Diabetes is a condition which results when a person's body doesn't make any insulin, enough insulin, or doesn't use insulin the right way. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas gland that helps your cells use blood sugar for energy. When insulin is in short supply, the glucose (sugar) in the blood can become dangerously high. Someone who is diabetic may have to take insulin by injection, or pills by mouth to help the body secrete more of its own insulin or make better use of the insulin it does secrete. Some diabetics, however, require no medication. All persons with diabetes must follow a controlled diet and exercise regularly to prevent their blood sugar from getting too high.
There are 2 forms of diabetes:
Type 1 - this
type (sometimes called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] or juvenile
diabetes) is more severe and usually shows up before the age of 30 (but may occur
at any age). Daily insulin injections are needed as well as dietary control and exercise.
Type 2 - this type (sometimes called noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] or adult-onset diabetes) is less severe, usually affecting persons who are 40 years of age or older and overweight. This type is most often treated with diet and exercise and sometimes oral medicine. Occasional insulin injections may be required as well.
When untreated, diabetes can lead to hardening of the arteries, strokes, kidney problems, blindness, and limb amputations.
Signs and Symptoms
The American Diabetes Association uses the acronyms DIABETES
and CAUTION to help identify the warning
signs of diabetes:
Drowsiness
Itching
A
family history of diabetes
Blurred
vision
Excessive
weight
Tingling,
numbness, or pain in extremities
Easy
fatigue
Skin
infection, slow healing of cuts and scratches, especially on the feet
Other signs are:
Constant
urination
Abnormal
thirst
Unusual
hunger
The
rapid loss of weight
Irritability
Obvious
weakness and fatigue
Nausea
and vomiting
You don't need to have all of these warning signs to be diabetic. Only 1 or 2 may be present. Some people show no warning signs and find out they're diabetic after a routine blood test. Persons age 45 and older should get a blood test to screen for diabetes every 3 years. If you have a family history of diabetes, you should be especially watchful of the signs and symptoms above. If you notice any of these signs, report them to your doctor. Being overweight increases your risk a lot. A diet high in sugar and low in fiber may increase your risk if you are prone to developing diabetes. Pregnancy can trigger diabetes in some women.
Treatment and Care
Treatment for diabetes will depend on the type and severity of the
disorder. Both forms, however, require a treatment plan that maintains normal, steady
blood-sugar levels. This can be done through:
Proper dietary measures that:
Promote weight reduction, if necessary
Give prescribed amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
Are set up in regular meals
Give 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day
Limit dietary cholesterol to 300 milligrams per day
Limit saturated fat to no more than 9% of total calories
Regular exercise
Medicine:
Oral pills that inhibit enzymes from breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple
sugars in the gut. These lower blood sugar
because they delay absorption of glucose into
the blood. (Example: Precose) The pills must
be taken at the start of each meal. They can
be used alone or with other kinds of oral
pills that lower blood sugar.
Oral pills that lower blood sugar and don't stimulate the pancreas to secrete more
insulin.
(Example: Glucophage)
Oral pills that stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin. (Examples: DiaBeta,
Micronase, and Tolinase)
Insulin by injection
Home monitoring of blood sugar levels
With either type of diabetes, routine care and follow-up treatment are important. Careful control of blood sugar levels can allow a person with diabetes to lead a normal, productive life. Persons with a family history of diabetes should watch their weight, control their eating habits, and exercise regularly to reduce their risk of getting the disease. They should also see their doctor every 1-3 years to get checked for diabetes.
(See "Places to Get Information & Help" under Diabetes.)
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/21/99