Diabetes

[jrallan26]

I went to the doctor today. I have been feeling like crap for a week. I thought it was from working too much, not enough rest. I went to the doctor and after some tests he determined I am a diabetic.

I dont know anyone thats a diabetic. I went to the bookstore and bought some books concerning diabetes. If anyone is a diabetic please speak up. I havent told the wife and kids yet...

Jonathan

[Cebby]

Sorry to hear that...

Type 1 or Type 2? My mom is a Type 2 - she was diagnosed when she was about 55 or so. You can control it with diet or medication. My mom relies on the latter for the most part though. Her sister has it also but controls it with diet for the most part.

[jrallan26]

Mine is only Type 1. The doctor stated it can be maintained through diet.

[MTL_4runner]

Mine is only Type 1. The doctor stated it can be maintained through diet.


I thought Type 1 was insulin dependent?
Maybe they have new methods of dealing with it now.

[Cebby]

From what I know, I'm with Jamie. Type 1 = shots of insulin daily, Type 2 = diet/oral medication.

[rubysRunner]

That sucks. I have to get tested too, both my Mom and Grandma have it. Don't panic though, a few lifestyle changes and it can be dealt with and you'll be fine. I'd double check whether you have type 1 or type 2 though, cuz AFAIK Cebby and Jamie are correct re: treatments.

[Texas Jim]

My Father died with it in 1982 he took a shot of insulin everyday of my life. I am not saying this to scare you. I just know it is a degenerative disease it affects your whole body from the way that cuts and bruises heal to your central nervous system to your vision. The most important to remember is to do things like clockwork. Eat breakfast at the same time everyday, same with lunch and dinner, also keep a close eyes on your blood sugar level...It also attacks your kidneys, heart and lungs , just do you best to stay healthy. Hopefully stem cell will lead to a cure for the disease. Good luck and take care. TJ

[jrallan26]

My main worry is that I work a lot with my hands. I am always cutting myself. Now I have to worry about infection.

Other than that a change of life style shouldnt be much of an issue.

[jimbo74]

im writing a report for school on diabetes, ill psot it up when im done with it.....


if its the diet one, its most likely type 2.... type 1 is insulin dependant meaning your body doesnt produce insulin anymore.... and this type is usually found as a child

[Bob98SR5]

jonno,

there are devices that automatically inject it into you. my coworker has one. says it changed his life dramatically. looks like a pager on his hip. want more info? let me know and ill ask him

bob

[reggie 00]

jonno,

there are devices that automatically inject it into you. my coworker has one. says it changed his life dramatically. looks like a pager on his hip. want more info? let me know and ill ask him

bob



That's the set up my mom uses.

She was diagnosed when i was in high school.
Back then they made her watch her sugar, now she watches carbs.

Make sure everyone knows what to do if you go into shock.
If you are type 1 or insulin dep. You can go in shock for either to much insulin or for to much sugar.
There has been a couple times we watched mom drive by the house cause she crashed her sugar and was so disorientated she couldnt even remember where she was.
Then the ever funny, Pop's coming home working swing shift ,Mom's passed out on couch, Pop's reads sugar level, sees she needs sugar, in a panic runs to 7-11 and buys a snickers bar and comes back and tries to get her to eat it, passed out. Basically you have them drink some juice if awake. or dissolve sugar in their mouth.

Make sure you find out write it down and post it on the fridge directions on any situation regarding reading your blood level what to do if its low, if its high.
It sucks cause you will be crashing and you go to counter it , and the diner you ate catches up now you high again, take a shot swing low. vicious cycle. Make sure you pump that doctor for every bit of info you can.

[SacRunner]

I've been Type 1 for 2 years now (diagnosed at 21) feel free to ask me ANY questions you have.

If you have Type 1, your pancreas has STOPPED producing insulin and therefore CANNOT be treated with diet alone (unless you never want to eat sugar, bread, or ANY carbohydrates). I'm on insulin 4x a day, its a pain, but you get used to it. If I eat more carbohydrates than, say a granola bar, i'll take a shot. I take a shot with each meal (3) and 1 once a day (long term insulin that last 22-24 hrs).

Type 2, could be caused by many things, obesity, poor diet, complications from other medical conditions, etc. Basically your body still produces SOME insulin, its either not enough or your body has decided not to accept it. Type 2 (and ONLY Type 2) can be treated with pills and diet. The pills will either stimulate your pancreas to produce more insulin, or tell the cells in your body to accept the insulin (its a trial and error process to get right).

To be honest you want to be on insulin. I can eat whatever (no joke) i want just as long as I take the correct amount of insulin (trial and error in the early stages) to counter balance the carbs that i've eaten. If your not on insulin, everyday life can get a little trickier.

good luck and send me a pm anytime with any question you have

[MTL_4runner]

jonno,

there are devices that automatically inject it into you. my coworker has one. says it changed his life dramatically. looks like a pager on his hip. want more info? let me know and ill ask him

bob



That setup should look something like this:
http://www.hanselman.com/blog/content/binary/pump.JPG

and in actual use:
http://mattcoenen.com/media/gallery/20060906-insulinpump.JPG

I also read recently that if you have any rear tooth (ie molar) implants or have the need for one, then they are working on a micro pump system which fits entirely inside a replacement tooth that automatically dispenses small amounts of insulin as you eat your food and this may be as close as people will get to living completely normal lives with Type 1 diabetes without actually finding a cure. I'm not sure when this system will come out but it's worth at least asking your doctor about it (it's very recent news so your doctor may not have heard of it yet). I know there are also companies working on an effective insulin chewing gum as well so there are alot more options now than there ever were.

[habanero]

Just gestational diabetes for me and now that's gone, though I'm told I'm at a higher risk and need to be tested every couple years or so.

Whatever you do TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. One of my friends didn't, would very often push past his limits, pass out. He was losing his vision and they were threatening to take his legs if he didn't straighten out. They never got to though, cause he passed out while driving one day. Fortunately he only took himself out.

[dlbrunner]

PM me

[dlbrunner]

Dammit! I just wrote a novel and got kicked off

Type 1- insuln
Type 2 other drugs

I have been diabetic for 18 years. Type 1 diagnosed at age 16

TJ is 100% correct. I have been eating a bowl of cheerios and glass of oj every morning for breakfast since age 16.

I got turned down from Annapolis because I failed the physical exam.

If you have any questions let me know. I got a degree in Biochem because I am diabetic, and because my Doctor told me I would not finish college. Showed him

[jrallan26]

This is great information. Thanks. I told the wifey last night. Her being an RN is a huge help.

This afternoon I am paying a visit to a dietary specialist. Thanks for your support.

[dlbrunner]

Diabetes, a quick overview.

Summary:
Diabetes comes in two types, Type 1 and Type 2. The cause two diseases are vastly different but they share similar symptoms and complications. Before we can understand each type individually, the components must be understood. When a person eats, the food is broken down in the gut and converted to a useable form (glucose). The glucose passes into the circulatory system for distribution to the cells of the body. Once the glucose enters the cells it is broken down during the formation of ATP. ATP is what drives metabolism and respiration. Glucose cannot just enter a cell though, there are three components that facilitate this, Insulin, Glucose and a Receptor. When a person eats, sugar pours into the blood, the body senses this increase in blood sugar and releases insulin. Insulin is produce by a specialized group of cells contained on the pancreas in groups called “the islets of Langerhans” Beta cells are also called Islet cells.

Once the insulin is in the blood it attaches to the receptors on the cells that the glucose is going to. It forms a sort of “Lock and Key” type dealeo. Once insulin binds to the receptor a channel opens and allows the glucose to enter the cell to be metabolized.

If the body cannot get glucose into the cells because of no insulin or a faulty receptor, it starts to build up in the blood and the person will exhibit the symptoms of Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin. It is also an auto immune disease, the body’s immune system for some reason turns on the Islet cells in the pancreas and destroys them. Once 90% of the cells are gone, the body can no longer keep up with the demand for insulin and goes haywire. There has been inference that certain types of strep infections can cause the body to turn on itself and kill the Islet cells. Once the immune system starts to attack the Islet cells, it takes about 2 years for the symptoms to show up. It generally happens very quickly though, in about a week. Typical symptoms are rapid weight loss, peeing a lot, thirst, blurred vision and memory loss. I showed all these symptoms before my diagnosis.

Type 1 generally hits young people in growth spurts, age 8-10, puberty and early/mid 20’s.

My knowledge of type 2 is a little less, but the following is true: Type 2 Diabetes is due to a lack of the insulin receptor or inefficient receptors. Adipose tissue is what messes with the receptors. Mostly overweight people are at risk for type 2, age is no longer a factor, children as young as 10 are getting type 2 diabetes due to obesity.

Treatment:
Type 1 diabetes can only be treated by adding insulin the body does not have. Insulin is a 57 amino acid, protein hormone. The reason it has to be injected is the stomach and digestive tract would break the insulin down before it could be absorbed. There is inhaled insulin available, but it has only been out for a short time. The thing to administer the insulin looks like a bong.
Insulin is administered by subcutaneous injection or in drastic cases (hospitals) intravenously.

There have been some interesting articles in the news recently about type 1 treatments. There was a study in Brazil where several patients had stem cells removed and turned into islet cells then implanted. The patients did not have to take shots for 3 years. The problem with this is the immune system will recognize these islet cells and go after them. The patients may have had to be on immuno suppression therapy, I’m not sure.

Type 2 diabetes can be treated in a number of ways. When I was first diagnosed I attended a week long training session with doctors, dieticians and other health care people. I was the only Type 1 in the class. By the end of the week all of the type 2 patients were controlling their blood sugar with exercise and diet alone.

If those options fail, there are different drugs that can be taken. These oral medications increase the number and effectiveness of the insulin receptors. Some type 2 patients find the medications ineffective and have to eventually use insulin to keep blood sugars down.

There is a new inject able drug available to type 2’s now I call it “Lizard spit” It is derived from the saliva of Gila Monsters. A type 2 in my office is on it and he says he decreased his insulin dose, and it has appetite suppression effects.

Some thoughts:
Having been a diabetic for 18 or so years, I have seen it all. I have been hospitalized once for Ketoacidosis when I was 21. they measured the pH of my blood and shot me up with sodium bicarbonate to neutralize, that was pretty weird. They kept me in ICU for 2 or 3 days, my memory of the event is not complete.

There are some things the Doctor may forget to tell you, also if the doctor is not a diabetic, they really don’t know all the nuances that can occur.

If you ever start puking uncontrollably for more than 3 hours, go to the ER immediately.

Blood goes to every part of your body, so every organ and system can potentially be affected by complications.

See the dentist regularly. Even slight increases in blood sugar can cause your saliva to go acidic and rot your teeth.

Avoid Diet soda, drink water. Diet soda breaks in to phenol which attacks the optic nerve. There is enough risks to the eyes from diabetes to add another.

Be prepared for some depression/stress, Diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition and is not always easy to deal with. Depression/stress can cause your blood sugar to rise.

As the seasons change I find I have to change my medication amounts, in the winter I tend to take more insulin than the summer, yet I eat about the same amount.

Texas Jim has a good point- get on a schedule and stick to it, it makes life much easier. I have been eating a bowl of cheerios and glass of oj every morning for almost 20 years now.

Keep an eye on your feet. I buy good shoes that fit. Also I only wear 100% cotton socks and change them every day. Invest in Birkenstocks, the keep the circulation in your feet going really well.

As far as your hands go, maybe some good gloves would help. I cut my hands now and then, and I have noticed my wounds take a little while longer to heal. I have not had problems with infections.

[dlbrunner]

Something else I forgot: I went through a "honeymoon" period about 9 months after I was diagnosed. What happened was I started getting hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) all the time, I eventually came off insulin completely for about 4 months IIRC. I don't know how common this is, but it does happen to type 1's.

[SacRunner]

Avoid Diet soda, drink water. Diet soda breaks in to phenol which attacks the optic nerve. There is enough risks to the eyes from diabetes to add another.



That's good to know, I didn't realize there was a negative effect to the diet sodas I've been drinking (although I do drink a lot of water).

As for the "honey moon" period, people keep telling me about it, and I keep looking out for it, but now 2 years and 4 months after diagnosis, I've yet to see any indications of it. Although I've also noticed that my body responds much better to the insulin than others i've talked with.

make sure you keep your levels in check (between 80 and 120 g/dl; correct me if i'm wrong) because everything that I've heard about regarding complications have involved uncontrolled blood sugar.

One thing I've found interesting, was that 10-20 years ago, the way they treated Type 1 with insulin was you took 2 shots a day, but they would start working until 6 hours after you took them. So you would wake up in the morning take a shot of insulin (for lunch), eat your breakfast (usually low carb, as you wouldn't have insulin in your system to process it). six hours later you would eat your lunch based on the insulin you took at breakfast, then take a shot for dinner. six hours later you would eat dinner based on the shot from lunch. I'm sure there was more to it, but i don't know.

I mention the old way of treating Type 1 to contrast it to how the dr's have me treating it. I wake up, eat breakfast, then take a shot of insulin based on the number of carbohydrates I've eaten (1 unit of insulin for every 15 grams of "Total Carbohydrates" NOT "Net Carbohydrates" nor "Sugars"). The insulin starts working within 5-10 minutes, peaks in 2 hours, and is completely gone after 4 hours. I repeat the exact same thing for lunch and dinner. With dinner I also take a long term insulin that starts working after 2 hours but lasts 22-24 hours, and acts as a "basal" insulin; what this does is allow me to eat a couple crackers, a granola bar, or anything less than about 15 grams of carbs without having to take another shot.

so in terms of simply having a much tighter control over the concentration of sugar in your blood from just the treatment your chances of having complications are less, though not anything to disregard.

[MTL_4runner]

Good info guys, keep it coming!

[localmotion]

My dad went to the doctors some time ago and said that he had diabetes. Well he decided he didnt and changed his diet. He did not let it get in the way of his life, except for the dieting. Not only did he lose weight, but now is healthier than ever. My dad regularly plays 36 holes of golf in one day and all he has to do is watch his diet. Instead of white rice, he eats brown, instead of coke, he drinks water.

Diet is the most important part. My dad went to the doctors recently and they said its gone. Hopefully it will stay that way!

Good luck Johnathan!

[dlbrunner]

The "honeymoon" I think is more common in younger patients.
80-120 is pretty tight, 80-150 is realistic for some people.

I used to be on the two shots per day, now I do 4. Each meal and before bed. 10 years ago the two shot method used two types of insulin Regular (R) and NPH. Regular peaks after 2 hours and has a 6 hour duration. NPH (for me anyway) peaks in 5 hours (on the nose) and has a 22 or so hour duration. Ultralente has less of peak at 6 hours but the 22 hour duration is similar.

The interesting part is how that is done, because insulin is all the same protein. But when the different formulations are made there are different forms of Zinc they add to the mix to change the peak duration etc...

Be careful when swimming in cold water, one of the signs of hypogycemia (low Blood sugar) is sweating, in addition to shakes. When the body is low on Blood Sugar, it releases adrenaline, so you (at least I do) feel like I almost crashed the car, like a near miss. But I was swimming in Tahoe one day and When I got out of the water I was feeling a little weird, I took my Sugar and it was like 40. I surmise Since I was in cold water I did not feel the sweats coming on.

Another funny story- Me and my buddy were snowboarding in Utah years ago. I have a little bag for my insulin and I decided to put it next to my skin under all my layers (midweight u-wear, expedition weight, fleece and goretex) Well when it was lunch time I grabbed my go juice(insulin) and it was frozen solid. It was 20 below on the top of the mountain that day. It sucked running around trying to find a Pharmacy open on a Sunday in Utah.

Even the tightest controlled Diabetic will not have as steady Blood sugar levels as a normal human. That being said, some Diabetics have an harder time controlling than others, these are called "Brittle" diabetics.

My mom works for a hospital and has seen 30 year olds blind and missing limbs, but she used to know a guy in his 90's that was in great shape (diabetic for 75 years). He was one of the fist people to get insulin therapy. Before the advent of blood sugar meters He could not measure his blood sugar directly, so he had to pee in a test tube, do some chemistry to see what his blood sugar was.

[Bob98SR5]

jonno,

my coworker uses this device. he says he got lucky b/c his health insurance paid for it. that said, if yours can cover it, get it. he says its made his life more simple now that he does not have to monitor and inject the insulin into him.

http://www.minimed.com/

bob

[Rrumbler]

To use a common expletive: "Bummer". I was diagnosed type II in 1989, and started using insulin in '92 - but I am what some medical professionals refer to as a "brittle diabetic"; that is to say, my body does not respond to conventional treatment in a "normal or conventional way". What works for the ordinary (actually, there is no such thing as an ordinary diabetic) person, does not work with me, at least not all the time.

SacRunner and dlbrunner laid things out pretty well; very comprehensive treatises, there.

I see that you are in Iowa; what area? If you are in reasonable reach of Rochester, Minnesota, get yourself to the Mayo Clinic there; they have one of the nations best diabetes programs. You should get into the care of a good Endocrinologist, one who specializes in Diabetes patients; Family Practice or General Practice Docs often don't have the expertise to address the needs of Diabetes patients adequately, and many are hesitant to let their patients see that, so they press on, without the best results. Get your Doc to give you a referral, if you have insurance, or a means to do that. Get educated, and find out what your options are, then make what ever choices you want to. This can be dealt with quite successfully; it'll never be cured, but it can be lived with, and you can manage it, with the right help.

[dlbrunner]

Rrumber- Not to rain on your parade, but I don't like the term "bummer". It is a cross some of us have to bear. I think one of the best things is to stay positive.

I agree with the Doc thing, The primary care physician I chose in my health plan would not refer me to an endocrinologist after I asked a couple of times. His reply was "I think I can handle you just fine" WTF?! The best doc I ever had was an Endocrinologist in Reno, he was a diabetic himself.

I am not totally sure about the brittle thing, if it applies more to type 1 or type 2. Also I am not sure in how type 2 varies. some can control blood sugar through diet and exercize alone, but others need the oral medication. Individuals act differently to the oral drugs. I have also read that people respond differently to insulin

I looked at the minimed stuff, I really like the concept and the control; however, there are a couple things keeping me from making the leap. 1 is my age, at 33 I am still pretty active, I like to go swimming, hot tubbing, camping, wheeling etc...

I have always been an outdoorsy dude, I have tried the insulin pens, didn't like them. The syringe and vial has been pretty reliable.

I am leaning toward using the pump, and I have been doing some research. My concerns which will probably be addressed are the following (anyone else thinking about going to the pump might also consider these points):

1. insulin availability, I don't think you can get the little refil cartiges everywhere.

2. Sleeping- I toss and turn all night, sometimes I end up pointing the other direction when I wake up. I could not have that thing laying next to me. Not worried about rolling on to it so much as pulling it out.

3. Cold weather function. Yeah I live in Phoenix, but I want out soon. Even if the pump is next to your skin, under several layers. I have froxen vials of insuln while snowboarding. the line might be prone to freezing as well.

4. I break stuff. I am really hard on electronic devices, I am a klutz and drop junk all the time. I bought the small ipod nano cause I know I will kill it, and I want to replace it cheaply. I think those minimed units are 5-10K

5. I fall down. see #4

6. Extra curricular activites- where am I going to put that thing when I am sans pants? "Here honey, let me clip this to your pony tail for a while."

[reggie 00]

Rrumber- Not to rain on your parade, but I don't like the term "bummer". It is a cross some of us have to bear. I think one of the best things is to stay positive.

I agree with the Doc thing, The primary care physician I chose in my health plan would not refer me to an endocrinologist after I asked a couple of times. His reply was "I think I can handle you just fine" *******?! The best doc I ever had was an Endocrinologist in Reno, he was a diabetic himself.

I am not totally sure about the brittle thing, if it applies more to type 1 or type 2. Also I am not sure in how type 2 varies. some can control blood sugar through diet and exercize alone, but others need the oral medication. Individuals act differently to the oral drugs. I have also read that people respond differently to insulin

I looked at the minimed stuff, I really like the concept and the control; however, there are a couple things keeping me from making the leap. 1 is my age, at 33 I am still pretty active, I like to go swimming, hot tubbing, camping, wheeling etc...

I have always been an outdoorsy dude, I have tried the insulin pens, didn't like them. The syringe and vial has been pretty reliable.

I am leaning toward using the pump, and I have been doing some research. My concerns which will probably be addressed are the following (anyone else thinking about going to the pump might also consider these points):

1. insulin availability, I don't think you can get the little refil cartiges everywhere.

2. Sleeping- I toss and turn all night, sometimes I end up pointing the other direction when I wake up. I could not have that thing laying next to me. Not worried about rolling on to it so much as pulling it out.

3. Cold weather function. Yeah I live in Phoenix, but I want out soon. Even if the pump is next to your skin, under several layers. I have froxen vials of insuln while snowboarding. the line might be prone to freezing as well.

4. I break stuff. I am really hard on electronic devices, I am a klutz and drop junk all the time. I bought the small ipod nano cause I know I will kill it, and I want to replace it cheaply. I think those minimed units are 5-10K

5. I fall down. see #4

6. Extra curricular activites- where am I going to put that thing when I am sans pants? "Here honey, let me clip this to your pony tail for a while."



My Mom has the pump. I do believe she orders her supplies in. But i might be wrong i can double check with her.
The sleeping thing, she takes it off at night.
And if she hasn't broke it yet, and i think she has gone thru a few doing the upgrade thing, it will probably survive you.

[dlbrunner]

That's wierd if she takes it off at night.
Most humans on a normal daytime work schedule have what is called a "circadium rythm" meaning the body does things at certain times. In particular the liver releases sugar into the bloodstream at about 4 AM. The reason for this is the body is still using energy while you sleep.

Most Type 1 diabetics take an evening dose of NPH or some other sort of long acting insulin to "cover" the 4AM spike.

Minimed and all other pumps only have 1 type of insulin contained in them. usually a very fast acting type. The pump releases a very tiny amount every few minutes. the pumps are programmable so "I think" they might release a slightly larger amount at 4AM. Of course you have to set them to release insulin to cover meals.

This being said- I am pretty sure you have to wear them all night. You can take the pump of your body, but the little needle and tube is still stuck in you.

[SacRunner]

I have always been an outdoorsy dude, I have tried the insulin pens, didn't like them. The syringe and vial has been pretty reliable.


Just out of curiosity, what didn't you like about the insulin pens? I'm not sure how many different pens are out on the market, but I've been using the NovoPen 3 (http://www.insulindevice.com/novopen/) for all but two weeks of the last couple years since I was diagnosed, and I'd much rather carry that around in my pocket than to carry a pouch with in insulin vial and syringes.

with the pen I can go out for the day have a couple meals and all I need is the pen. I do carry a syringe with a long term insulin with me too, but that's only if I don't think I'll be home in time to take that, once a day, with dinner.

[dlbrunner]

The one I used (long time ago) did the auto stabbing thing, For some reason that creeps me out, plus I was worried about the spring mechanism inside. Also the resevoir is pretty small. I carry my "kit o works" in my pocket in a tiny case, no larger than the insulin vial and needle.

I may give the pen another go, having a needle in my pocket has forced me to do some "explaining" a couple of times. "no I am not a junkie, I am a diabetic"

I am stoked though, our insurance at work just released a new program for diabetics where all supplies and meds are covered 100%, no more co-pay

[jimbo74]

so i finished my paper, got a 93% on it :)

“Diabetes” is a Greek word meaning to “pass through”. In diabetes, glucose passes through the body without being properly absorbed. It is a disease that can kill if it is not treated. By 2010 it will affect over 220 million people worldwide. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. It is an equal opportunity disease; it can be acquired by anyone, however some people are more susceptible to it. In this paper I will discuss the two types of diabetes, a temporary condition called gestational diabetes, cause, treatment, medications, progression, associated problems, and complications of the disease.
Your body converts the food you eat into glucose. Glucose is the energy for all cells in the body. Insulin is made by the pancreas and lets glucose enter the body to be used as energy. Insulin stimulates the body’s cells to absorb the glucose they need from the blood. It also makes the liver absorb and store any that is left over. In diabetes, glucose in the blood is too high, causing build up of sugar in the blood instead of moving into the cells. The body will then try to purge the sugar to clean itself out, as the blood will not receive the glucose. This is where diabetes got the name for passing through. The liver also plays a major role in keeping a normal blood sugar level. If the body has more glucose than it’s cells need for energy, the body may remove the excess glucose from your bloodstream and store it in your live. When the glucose runs low, your body can access the stored glucose and release it into the bloodstream. When your pancreas functions properly, the glucose fluctuates due to exercise, infections, stress, food and a variety of other things. The liver also plays an important role in maintaining a normal sugar level.
Type I diabetes is also known as youth or juvenile diabetes and is usually found at an early age in life. It usually isn’t called that anymore though, because there are many cases that are found in adults. Anyone can get type I diabetes, but it is usually found in young children or people under 20 years old. It likely occurs in thin people and the symptoms may appear suddenly. Type I appears commonly in people of Mediterranean and northern European descent. It is less common among African Americans and Asians or people with a family history of type I diabetes. In type I, the body has little or no insulin because the immune system (which normally fights bacteria and viruses) has destroyed some of the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. The pancreas is a gland located just behind the stomach. This is an autoimmune disease. Type I diabetes only takes a few weeks to develop. There are no known ways to prevent type I diabetes. The general short term symptoms most type I diabetics exhibit are fatigue, increased production of urine, tiredness, unusual thirst, weight loss, increased appetite, blurred vision, or feeling sick. The hormonal system, including the insulin-producing pancreas, makes adjustments that keep your levels within limits. Conditions associated with type I diabetes include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), celiac disease (the body’s inability to absorb gluten), and ketoacidosis (a condition associated with hyperglycemia and build up of ketones and organic acids in the blood). Long term complications of type I diabetes include heart disease, nerve damage/neuropathy, blindness, risk of needing amputation, and damage to the kidneys. Symptoms can be relieved by complying with a healthy diet that has controlled amounts of sugar, and by having regular injections of insulin to replace what the body is not providing. Proper exercise will assist in maintaining proper levels and allowing the body to use sugar.
Type II diabetes is usually referred to as adult onset diabetes. It appears around middle age. It is less severe than Type 1 and it is not an autoimmune disease (Sheen, 2003, p. 18). The pancreas still produces insulin, but not enough to handle the glucose levels. The cells of people with Type II do not respond to insulin. It is found with high sugar levels, but patients are usually obese and lack the common symptoms of fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, and sudden weight loss. 90% of all diabetics have type II diabetes. The rate of occurrence in African Americans, Hispanic/Latin Americans, Pacific Islanders, Asian Americans, and Native Americans is high. There is also an increased rate if there is family history of diabetes or obesity. Long term complications of type II are relatively the same as type I diabetes including heart disease, blindness, amputation, nerve damage/neuropathy, and kidney damage. Type II diabetes can be controlled with oral medications and proper diet and exercise, usually not needing insulin injections.
Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that develops at any time during a woman’s pregnancy that does not usually have diabetes. It begins during pregnancy and disappears following delivery. Any woman can develop gestational diabetes. Women older than 25 are at greater risk than younger women. Screening usually takes place between the 24th and 28th week of the pregnancy. Hispanic/Latin Americans, African Americans, and Native American women have a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes. That rate increases if they have a family history of diabetes, are obese, have too much amniotic fluid, or have previously given birth to a very large infant, have had a stillbirth, or children with a birth defects. It is treated with insulin injections and proper diet and exercise techniques. It goes away after pregnancy, but the woman has a higher chance of developing it again later in another pregnancy and is also predisposed to get type II diabetes later in her life. Complications of gestational diabetes can be premature delivery, large birth weight, increased chance of cesarean delivery, or a slightly increased risk of baby death.
Diabetes is a disease that can affect many people, and that number is growing daily. The human body is unable to cope with insulin and that can cause a problem in the proper function and day to day activities in life. The body isn’t able to take care of itself, and can’t convert sugar into energy to fuel the body. It is a serious disease that can leave the body open to other problems and damage it the body enough to cause death.