Some facts about Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease of metabolism. Under normal circumstances, some of the food people eat is converted into glucose during digestion. Glucose is carried in the blood stream, and moved into cells – where it available as energy – through the action of a hormone called insulin. People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin to move glucose into the cells, or the body is resistant to the insulin that is produced. In either case, the glucose builds up in the bloodstream until it is excreted in the urine.
 

Different type of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is when patient’s bodies produce little to no insulin. In this form, the body’s own immune system attacks itself, destroying the cells that are responsible for creating insulin. Although the cause is unknown, researchers have speculated that it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Patients must take insulin for the rest of their lives or slip into a diabetic coma. Currently, insulin must be injected, but researchers are working on new delivery methods, such as insulin patches or inhalable insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body is resistant to the insulin that is produced. This form of diabetes accounts for about 80 percent of all diabetes cases. It is closely linked to obesity and occurs more frequently in African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders. Patients may sometimes require insulin therapy. However, physicians also recommend weight loss and dietary changes to help regulate blood glucose levels.

Type 3 All other specific forms of diabetes, accounting for up to 5% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes, are termed Type 3:

Type 3A: genetic defect in beta cells.
Type 3B: genetically related insulin resistance.
Type 3C: diseases of the pancreas.
Type 3D: caused by hormonal defects.
Type 3E: caused by chemicals or drugs.

Type 4 or Gestational diabetes appears in about 2-5% of all pregnancies. It is temporary and fully treatable, but if untreated it may cause problems with the pregnancy. It requires careful medical supervision during the pregnancy. In addition, about 20-50% of these women go on to develop Type 2 diabetes.
 

The symptoms

The main symptoms of diabetes are:

  • increased thirst
  • going to the loo all the time – especially at night
  • extreme tiredness
  • weight loss
  • genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
  • blurred vision.

Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and the symptoms are usually less severe. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all and their diabetes is only picked up in a routine medical check up. Some people may put the symptoms down to 'getting older' or 'overwork'.

Type 1 diabetes develops much more quickly, usually over a few weeks, and symptoms are normally very obvious.

In both types of diabetes, the symptoms are quickly relieved once the diabetes is treated. Early treatment will also reduce the chances of developing serious health problems.
 

The myths

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about diabetes. So how much do you really know about diabetes? Read on to sort out fact from fiction.

  • You can catch diabetes from someone else
  • Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
  • If you’ve got Type 2 diabetes, members of your family may also be at risk
  • People with diabetes eventually go blind
  • It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes
  • People with diabetes can't play sport
  • People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
  • People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate
  • If you have diabetes you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta
  • People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods
  • Having diabetes means you can’t do certain jobs
     

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