Diabetes

When the quantity of glucose (sugar) in the blood is excessively high since the body cannot utilize it effectively it gives rise to a condition known as diabetes mellitus. Glucose is made available from the digestion of starchy foods for example bread, rice, potatoes, chapattis, yams and plantain, by means of sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which produces glucose.

Insulin is vital for life and is a hormone which the pancreas produces. Insulin assists the glucose in penetrating the cells where it is utilized as fuel by the body. The major indications of untreated diabetes are that it augments the thirst of affected individuals. People suffering from diabetes also tend to urinate with greater frequency particularly at night. The condition is marked by excessive weariness, loss of weight, genital irritation or frequent bouts of thrush, and hazy vision.

There are two major kinds of diabetes namely Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is not in a position to produce any insulin.
• This type of diabetes generally affects individuals who are below 40.
• It can be effectively dealt with by means of insulin injections together with proper diet and regular exercise.

• Type 2 diabetes sets in when the body produces insufficient amounts of insulin or the insulin that is produced is unable to function in a proper manner and is also referred to as insulin resistance.
• In the majority of cases this particular type of malady is generally linked to individuals who are overweight.
• This kind of diabetes generally affects individuals who are over 40, though in some cases this type of diabetes is detected in persons who are well within 40 years of age.
• Type 2 diabetes can be effectively tackled with alterations in lifestyle such as a healthier diet, weight loss and enhanced physical activity.
• In certain cases tablets or insulin are also necessary to attain normal blood glucose levels.

The main objective of treatment of both kinds of diabetes is to maintain blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels as close to normal as practicable. This coupled with a healthy lifestyle, will assist in enhancing the health and offer safeguards against long-term harm to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries.

Type 2 diabetes occurs gradually and the indications are generally not very pronounced. Certain individuals may be ignorant of any symptoms and their diabetes is only detected in a routine medical examination. A number of people attribute the symptoms to the normal process of aging or overwork.

Type 1 diabetes progress much more rapidly, generally over a few weeks, and symptoms are usually very apparent.

As far as both kinds of diabetes are concerned, the indications are swiftly alleviated once the diabetes is dealt with. Treatment if done early in the initial stages of diabetes will also diminish the possibility of being afflicted by major health problems.