Diabetes Mellitus Overview and Treatment - Learn the Disease Inside and Out!
Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus as it is officially termed, tolls an estimated 3% of the worldwide population.
As we all know, the food we eat is broken down and turns into glucose (sugar), which is then carried by blood cells and turned into energy for the body to perform its necessary functions.
The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone which helps to attach sugar to the blood cells so that energy can be taken to certain areas of the body.
A person is diagnosed with diabetes when their pancreas either does not produce the right amount of insulin, which can leave extra sugar floating in the bloodstream, and is not only a waste of energy, but can also lead to some serious issues.
If not treated regularly and well, diabetes can cause damage to the eyes, nerve system, kidneys, and of course, the heart and the circulatory system.
Scientists and doctors have worked on classifying different types of diabetes to better situate people with different conditions.
Although there are many types, there are three major divisions of the disease.
Diabetes Type 1 occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin period.
A recent estimate suggested that 5-10% of the people in the United States who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type 1.
The best way to treat this type of diabetes is by taking a regular insulin shot.
Advancements have been made in the technology to provide these shots, and now it is possible to obtain an "insulin pump," a device that is worn around the belt and isn't much more cumbersome than a cell-phone.
Not only does it monitor the amount of insulin in the bloodstream but it also delivers insulin to the bloodstream through a little tube called a catheter that is placed under the wearer's skin.
Whether they take regular shots or use insulin pumps, people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes are usually able to lead normal lives, and can participate in most sports and daily activities.
Type 2 Diabetes is much more prevalent than Type 1, with most diabetic people in America being categorized under this type of the disease.
Type 2 is the result of "insulin resistance.
" This happens when insulin is not used properly by cells and is thereby unable to perform its job of helping blood cells absorb sugar.
On top of this, many people with Type 2 already suffer from a lack of insulin.
Type 2 can also be treated with regular insulin shots or an insulin pump, but others have also found success through gastric bypass surgery.
The third major type of diabetes is Gestational Diabetes.
This is a disease that is found in pregnant women who haven't ever had diabetes before their pregnancy.
After conception, they begin to experience high blood sugar which means that much of the sugar they are consuming isn't being properly attached to blood cells.
For the most part, this type of diabetes concludes after pregnancy, but in some cases, it can lead to Type 2 diabetes and even Type 1 in some rare instances.
Gestational Diabetes is estimated to affect 4% of all pregnant women.
All forms of diabetes can be treated; especially insulin becomes more readily available for medical use across the world.
However, a firm cure hasn't been found yet.
Doctors agree that the best way to treat diabetes is to prevent it in the first place.
A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes.
In fact, diabetes was once known as "the Rich Man's Disease" because of its prevalence among rich and gluttonous communities.
Of course, now scientists have found that some forms of diabetes can be passed along genetically.
If this is the case, a healthy, active lifestyle along with certain specified medical treatments can help those struggling with diabetes to live normal lives.
As we all know, the food we eat is broken down and turns into glucose (sugar), which is then carried by blood cells and turned into energy for the body to perform its necessary functions.
The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone which helps to attach sugar to the blood cells so that energy can be taken to certain areas of the body.
A person is diagnosed with diabetes when their pancreas either does not produce the right amount of insulin, which can leave extra sugar floating in the bloodstream, and is not only a waste of energy, but can also lead to some serious issues.
If not treated regularly and well, diabetes can cause damage to the eyes, nerve system, kidneys, and of course, the heart and the circulatory system.
Scientists and doctors have worked on classifying different types of diabetes to better situate people with different conditions.
Although there are many types, there are three major divisions of the disease.
Diabetes Type 1 occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin period.
A recent estimate suggested that 5-10% of the people in the United States who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type 1.
The best way to treat this type of diabetes is by taking a regular insulin shot.
Advancements have been made in the technology to provide these shots, and now it is possible to obtain an "insulin pump," a device that is worn around the belt and isn't much more cumbersome than a cell-phone.
Not only does it monitor the amount of insulin in the bloodstream but it also delivers insulin to the bloodstream through a little tube called a catheter that is placed under the wearer's skin.
Whether they take regular shots or use insulin pumps, people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes are usually able to lead normal lives, and can participate in most sports and daily activities.
Type 2 Diabetes is much more prevalent than Type 1, with most diabetic people in America being categorized under this type of the disease.
Type 2 is the result of "insulin resistance.
" This happens when insulin is not used properly by cells and is thereby unable to perform its job of helping blood cells absorb sugar.
On top of this, many people with Type 2 already suffer from a lack of insulin.
Type 2 can also be treated with regular insulin shots or an insulin pump, but others have also found success through gastric bypass surgery.
The third major type of diabetes is Gestational Diabetes.
This is a disease that is found in pregnant women who haven't ever had diabetes before their pregnancy.
After conception, they begin to experience high blood sugar which means that much of the sugar they are consuming isn't being properly attached to blood cells.
For the most part, this type of diabetes concludes after pregnancy, but in some cases, it can lead to Type 2 diabetes and even Type 1 in some rare instances.
Gestational Diabetes is estimated to affect 4% of all pregnant women.
All forms of diabetes can be treated; especially insulin becomes more readily available for medical use across the world.
However, a firm cure hasn't been found yet.
Doctors agree that the best way to treat diabetes is to prevent it in the first place.
A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes.
In fact, diabetes was once known as "the Rich Man's Disease" because of its prevalence among rich and gluttonous communities.
Of course, now scientists have found that some forms of diabetes can be passed along genetically.
If this is the case, a healthy, active lifestyle along with certain specified medical treatments can help those struggling with diabetes to live normal lives.
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