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. Since this variation is found more common in older individuals, those suffering from Type II diabetes who are over the age of 65 should be aware of elderly medical transportation services in the case an emergency should arise.
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 II diabetics may have some of these symptoms. However, they may not show any signs of having the disease. For many sufferers of Type I diabetes it is necessary to regularly test the blood to monitor insulin levels. In the past this used to be a painful and expensive practice. Luckily, modern technology along with government assistance and other healthcare programs have made available painless and often free diabetes testing supplies.
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. Especially for older suffers of diabetes, irregular blood sugar levels over time can cause serious damage to other organs in the body. Because of this it even more important diabetes suffers to be mindful to lower cholesterol, monitor fat and sugar intake, and watch sodium levels in their diet.
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 II diabetics can often control their condition with a proper diet. Since Type II diabetics have difficulties regulating their insulin levels it is helpful for them to eat many small meals throughout the day rather than fewer larger ones. 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.
