About Diabetes

Diabetes is an insidious condition afflicting 21 million Americans. And half of them don't yet know they have it! When you think on a global scale, and consider all of the "Third World" and "Emerging" countries (whose healthcare systems are poor to non-existent) the number of diabetics is staggering!

The latest statistical estimates indicate there are approximately 194 million people diagnosed with diabetes worldwide.

But, with early detection diabetes is manageable, allowing those afflicted to live long and fruitful lives. Although no cure for diabetes exists, proper treatment can control the disease and prevent complications.

Once identified as having diabetes, a person should immediately:

Constantly Reminding You of These Three Facts All three are absolutely necessary for the proper management of diabetes. The three rings around the staff of the torch in the Defeat Diabetes Foundation logo stand as a constant reminder of these three facts. If you would like to take our screening test to see if you may be at risk for diabetes - Click Here to Take the Screening Test.

Diabetes

There are 21 million Americans who are diabetic and almost half of them don't know it! The life expectancy of the diabetic is shortened by one third, however, the sooner diabetes is detected the sooner lifestyle changes can begin, increasing life expectancy to a large degree. This insidious disease is the third leading killer in this country - behind heart disease and cancer. The key to managing diabetes (one can only hope to "manage" diabetes as there is no cure), is Early Detection (with continuing qualified medical supervision) followed by sensible DIET and EXERCISE programs. But first, let us examine what is happening (or not happening), in your body when the diabetic condition exists.

This disease, generally speaking, is characterized by great thirst, increase of urine and being overweight. There can be a general weariness (fatigue), reduced sexual drive, weight loss, vision impairment, itching, neuropathy and numbness in the extremities. Also, there are a number of other complications resulting from a lowering of resistance.

Glucose and Diabetes

Glucose is a simple sugar which is your body's prime source of energy. The digestive process turns the carbohydrates of the meal you just ate into this glucose which is then distributed throughout your body via the bloodstream. Thus, "blood sugar". Some of the blood sugar is used by the brain which requires a constant supply of glucose. And there are other cells in your body which also need immediate energy. However, these only account for a portion of the blood sugar. The rest is stored in the liver and muscles as a starch called "glycogen", or in adipose tissue as "fat" to be used later. The glycogen will be turned back into glucose as your body's energy needs require it. The normal body maintains an even balance of sugar in the blood so as to satisfy the body's energy needs. Any disruption in this delicate balance creates a chemical imbalance: HYPOGLYCEMIA - too low blood sugar level; or HYPERGLYCEMIA - too high blood sugar level. Insulin, the hormone secreted by the Pancreas, is what maintains the proper levels of blood sugar. It is the vital component necessary for the smooth transition of glucose into the cells for energy; whether it is the glucose used immediately or the stored glycogen to be used later. It is a full time job for the pancreas. However, when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to create a proper release of glycogen from the liver to the bloodstream the result is high blood sugar, or DIABETES.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them.

Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form. People can develop it at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.

Gestational diabetes develops in some women during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or by a shortage of insulin.

A Note on the Treatment of Diabetes

Diabetes knowledge, treatment, and prevention strategies advance daily. Treatment is aimed at keeping blood glucose near normal levels at all times. Training in self-management is integral to the treatment of diabetes. Treatment must be individualized and must address medical, psychosocial, and lifestyle issues.

Keeping Your Body Healthy