A Brief Description of Diabetes
Robert Kokoska
November 13, 2008
Sweet has no place in this life. Everyone and everything has turned bitter. This is the pathetic condition of a diabetic patient. Once detected of diabetes, the world becomes a bitter one. Hereditary and environmental reasons like lack of exercise and obesity can be the real cause of this disease. Still the mystery that hovers above the disease continues. Immense papers are published; the scientific fraternity is toiling day and night to decipher the exact cause of the disease. The general condition of the body that does not produce insulin or use it in a proper manner is called diabetes.
And what is this insulin? Insulin is the hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood. In the US alone it is estimated that 23.6 million children and adults are diagnosed with this disease and another 5.7 million people are unaware of it. The FPG (Fasting Plasma Glucose) test or OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) determines whether you are diabetic or not. The FPG test is the more economical, fastest and easiest test. If the blood sugar level is between 100 and 125mg/dl on the FPG test then it denotes pre-diabetes and if it is 126mg/dl or above the person suffers from diabetes. It is the diminished production of insulin in type 1, whereas it is insulin resistance in type 2.
Both lead to hyperglycemia where urine is produced excessively, vision is blurred, lethargy, weight loss, and increased fluid intake. With the discovery of insulin from 1921, diabetes has become treatable and manageable. Type 1 diabetes is treated by administering insulin externally either by syringe or insulin pump. Type 2 is treated by dietary supplements and insulin recommendations.
Diabetes can be fatal if it is not properly controlled. Retinal damage, renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, impotence and nerve damage can all happen if the disease is not controlled. The disease becomes fatal as it disables the wound healing properties of the body leading to gangrene and later amputation. By controlling the blood pressure and altering certain lifestyles, the risk factor can be considerably reduced.
The loss of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus. The treatment is the replacement of insulin along with the monitoring of blood glucose level. They do not impair normal activities. The patient should be made aware of the seriousness as the cooperation and willingness of the patient is essential for the recovery. While handling diabetes patients appropriate care, discipline in testing and taking insulin should be followed in a regular manner.
Type 2 diabetes is formed due to insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity and is treated by accelerating physical activity and reducing weight. The next step is to give oral anti-diabetic drugs. The oral medication can definitely attenuate insulin resistance as the insulin production is moderately impaired in type 2 diabetes. If the beta cell insulin secretion is impaired, insulin therapy is advised to bring glucose level to normalcy. Periodical screening of adults in the age group of 40 and 50 are advised by the professional health care providers. Routine check up is advised for those who are confirmed with diabetes.
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And what is this insulin? Insulin is the hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood. In the US alone it is estimated that 23.6 million children and adults are diagnosed with this disease and another 5.7 million people are unaware of it. The FPG (Fasting Plasma Glucose) test or OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) determines whether you are diabetic or not. The FPG test is the more economical, fastest and easiest test. If the blood sugar level is between 100 and 125mg/dl on the FPG test then it denotes pre-diabetes and if it is 126mg/dl or above the person suffers from diabetes. It is the diminished production of insulin in type 1, whereas it is insulin resistance in type 2.
Both lead to hyperglycemia where urine is produced excessively, vision is blurred, lethargy, weight loss, and increased fluid intake. With the discovery of insulin from 1921, diabetes has become treatable and manageable. Type 1 diabetes is treated by administering insulin externally either by syringe or insulin pump. Type 2 is treated by dietary supplements and insulin recommendations.
Diabetes can be fatal if it is not properly controlled. Retinal damage, renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, impotence and nerve damage can all happen if the disease is not controlled. The disease becomes fatal as it disables the wound healing properties of the body leading to gangrene and later amputation. By controlling the blood pressure and altering certain lifestyles, the risk factor can be considerably reduced.
The loss of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus. The treatment is the replacement of insulin along with the monitoring of blood glucose level. They do not impair normal activities. The patient should be made aware of the seriousness as the cooperation and willingness of the patient is essential for the recovery. While handling diabetes patients appropriate care, discipline in testing and taking insulin should be followed in a regular manner.
Type 2 diabetes is formed due to insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity and is treated by accelerating physical activity and reducing weight. The next step is to give oral anti-diabetic drugs. The oral medication can definitely attenuate insulin resistance as the insulin production is moderately impaired in type 2 diabetes. If the beta cell insulin secretion is impaired, insulin therapy is advised to bring glucose level to normalcy. Periodical screening of adults in the age group of 40 and 50 are advised by the professional health care providers. Routine check up is advised for those who are confirmed with diabetes.
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