08/11/2012
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects over sixteen million Americans. For unknown reasons, the number of people suffering from diabetes has increased drastically. America is now referring to diabetes as an epidemic because of the increasing number of cases.
Diabetes is a disease or disorder in the body’s ability to change glucose (sugar) into energy. Glucose is the main source of energy for a person. When food is digested it converts into proteins, fats, or carbohydrates. The food that affects the blood sugar is carbohydrates. When digested, carbohydrates convert to glucose. Examples of some carbohydrates include bread, potatoes, corn, and pasta. If you have diabetes you can eat carbohydrates, but the intake must be limited. The glucose that is made from the carbohydrates is transferred to the blood and is utilized by the cells for energy. To have glucose transferred from the blood into the cells, insulin (a hormone) is required. Insulin is made by the beta cells n the pancreas (organ that produces insulin). Those who have diabetes cannot perform this process. Their pancreas is unable to produce proper amounts of insulin for the body.
People who suffer from diabetes are not able to utilize the glucose in their food for energy. The glucose will store up in the bloodstream. This can cause major adverse affects to the body like damaging the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. If diabetes is untreated it can lead to disability or death.
There are mainly three types of diabetes, which are the following:
Type 1 Diabetes –
Approximately, 5%-10% of diabetes cases u the United States is type 1 diabetes. It occurs most frequently in children and young adults, but it can occur in anyone at any age. The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown; however, there does seem to be a genetic connection. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a defective production of insulin and the inability to move glucose into the cells.
Type 2 Diabetes –
Type 2 Diabetes is the more common form of diabetes. It accounts for 90%-95% of diabetes cases in the United States. Generally, type 2 diabetes only occurs in adults, but recently cases have been diagnosed in children. The cause of type 2 diabetes is not known; however, there is a connection between physical activity and obesity.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by: the body not producing proper amounts of insulin, the insulin produced is defective, or the glucose cannot move into the cells.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that is caused during pregnancy. This type of diabetes affects approximately 1%-3% of woman and usually develops during the second trimester. Most often gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born.
The most important thing about diabetes is to know which type you or your loved one has. Once you know which form of diabetes you have you can build a treatment plan with your doctor.
