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Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. There are 2 types of Diabetes, Type 1 (insulin dependent) and Type 2 (non-insulin dependent).
Type 1: results from the body's failure to produce insulin which is the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and be converted to "fuel" for the cells. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
Type 2: results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency. Either the body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells ignore the insulin. Your body breaks down sugars & starches into glucose. Insulin takes the glucose from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into the cells, it can cause problems such as your cells being starved for energy, and damage to your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Type 2 is the most common form.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and blurry vision. Any of these signs and symptoms should be evaluated by your doctor right away. Diabetes is treatable and normal lives can be lead. Treatment may include dietary changes, increase in daily exercise, medications, and insulin injections. Only your doctor can prescribe the correct treatment for you.
- American Diabetes Association