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.
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