Living with Diabtetes
Living with diabetes can be a challenging and frustrating process. Diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which is due to a complete or a relative lack of insulin in the body.
There are two major types of diabetes. Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes, results from a defect in the areas of the pancreas where insulin is produced. This type of diabetes can develop in young children.
Type II or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs most often in adults over 40. With this type of diabetes, either the pancreas does not function adequately or the body is unable to use insulin efficiently.
Patients with diabetes can control many of the symptoms of diabetes. However, diabetes that is left untreated can lead to serious complications. High blood sugar levels over exert the organs. Heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, atherosclerosis, eye disorders, impotence and death are some of the results of diabetes that is not kept under control.
Type 1 diabetics have symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, irritability, fainting, changes in vision, weight loss, and cuts or bruises that may heal slowly. Type 11 diabetics may have some of these symptoms. However, they may not show any signs of having the disease.
Diabetes can be diagnosed by analyzing blood samples for high sugar concentrations. A doctor may also test the urine and blood for excess ketones, which are the by-products of the breakdown of fat for energy. Diabetics bodies normally burn fat for fuel since their bodies do not use glucose efficiently. This results in ketones being eliminated in the urine.
The treatment for diabetes is to find a plan that will maintain stable blood glucose levels. This may require insulin injections, a modified diet, or medication.
Type 1 diabetics normally require daily insulin injections to maintain even blood sugar levels. If the blood glucose concentration rises, weakness, fatigue and thirst may occur. This signals that more insulin is required. If the concentration of blood glucose falls too low, a reaction to the insulin can cause dizziness, hunger, fatigue, sweating, trembling, headache, and in severe cases, unconsciousness. These fluctuations can often be prevented by the coordination and timing of insulin injections, along with proper diet and physical output.
Type 11 diabetics can often control their condition with a proper diet. Frequently, the patient needs to lose weight. A diet should be low in simple sugars and fats. Plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be included. Fiber has been shown to reduce or slow the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract. Oral antidiabetic drugs are sometimes given to stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin or to stimulate insulin receptors.
Doctor follow-up for diabetic patients is of major importance. Control of blood glucose levels can delay or prevent many of the complications of diabetes.
