Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong disease in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood. Type I diabetes generally occurs in younger people and comprises approximately 10% of all diabetic cases. Insulin injections are the only treatment for Type I diabetes. Type II diabetes occurs in adults; it can be treated with diet and pills initially but ultimately insulin injections are needed.

Symptoms of Type II Diabetes

Initially there are none. Symptoms are vague such as fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, etc. Normal fasting blood sugar is less than or equal to 120. If Glycated hemoglobin is less then or equal to 6, one should seek treatment. One can have type II diabetes for years without any symptoms.

Cause of Type II Diabetes

Pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin which helps the body use blood glucose which is the source of energy. If body cells become resistant to the action of insulin, high levels of blood sugar develop. This runs in families.

Why Is It Important to Treat?

Untreated diabetes can leads to:

• Heart disease–heart attack that may lead to death.
• Stroke–may result in serious disability or death.
• Kidney damage–may need dialysis or kidney transplant.
• Foot damage–difficult healing; possible to lose toes and legs.
• Eye damage–cataract that may lead to blindness.
• Nerve damage–may cause gastrointestinal disorders, erectile dysfunction.

Length of Treatment and Care

Once developed, diabetes requires treatment for the rest of the life. One should regularly take the prescribed medicine and insulin everyday and learn to monitor blood sugar. Patients should get support from spouse and children and visit the doctor regularly.

Diet and Exercise

• Eat less; eat healthy.
• Must do exercise—walk, run, swim, etc.
• Anyone under the age of 70 should be able to walk a mile in 30 minutes or less.
• Lose weight; obesity is a major risk factor in diabetes.
• Obese children grow up to be obese adults.