Diabetes
Diabetes, scientifically known as Diabetes Mellitus, is among the most prevalent disorders in America, and claims the lives of millions of Americans every year. There are two types of Diabetes, but we will focus on Type I, also known as Juvenile Diabetes. This complication comes about when the body’s immune system attacks insulin, which lowers the amount of sugar in blood, and as a result, the body sugar gets out of control in your body. As a result, you can dehydrate, lose weight and damage major organs because of its spread. However, even though diabetes is a difficult problem to deal with, it is still very manageable with proper treatment and medication.
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Causes
There are few reasons for diabetes, type one, to arise:
- 1. Genetics: While there is no such thing as the “diabetes gene,” there are existing patterns which indicate that if immediate family members, like parents or grandparents, have the disorder, that there is a greater chance that the children might have it too.
- 2. Autoimmune disorders: Sometimes, the human body makes a mistake—one which destroys islet cells, which lowers the production of insulin.
- 3. Malnutrition: rare but significant. This can occur when toxic food, like cassava, rich in chemicals, is eaten. Usually, this occurs in third world countries.
Symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Increased fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurry vision
Diagnosis
- 1. A Fast Plasma Glucose Test (FPG)- measures the amount of glucose (blood sugar) that is in the blood after eight hours. During this time, a person cannot eat.
- 2. An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)- indicates, after eight hours of no eating, and two hours of drinking a glucose-rich beverage, how much blood sugar you have.
- 3. A Random Plasma Glucose Test- is a test simply given, without any conditions. This is sometimes referred to as a “casual glucose test.”
When to see a health professional
If any of the above listed symptoms occur over and over again, and even with proper medication doesn’t stop, it is STRONGLY suggested that you consult a physician.
Treatment
While no such cures exist to this day, there are ways to slow the progression of the disorder:
- Take several insulin injections per day; this will help lower the effects of a lack of the insulin. You may alternatively utilize the insulin pump.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels in a regular manner, using a respectable meter
• Spreading out the “sugar” diet, so that there is not too much in any portion of the day, so that your body never has moments of high glucose in blood - Exercise- The body is able to move the insulin a lot more effectively if it is able to move freely
- No smoking or drinking because these harmful products may hinder the flow of insulin
- Regular appointments with a proper physician or family doctor
Prevention
Unfortunately, there are no prevention techniques at this point. Scientists are focusing on finding ways to do so, however.
Currently, they are trying to create insulin capsules, which might be able to prevent or delay the disorder from occurring.
External Links
- "Causes of Type 1 Diabetes." InteliHealth. 10 Mar. 2008. InteliHealth. 20 Feb. 2009 <http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/35132/35250/363533.html?d=dmtContent>
- "Diagnosis of Diabetes." National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. 10 Oct. 2008. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. 19 Feb. 2009 <http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/diagnosis/>
- "Disease Symptoms." Youth Zone. American Diabetes Association. 19 Feb. 2009 <http://www.diabetes.org/youthzone/symptoms.jsp>
- Kohn, Judy. "Causes of Diabetes." Abbott Diabetes Care. 01 Jan. 2007. Abbott Global. 20 Feb. 2009 <http://www.abbottdiabetescare.com/adc_dotcom/url/questionAnswerProfile/en_US/40.20:20/question_answer/question_answer/QuestionAnswer_00044.htm>
- Travis, John. "Diabetic distinction debated - whether malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus is really a distinct form of the disease | Science News | Find Articles at BNET." Find Articles at BNET | News Articles, Magazine Back Issues & Reference Articles on All Topics. 6 July 1991. BNET-Business Network. 19 Feb. 2009 <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1200/is_n1_v140/ai_11009923>
- "Type 1 Diabetes." WebMD Diabetes Center: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments. WebMD. 19 Feb. 2009 <http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/type-1-diabetes>
