Diabetes
Diabetes, a life long disease for which there is not yet a cure, is caused by reduced production of insulin, or by decreased ability to use insulin. Insulin, the hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas, allows blood sugar (glucose) cells to be able to use blood sugar. This hormone is necessary for glucose to go from the blood to the inside of the body cells. With inadequate insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. The body is unable to use glucose for energy despite the high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. This causes the excessive thirst, urination, and hunger, which are the most common symptoms of diabetes. The excess sugar remains in the blood and is then removed by the kidneys. This disease occurs in several forms, but the most common are Type I Diabetes or Juvenile Onset Diabetes or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), Type II or Non Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM), and Gestational !In Type I Diabetes, the body is unable to store and use glucose as an energy source effectively. The pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin, as mentioned above, that helps lower blood sugar and aids in the passage of glucose out of the blood
Carefully performed blood sugar tests are very critical to avoiding reactions. When a reaction occurs, it is very important for the person to eat or drink something sweet to raise sugar levels. If the diabetic is having convulsions or is unconscious, Glucagon must be injected and an ambulance must be called immediately. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose and help it get into the bloodstream. Under no circumstances should food or liquid be forced into the mouth of the person having such a reaction. It is indicated when the blood sugar gets so low that the person is unable to swallow or loses consciousness. People in close contact with the diabetic should be instructed on how administer Glucagon in an emergency, since the person needing it may be unable to do so. Once the reaction has improved, the diabetic must eat something with carbohydrates or protein or a repeat reaction could occur. (Hirsch 26) If the diabetic follow the instructions given by the doctor closely, the diabetic will most likely maintain a somewhat healthy life, but can not cure the disease. Since the disorder is presently not curable, and is hereditary, the disease will continue to infect the world. The second type of diabetes is Type II Diabetes, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) also referred to as Adult Onset Diabetes. In this type, insulin is produced by the pancreas but is ineffective. Insulin levels may be normal, high or low, but the resistance to insulin is present and decreased sensitivity to insulin of liver, muscle, and fat tissue is also present. Type II usually does not require insulin, but is treated mostly by maintaining a healthy diet and increase in exercise due to the great percentage of obese people that have this type. (Smith 520) Type II Diabetes Mellitus affects 90% of all cases of Diabetes Mellitus in the United States population. At the time of diagnosis, 75% of people are obese, but the disease can develop in lean people, especially in the elderly. (Smith 20) Basically, this type usually affects obese, middle-aged or older people, and can affect nearly all races. The risk of developing this type increases with age. Although, the cause of the disease is unknown, genetic and environmental factors may play an important role. Similar to the first type, it is also hereditary, but is triggered by obesity, physiological or emotional stress, certain medications, being over forty years old, and pregnancy. Many people go through life, unknowing that they have this disease. There may be no symptoms, or the symptoms may just develop very slowly. Some of the symptoms of Type II Diabetes are thirst, excessive urination, weight loss despite increase in appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, impotence in men, missed menstruation, blurred vision, frequent infections, tingling, and numbness. The only way to avoid this type is to avoid obesity and monitoring diet regularly and/or while pregnant. This is not the only type of diabetes that may occur while pregnant. (Smith 21-22) The other, and least common form of diabetes is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. An example of a severe reaction, is a hypoglycemic reaction, which occurs when an excess of insulin causes the blood glucose to fall below 50mgs/100ml of blood. If alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach, it can cause a severe low blood sugar reaction. Since no sugar can be released to the body, it is very important to eat before drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol is also a bad idea because it dulls the sense of judgment and may make the person forget about eating a meal or taking an insulin injection. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, is a disorder that is usually recognized during the 24th or the 28th week of pregnancy. In most cases, the blood glucose level returns to normal, after the birth of the infant. The infant born to a woman with this type of diabetes may have increased birth weight, low blood sugar
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Approximate Word count = 2855
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)
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