Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as diabetes mellitus, describes
a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood
glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is
inadequate, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to
insulin, or both. Patients with high blood sugar will typically
experience polyuria (frequent urination), they will become
increasingly thirsty (polydipsia) and hungry (polyphagia).
Fast facts on diabetes
Here are some key points about diabetes. More detail and supporting
information is in the main article.
Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels.
In 2013 it was estimated that over 382 million people throughout the
world had diabetes (Williams textbook of endocrinology).
Type 1 Diabetes - the body does not produce insulin. Approximately 10%
of all diabetes cases are type 1.
Type 2 Diabetes - the body does not produce enough insulin for proper
function. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of
this type.
Gestational Diabetes - this type affects females during pregnancy.
The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense
thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and
bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and
tingling in hands and feet.
If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating plan, do adequate
exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life.
Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be physically active, and test
their blood glucose. They may also need to take oral medication,
and/or insulin to control blood glucose levels.
As the risk of cardiovascular disease is much higher for a diabetic,
it is crucial that blood pressure and cholesterol levels are monitored
regularly.
As smoking might have a serious effect on cardiovascular health,
diabetics should stop smoking.
Hypoglycemia - low blood glucose - can have a bad effect on the
patient. Hyperglycemia - when blood glucose is too high - can also
have a bad effect on the patient.
There are three types of diabetes:1) Type 1 Diabetes
The body does not produce insulin. Some people may refer to this type
asinsulin-dependent diabetes,juvenile diabetes, orearly-onset
diabetes. People usually develop type 1 diabetes before their 40th
year, often in early adulthood or teenage years.
Type 1 diabetes is nowhere near as common as type 2 diabetes.
Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.
Patients with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin injections for
the rest of their life. They must also ensure proper blood-glucose
levels by carrying out regular blood tests and following a special
diet.
.
2) Type 2 Diabetes
The body does not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the
cells in the body do not react to insulin (insulin resistance).
Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this
type.Measuring the glucose level in blood
Some people may be able to control their type 2 diabetes symptoms by
losing weight, following a healthy diet, doing plenty of exercise, and
monitoring their blood glucose levels. However, type 2 diabetes is
typically a progressive disease - it gradually gets worse - and the
patient will probably end up have to take insulin, usually in tablet
form.
.
3) Gestational Diabetes
This type affects females during pregnancy. Some women have very high
levels of glucose in their blood, and their bodies are unable to
produce enough insulin to transport all of the glucose into their
cells, resulting in progressively rising levels of glucose.
Diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made during pregnancy.
The majority of gestational diabetes patients can control their
diabetes with exercise and diet. Between 10% to 20% of them will need
to take some kind of blood-glucose-controlling medications.
Undiagnosed or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can raise the risk of
complications during childbirth. The baby may be bigger than he/she
should be.
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