Diabetes is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases plaguing the population of the United States. It is estimated that approximately 16 million Americans have the disease, but unfortunately, only half of the cases have been diagnosed. Many of those who have not been diagnosed may find out by having to deal with one of the devastating complications. Just what is diabetes, how do you know if you have it and what can you do about it? What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or properly utilize insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is necessary for conversion of sugars into energy that our bodies need to function. There are two major types of diabetes. It is diagnosed by blood tests that reveal excess levels of glucose.
Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually affects children and young adultsand accounts for five to 10 percent of all cases of diabetes. Since people with this type of diabetes don’t produce any insulin, they must take insulin injections daily to stay alive.
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Type 2 diabetes results when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body can’t use the insulin that it does produce. It is a metabolic disease and is the most common form of the disease. People with Type 2 diabetes can be treated by diet and exercise only or diet, exercise and oral medication or insulin injections. The incidence of this type of diabetes is on the rise, primarily because of obesity, sedentary lifestyle and an increased number of older people.
Who is at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of diabetes. They may include the following: family history, advancing age; ethnic origin—Black, Hispanic and Native American individuals are at greater risk; being overweight; lack of exercise; having gestational diabetes during pregnancy; having impaired glucose tolerance.
What are the symptoms?
Type I diabetes: frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, sudden weight loss, extreme fatigue, irritability, drowsiness.
Type 2 Diabetes: any symptoms listed for Type 1, blurred vision, slow healing, tingling or numbness in the legs, feet or fingers, frequent infections.
What are the Complications?
Diabetes can affect any of the body systems. Diabetics tend to have more medical problems that the general population. Complications can be greatly decreased by keeping blood sugars as normal as possible and in good control. The major complications of diabetes include the following:
1. Visual problems. Blurring of vision can be caused by both high or low blood glucose levels. High levels of glucose can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the eye, inhibiting visual function. This is called diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar may also contribute to the progression of cataracts. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people age 20-74.
2. Kidney disease. Kidney damage is the result of hardening and damage of the arteries and small vessels in the kidney. High blood sugars related to diabetes hasten this process causing the removal of waste products from the body to be diminished.
3. Neuropathy. Neuropathy is damage to the nerves. Nerves can be damaged in any part of the body. Frequently, in diabetic patients, peripheral Neuropathy is present. The nerves in the upper and/or lower extremities are affected. Symptoms of neuropathy include feelings of numbness, tingling, burning or pain. Extreme care must be provided for the feet. Because of lessened feeling, potential for infection and possible decreased circulation, the feet must be inspected daily. Supportive and comfortable shoes and socks should be worn. Proper cleansing and care is critical.
4. Heart disease and stroke. According to the ADA, evidence of coronary heart disease is present in 7.5 to 20 percent of people with diabetes over age 45. They are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than their non-diabetic counterparts. How to take charge of the disease. People with diabetes need to participate in their treatment plan. Education will help them understand the disease process and help them make informed decisions regarding their treatment. Eating healthfully and following their diet plan will play a vital role in controlling blood sugar, as will a regular exercise program. Patients must also learn to manage stress, as high levels of stress may significantly raise glucose levels. Monitoring blood sugar through blood work prescribed by the physician as well as home glucose monitoring will help determine if glucose levels are within an acceptable range. Patients must also carefully take their medications and work with their doctors to adjust dosage according to glucose monitoring results.
In summary, diabetes is a serious disease. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and proper control of blood sugar through diet control, regular exercise and medication, the harmful effects of diabetes can be kept to a minimum, allowing patients and families to live a relatively normal and comfortable life.
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