Diabetes and its effects
What is Diabetes<
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A disease in which the body does not properly control the
amount of sugar in the blood. As a result, the level of sugar in
the blood is too high. This disease occurs when the body does
not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. A
disease in which the body does not properly control the amount
of sugar in the blood. As a result, the level of sugar in the
blood is too high. This disease occurs when the body does not
produce enough insulin or does not use it properly.
Diabetes mellitus is a medical disorder characterised by varying
or persistent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels),
especially after eating. All types of diabetes mellitus share
similar symptoms and complications at advanced stages.
Hyperglycemia itself can lead to dehydration and ketoacidosis.
Longer-term complications include cardiovascular disease
(doubled risk), chronic renal failure (it is the main cause for
dialysis), retinal damage which can lead to blindness, nerve
damage which can lead to erectile dysfunction (impotence),
gangrene with risk of amputation of toes, feet, and even legs.
Serious complications are much less common in people who control
their blood sugars well with lifestyle and medications.
Patient understanding and participation is vital, as blood
glucose levels change continuously. Treatments that return the
blood sugar to normal levels can reduce or prevent development
of the complications of diabetes. Other health problems that
accelerate the damaging effects of diabetes are smoking,
elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, high blood pressure, and
lack of regular exercise.
Diabetes<
/a> Types:
There are two types of Diabetes are explained as follows:
Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is a life-long condition
in which the pancreas stops making insulin. Without insulin, the
body is not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. To
treat the disease, a person must inject insulin, follow a diet
plan, exercise daily, and test blood sugar several times a day.
Type 1 diabetes usually begins before the age of 30.
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes also known as
non-insulin dependent diabetes, typically occurs after the age
of 40 years. A resistance to insulin develops, often exacerbated
by excess weight, leaving the pancreas unable to produce enough
insulin to compensate.
Diabetes mellitus: A group of disorders in which there is
a defect in the transfer of glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream
into cells, leading to abnormally high levels of blood sugar.
Bronze diabetes:A genetic disease in which the body takes
in too much iron from food, this causes excess iron to be
deposited in the liver and heart and other organs, eventually
leading to organ failure and death.
Adult-onset diabetes: adult-onset diabetes is the former
term for non-insulin dependent, or Type 2 diabetes. This term is
no longer in use because, although this condition usually occurs
after 40 years of age, it may develop much earlier.