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HomeTopicsDiabetes
DiabetesDiabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin, a hormone essential to properly converting sugars and starches into energy. However, while you may know what diabetes is, this disease is far more complicated.
There are two main types of diabetes. While type 1 diabetes results when the body is unable to produce insulin, with type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to properly use the minimal amount of insulin hormone it can produce. Type 1 diabetes is much less common than type 2 diabetes, affecting about 5 to 10 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, usually occurs in children or young adults.
Unfortunately, no diabetes cure currently exists.
For more in depth information on diabetes, please visit Diabetes-and-Diabetics.com. Diabetes SymptomsThe main symptoms of diabetes (both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) include:
If you notice any of these symptoms in your day-to-day life, visit your doctor to determine if you are at risk for diabetes.
Diabetes TreatmentTreatment for diabetes varies slightly depending on the type and severity of the case. For type 1 diabetes, the type in which the body does not produce insulin, patients must receive insulin injections everyday. In contrast, most cases of type 2 diabetes can effectively regulate blood sugar levels with diet and exercise.
A diabetes diet is not necessarily restrictive. Like any healthy-eating plan, it revolves around eating low-fat, low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods in moderate amounts at regular meal times.
When treating diabetes with insulin shots, your doctor will provide you with the necessary equipment, which usually includes needles and insulin. Other diabetes supplies, such as carrying cases and blood glucose monitors, are also essential for diabetics and can be bought on the Internet or at your local pharmacy.
For those with more serious cases of diabetes, additional diabetes care, such as in-home nursing, may also be necessary.
ComplicationsHaving diabetes puts you at a greater risk for other serious health conditions. If those diagnosed with diabetes continue to live an unhealthy lifestyle, diabetes can result in a number of health problems. Common diabetic complications include:
Gestational DiabetesGestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that can occur in pregnant women. Typically, gestational diabetes does not affect the mother until late in the pregnancy when the baby's body has formed. Gestational diabetes only affects about 4 percent of pregnant women and usually goes away after the pregnancy is over.
Treatment for gestational diabetes includes a special diet, scheduled exercise and sometimes insulin injections. Because gestational diabetes can be harmful to the baby, starting treatment early and sticking to it are essential to ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Diabetes management means that you will have to eat healthy and exercise daily. Finding out you have diabetes can be scary and difficult to adjust to at first, but keep in mind that these changes will keep you healthy.
The American Diabetes Association is a great resource for diabetes information, advice and support for those who want to learn more about the disease and its implications.
Resources American Diabetes Association (n.d.). All About Diabetes. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from the Diabetes.org Web site: http://www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes.jsp.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Diabetes Diet: Create your healthy-eating plan. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-diet/DA00027.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2006). Diabetes Symptoms: When to consult your doctor. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-symptoms/DA00125.
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