Diabetes, A History and Treatment

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases. A person has high blood sugar because their body does not make enough insulin or the body does not respond appropriately to that provided insulin.This process has the symptoms of frequent urination, increase in thirst, and increased hunger. There are three main kinds of diabetes: Type I. results when the body FAILS to make INSULIN and requires a person to furnish insulin by means of injections(Called insulin dependent diabetes Mellitus or IDDM. Type II. Results when there is insulin RESISTANCE. The cells in the body FAIL to use the insulin properly.There may also be an insulin DEFICIT in the body.It is also called non-insulin dependent or NIDDM. Another type of diabetes, Gestational diabetes, is caused by pregnancy in women when their body produces a high blood glucose level and may actually precede Type II diabetes. Genetic diabetes has been also been the subject of much research in the medical field today.These may be caused by defects in steroids, or caused by high doses of glucacorticoids, or defects in secretion of insulin.

Insulin became available in its use in 1921 and helps control Type I and Type II diabetes.Both forms are said to be severe and in not being able to be cured in their debilitating conditions.Some problems result in lack of diabetic treatment these are: Hypoglycemia,diabetic Ketoacidosis, and hyperosmolar comas, cardiovascular diseases of a serious form, chronic kidney failure and eye damage.The importance of diet good habits in taking preventative medicines, or insulin shots lack of smoking or drinking to excess, are all vital in controlling diabetes. About 3% of our country suffers from diabetes. and approximately 170 million, world wide, suffer from this debilitating problem.

Causes of Diabetes are listed as: Genetic defaults of cells Genetic defects in insulin production Exocrine pancreatic defects Endocrinopathic defects ( growth harmone excess,Cushing syndrome,Hypothyroidism,pheochromocytoma, Glucagonoma) Infections Drugs (thyroid harmone, Glucocorticoids, adrenorgic agonists.

Patient lifestyle is very important in diabetic treatment.Education, support, proper exercise, glucose levels kept at proper levels,proper control of blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions are important.

Medication, such as Metformin and aspirin (more for cardio) and insulin(that may have to be adjusted periodically) are kinds that are used in treating diabetes.

In order to really understand how food is broken down to see how it affects in diabetes, we need to examine how food is used in the body for energy.a sugar called GLUCOSE enters the blood stream(a source of fuel for the body).The organ called the PANCREAS makes insulin.The insulin role is to move glucose from the blood to the muscles, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used for FUEL. Then DIABETES is caused in people who have high blood sugar, because the PANCREAS does not make enough INSULIN for the body to use. Muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond appropriately to INSULIN.

MAIN SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES 1.blurry vision 2.excessive thirst 3.fatigue 4.frequent urination 5.hunger 6.weight loss 7.nausea 8.vomiting (these symptoms are noticed to the extreme and not in a normal situations)

It is crucial for persons who have diabetes to have the skills of:

recognize and treat low blood sugar(hypoglycemia)and high blood pressure(Hyperglycemia) What to eat, and when how to take insulin or other meds how to test and record blood glucose how to test urine for ketones(Type I only) how to adjust insulin and food intake when changing exercising and eating habits. how to handle sick days When to buy diabetic supplies and store them

Blood sugar levels as recommended by the National Diabetes Associations are: 80-120 mg/dL before meals 100-140mg/dL at bedtime

Diet is vital in controlling diabetes and a big effort should be made in working with a health provider and dietitian.The determining of amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates levels are necessary.Type I people should eat at consistent times each day and take medication on a regular schedule and the right dosage of each taken. Type II diabetics should eat a well- balanced diet of of a low fat nature.Regular exercise and foot care is important in diabetic care and should be maintained.

Wearing loose clothing and shoes and socks are important in allowing blood circulation in diabetic people. This helps to aid in blood flow and prevent complications involving swelling, and other cardiovascular problems that might arise if feet are confined in socks or shoes that are too tight and confining. The rest of the body is also important in not being constricted in circulation of blood and clothing over legs and arms, The use of fasteners such as snap free or button less types are useful.and should be helpful enough to prevent problems. These are adhesive-type fasteners and work well on shoes, also.The use of stretchable socks and with non-binding and non-elastic features are helpful.Extra-wide shoes with high boxes are recommended. There are many good sources available all across the United States that offer good shoes, socks, and special clothing for people who are disabled and suffer from diabetes.They can be found on-line and in medical establishments, and doctor's offices in the departments that deal with diabetes and circulatory problems that may be related. Ask your G.P. or specialist and dietitian for these sources that they may be able to provide. Millions of people suffer from the effects of diabetes, Type I and Type II, in this country of America.

Genetics plays a key role for sure, however, what we put into that hole in the front of our faces, decides whether many will suffer in their futures with this great and debilitating disease of diabetes. Please take care about your diets and balance the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that we must eat in moderation. Quit smoking and watch out about how much alcohol is consumed, that can hurt our bodies in many terrible ways. Life means too much, especially to those who love us and care about how we live. I have Type II diabetes and my health is certainly not the greatest right now. I have got to take my own advice and watch what I eat and exercise, in the years ahead. May God bless you and yours!