Diabetes

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Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life. It is estimated by the American Diabetes Association that 25.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. 7 million are undiagnosed. This is 8.3% of the population.

Risk factors for developing diabetes include heredity, obesity, inactivity, and cultural influences.

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be scary, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives by learning the skills to manage their blood sugar.

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General Information about Diabetes

(Taken from the American Diabetes Association)

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin (insulin deficiency) or doesn't have enough effective insulin (insulin resistance).

When sugar builds up in the blood instead of going into the cells, it can cause two problems:

your cells may be starved for energy, or
over time, high blood sugar levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

Type 1 Diabetes. With Type 1 Diabetes, the body does not produce the insulin
necessary for it to be able to use sugar. It usually is diagnosed in children and in young adults and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Many people with Type 1 diabetes, live long, healthy lives. The key is keeping your blood sugar levels within your target range, which can be done with meal planning, exercise and insulin. You will also need to check your blood sugars regularly. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections or be on a pump.

Type 2 Diabetes. This is the most common form and accounts for 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes. Is it curable? Glucose (sugar) builds up in the blood, but with treatment your blood sugar may go down to normal again. It doesn't mean you're cured, instead, a blood sugar in your target range shows that your treatment plan is working and that you are taking care of your diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy. It usually goes away after pregnancy, but the woman has a great chance that she may develop Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

Are you at risk?

Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.

Some of the symptoms:

frequent urination
excessive thirst
extreme hunger
unusual weight loss
increased fatigue
irritability
blurry vision
sleepy
headaches

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes

If you have questions, please call your physician.