Diabetes Information

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The blood glucose level is regulated by numerous hormones, consisting of insulin, in the healthy human being. Insulin is made by the pancreas and permits glucose to be transported from the blood into liver, muscle and fat cells, where it is used as fuel. People with diabetes are unable to make a sufficient amount of insulin (type 1 diabetes), is unable to use insulin properly (type 2 diabetes), or both.

In case of diabetes, glucose in the blood is unable to move into the cells; hence, it accumulates in the blood. This causes damage to the cells, organs and the body, in general.

As far as type 1 diabetes is concerned, insulin production stops, or very less insulin is produced. Type 1 diabetes usually shows symptoms in childhood or adolescence, and is therefore known as juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes can also be found in an older person as a result of damage to the pancreas by alcohol, disease or surgical removal. Those with type 1 diabetes need insulin treatment on a daily basis, in order to sustain life.

As far as type 2 diabetes is concerned, the pancreas secretes insulin, but the body cannot adequately use the insulin. This can be called insulin resistance. The body tries to overcome this by secreting insulin in greater quantities. Type 2 diabetes develops when people do not continue to secrete enough insulin to deal with the higher demands. Type 2 diabetes is commonly found in adults, usually after 45 years of age. Hence, it is known as adult-onset diabetes mellitus, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. However, it can also occur in younger people. Proper diet, weight loss, exercise and oral medications can be used to control this form of diabetes. Insulin can also be required by various patients.

A form of diabetes that occurs during the second half of pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. It usually abates following the delivery of a baby. However, women who have gestational diabetes are at a higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

A condition related to diabetes is referred to as pre-diabetes. In such cases, blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be referred to as “diabetes”. It increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke. However, it can be fortunately reversed, usually in the absence of insulin or medication by losing weight and increasing physical activity.

Diabetes can have several complications associated with it. Both forms of diabetes eventually cause high blood sugar levels, a condition which is referred to as hyperglycemia. This can eventually damage the retina of the eye, the kidneys, the nerves and the blood vessels. Therefore, diabetes is a condition that has to be taken seriously, and should be treated appropriately.