Diabetes is often called “having too much sugar.” It is really too much sugar (glucose) in the blood and not enough in the body’s cells. Glucose needs to get into the cells to be used for energy. Insulin is the hormone needed for glucose to get from the blood into the cells. Diabetes results when:
No insulin is made
Not enough insulin is made
The insulin made is not used properly
There are 3 forms of diabetes:
Type 1 - With
this type, the pancreas gland either makes no insulin or very small amounts. Often the
pancreas has fewer cells that make insulin. This type most often occurs in children and
young adults. It can happen at any age, though.
Type 2 - The pancreas still
makes insulin, but does not make enough. Or, the body does not use insulin the right way.
This type most often occurs in persons who:
Are over age 40
Are overweight
Don’t exercise
Gestational
The stress of a pregnancy may cause a temporary case of diabetes. This type usually ends
when the pregnancy ends. It does, though, increase the risk for the mother to get diabetes
in the future. The mother will need follow up blood sugar checks.
When untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, strokes, kidney problems, and blindness.
Signs and Symptoms
The American DIABETES and CAUTION to help identify the warning signs of
diabetes.
Drowsiness
Itching
A
family history of
Blurred
vision
Excessive
weight
Tingling,
numbness, or pain in extremities
Easy
fatigue
Skin
infection, slow healing of cuts and scratches, especially on the feet
Other signs are:
Constant
urination
Abnormal
thirst
Unusual
hunger
The
rapid loss of weight
Irritability
Obvious
weakness and fatigue
Nausea
and vomiting
If you have one or more of these signs and symptoms, see your doctor. In Type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to come on quickly. In Type 2, symptoms tend to come on more slowly. You can even have diabetes without any of the symptoms listed.
The American Diabetes Association and the National Institutes of Health recommend that you get a test to screen for diabetes every 3 years starting at age 45. This is so diabetes can be detected and treated early. Early treatment may reduce other health problems related to diabetes.
With the exception of weight loss in some cases of Type 2 diabetes, there is no cure
for diabetes. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the disease. All forms
require a treatment plan that maintains normal, steady blood-sugar levels.
This plan includes:
Proper diet and exercise to meet your
specific needs. Weight loss can actually cure some cases of Type 2 diabetes.
Eating regular meals at regular times. You may be given a meal plan for breakfast, lunch,
dinner, and snacks. You may be told to count carbohydrates in everything you eat. Books,
booklets, and food labels list carbohydrate amounts.
Having 20 to 35 grams of dietary fiber per day
Strictly limiting saturated fats and not having more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol
every day
Limiting alcohol as advised by your doctor Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels,
especially for Type 1 diabetes. Home urine testing may also need to be done. Medication. Persons with Type 2 diabetes
may need to take oral medicines if proper diet, exercise, and weight control do not keep
blood sugar levels within normal range. There are many types of oral medicines. Sometimes
insulin is needed for Type 2 diabetics. All Type 1 diabetics need insulin. Insulin can be
given through injections (shots) or an insulin pump device. An insulin pump delivers
insulin to the body through plastic tubing with a needle at the end that is inserted under
the skin. With this device, insulin is delivered 24 hours a day.
Taking good care of your skin and feet to
reduce the risk of injury and infection
With diabetes, routine care and follow-up treatment are important. Careful control of blood sugar levels can allow a person with diabetes to lead a normal, productive life.
(See "Places to Get Information & Help" under Diabetes.)
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2000 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 03/02/01