blood sugar) level that is too low to effectively fuel the body's blood cells. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. The good range of blood sugar is approximately 70 to 120 mg/dL (milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood). Blood sugar levels under 70 mg/dL are too low and are considered unhealthy.

Hypoglycemia may be a condition by itself, or may be a complication of diabetes or another disorder. It is most often seen as a complication of diabetes, which is sometimes referred to as insulin reaction.

Emergency Symptoms for People Who Use Insulin

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas either produces no insulin (type 1 diabetes) or too little or ineffective insulin (type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes is also called insulin resistance. Insulin is a substance needed to regulate blood sugar levels.

People can manage diabetes with insulin, diet, exercise, and possibly other medications. Under certain circumstances, however, people who take insulin can have symptoms that require immediate action and, in some cases, treatment in a hospital emergency room.

If you or someone you’re with has diabetes, uses insulin, and has the following symptoms, seek emergency medical assistance.