Diabetes is a chronic disease. It does not go away, even with treatment. It is also progressive, meaning that if left untreated, it can lead to difficult complications. The good news is that diabetes can be controlled. However, it must be carefully monitored to keep it in control.

Diabetes is a very serious disease and should be treated as such. In nearly all situations, people with diabetes require, at a minimum, routine medical treatment- including daily self-care. Through scrupulous attention to a healthy lifestyle and a strong commitment to maintaining target blood-sugar levels, diabetic people can significantly slow down the degenerative process.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes may develop extremely quickly (over the course of weeks or even days) in children or adolescents who had previously been exhibiting signs of health.

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes usually arise over weeks and months, as compared to those of Type 2 diabetes that may take years. Although Type 1 diabetics can briefly see mild symptoms similar to the early stages of Type 2 diabetes, the most pronounced symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are usually the more severe symptoms of very high blood sugars and this progress quickly.

Irritability: It is one of the sign of high blood sugar because of the inefficient supply of glucose to brain and other body organs, which make us, feel tired and uneasy.

Diabetes includes fatigue, a sick feeling, frequent urination, especially at night, and excessive thirst. When there is extra glucose in blood, one way the body gets rid of it is through frequent urination. This loss of fluids causes extreme thirst.

Unexplained weight loss: People with diabetes are unable to process many of the calories in the foods they eat. Thus, they may lose weight even though they eat an apparently appropriate or even excessive amount of food. Losing sugar and water in the urine and the accompanying dehydration also contributes to weight loss.

Poor wound healing: High blood sugar resists the flourishing of WBC, (white blood cell) which is responsible for body immune system. When these cells do not function accordingly, wound healing is not at good pace. Secondly, long standing diabetes leads to thickening of blood vessels which may affect proper circulation of blood in different body parts.

Altered mental status: Agitation, unexplained irritability, inattention, extreme lethargy, or confusion can all be signs of very high blood sugar, ketoacidosis, or hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic syndrome or hypoglycemia (low sugar). Thus, any of these merit the immediate attention of a medical professional. Call your health care provider or 911.

Causes of Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing beta cells are destroyed by an autoimmune process, whereby the body’s immune system – its defence mechanism against disease – for some reason recognises the cells as being ‘foreign’ rather than ’self’, and therefore attacks them.

Type 2 diabetes is believed to have a strong genetic link, meaning that it tends to run in families. Several genes are being studied that may be related to the cause of type 2 diabetes.

Drugs such as steroids, Dilantin, and others may elevate the blood sugar through a variety of mechanisms. Certain other drugs, such as alloxan, streptozocin, and thiazide diuretics, are toxic to the beta cells of the pancreas and can cause diabetes.

Heredity is a major cause of diabetes: If both parents have Type 2 diabetes, there is a chance that nearly all of their children will have diabetes. If both parents have Type 1 diabetes, fewer than 20 percent of their children will develop Type 1 diabetes. In identical twins, if one twin develops Type 2 diabetes, the chance is nearly 100 percent that the other twin will also develop it



Thanks to peterhutch for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes

Blood sugar is the measurement of glucose in the blood. Normal blood sugar is essential to living a vigorous and happy existence. It is also good to note that most body tissues depend on blood sugar for their energy, especially the nerves and the brain. A normal blood sugar level is somewhere between 70mg and 150mg. An abnormal blood sugar level is a number that falls above or below the aforementioned numbers.

The fact is that blood sugar levels do fluctuate in the body; always with the aim of balance. You will find the levels at their highest just after you have eaten and lower when you are hungry.

When they are at lower levels, you will often find that you may be dizzy, irritable, or have a headache. While these bouts of low blood sugar levels are experienced by everyone, the problem is more prevalent in people with diabetes who use insulin. The use of too much insulin can send more glucose in the bloodstream than is needed. As a result the blood sugar levels plummet and this is known as hypoglycemia. If this is left unchecked it can lead to coma or even death.

On the opposite end of hypoglycemic is hyperglycemia or high blood glucose. This is a condition that develops when there is too much sugar in the blood. Again this is dangerous for people with diabetes. If a diabetic has hyperglycemia frequently or for long periods of time there can be damage to nerves, blood vessels and other body organs.

Other conditions that can occur as result of blood sugar levels being too high or too low are hyperinsulinism, functional hypoadrenia, and malabsorption. And because the nervous system is reliant upon sufficient sugar levels, many “nerve” conditions such as the inability to think, poor memory, depression, anxiety, moodiness, and even suicidal thoughts can develop.

As far as symptoms of imbalances blood sugar levels, they included:

Fatigue Headaches Allergies Shakiness Numbness in arms and legs Visual disturbances Shortness in breath Dizziness/ light headed Sensitive to bright lights Rheumatoid-type of pain Backaches Loss of libido Emotional Sensitivity

It is important to take the time to understand how blood sugar levels are balanced in the body. By doing so you are able to note any symptoms and take action before the issue gets worse.

One of the best sources for taking care of blood sugar level imbalance is a proper diet. This diet should be high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and it is a wise choice to eat a good amount of the foods in raw form. You should also get exercise by taking a walk, playing with your kids, dancing or any other activity that you enjoy. In addition take the time to relax and release the stress of the day. Meditate, pray, read a good book, garden, journal, or do something that relaxes the mind.

Remember you do not have to be diabetic to have issues with an imbalance in your blood sugar levels. So pay attention to what your body is saying.



Thanks to Diana Walker for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Management Of Diabetes Mellitus