Diabetes

What Is It?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body is unable to successfully convert sugar into energy for tissue and organ cells. A person with diabetes will have abnormally high levels of blood sugar, especially after consuming starchy foods like rice, potatoes, and bread. High blood glucose levels can cause you to experience blurry vision, thirst, exhaustion, and hunger. You might experience weight gain, weight loss, or a frequent and overwhelming urge to urinate.

Diabetes can affect both men and women at any age. Even children can develop cases of diabetes. There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and type 3. Type 2 diabetes develops gradually and tends to affect older adults. This type of diabetes occurs as a result of diet, lifestyle, and genetics. Type 1 diabetes can affect people of all ages, and many people develop their first symptoms as children or young adults. Type 1 diabetes can affect your diet, but it is typically not caused by diet; rather, the condition occurs because of genetics.

Types

Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of an autoimmune condition. The pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, and as a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. It is unknown what causes type 1 diabetes.

Genetics, viruses, and autoimmune conditions can cause type 1 diabetes to occur. With type 2 diabetes, a person's fat, liver, and muscle tissue do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, the pancreas produces more and more insulin while sugar builds up in the blood at the same time. Type 2 diabetes is related to genetics, diet, exercise, and obesity.

The symptoms and long-term consequences of type 2 and type 2 diabetes are relatively similar. If you have type 1 diabetes, you may feel tired, thirsty, and nauseous. You also might experience an increased need to urinate, and you may lose weight even if your appetite increases. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may experience blurred vision, fatigue, increased thirst, a stronger appetite and a frequent urge to urinate.

Type 3 diabetes occurs when the brain signals insulin production to stop, resulting in damage to the brain cells and central nervous system. Type 3 diabetes may be linked to Alzheimer 's disease. There is little information available about type 3 diabetes since the condition was only recently discovered in 2005.

Only a doctor can conclusively diagnose you with diabetes. The doctor can also perform the relevant tests to determine the type that you are experiencing.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

The most common symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased fluid intake. Other symptoms include blurred vision, feelings of irritability, severe fatigue, unexpected weight loss, feelings of extreme hunger, irritation of the skin in the genital area, and slower healing of superficial wounds. Weight loss tends to be seen most commonly with Type 1 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, the symptoms for type 2 diabetes develop very slowly.

In many situations, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are controllable through diet and lifestyle modifications. Many people are able to control their blood sugar through diet and exercise. Other people, with more severe forms of diabetes may require medications.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes, since most patients are diagnosed as children. The signs of juvenile diabetes closely resemble the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, which occurs in adulthood. One of the first signs is increased urination. A child with juvenile diabetes will almost always feel hungry.

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause of diabetes is unclear, but several risk factors are evident. People are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if they eat a diet that is high in fat, are overweight, or have a family history of diabetes. Age is also a risk factor.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both related to insulin, a hormone that the pancreas produces to regulate blood sugar. Diabetes occurs when insulin levels are low or when the body becomes resistant to insulin.

Prevention & Treatment

Patients can prevent type 2 diabetes by following a well balanced diet and by maintaining a regular exercise routine. Patients of type 1 diabetes may need to take insulin injections. Treatment may also be necessary for complications including heart problems, kidney failure, pancreas problems, and infections.

Treatment and preventative measures will depend on a variety of factors including genetics, condition severity, diet, and lifestyle. Even if you exercise and maintain a balanced diet, you may need to take medications to treat your type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes or a family history of diabetes, it is important that you remain under the care of your doctor.

Many countries have a national diabetes association available to help patients and professionals find resources. In the United States, the American Diabetes Association provides information about food, fitness, and living with diabetes.

Tests & Diagnosis

A urinalysis is the first level of testing and can show glucose levels in addition to how fat is broken down. Blood glucose tests (fasting and non-fasting) can provide a more detailed breakdown of whether the person has diabetes.