Diabetes

A serious and potentially fatal metabolic disorder where the body does not does not produce or use insulin correctly.  Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas by cells called beta cells.  It enables body cells to take in glucose (a sugar) from the blood to provide fuel and energy.  If uncontrolled, the abnormal level of sugars in the blood can lead to fatal stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, nerve and blood vessel damage, blindness, and the amputation of body extremities affected by the disease.  There are a few types of diabetes.  Type 1, also known as insulin dependant diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them.  People with Type 1 diabetes have to take synthetic insulin injections daily to regulate glucose levels.  This usually begins in children or young adults, and accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes cases.   Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, thirst or dry mouth, dry or flushed skin, confusion, and disorientation.  Use of insulin injections or an insulin pump is the only available treatment.  Type 2, also known as insulin resistant diabetes, is the most common form.  It develops more gradually that type 1, and affects mostly people with a family history of diabetes, obesity, low physical activity, or a history of gestational diabetes.  In type 2, the body produces enough insulin, but for some reason does not use it efficiently.  Over time, insulin production drops.  Symptoms include abnormal thirst, unexplained weight loss or gain, nausea, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds.  Treatment consists of lifestyle and diet changes, and sometimes medication.  Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who were previously free of diabetes.  Treatment is necessary to keep the baby healthy. This includes change of diet, exercise, and occasionally insulin injections. These women are at risk for type 2 diabetes later.