What is diabetes?

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, that result from defects in insulin secretion, or action, or both. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes (as it will be in this article) was first identified as a disease associated with “sweet urine,” and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term sweet urine.
Diabetes Insipidus Diabetes insipidus (DI) causes frequent urination. The large volume of urine is diluted mostly water. To make up for lost water, you may feel the need to drink large amounts. You are likely to urinate frequently, even at night, which can disrupt sleep or, on occasion, cause bedwetting. Because of the excretion of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine, you may quickly become dehydrated if you do not drink enough water.
Diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus (DM) is far more common than diabetes insipidus and receives more news coverage. DM has two forms, referred to as type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or IDDM) and type 2 diabetes(formerly called adult-onset diabetes, or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or NIDDM). Diabetes insipidus is a different form of illness altogether.
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Types of diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most often occurring in children and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive.

Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body’s inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is the most common form of the disease. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions, due to an increased number of older Americans, and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Gestational Diabetes is developed in about two to five percent of women during pregnancy. Although this type usually disappears after the birth of the baby, women who have had it are more likely to develop Type 2 later in life.

Close-up of doctor check blood sugar level of client use digital glucometer at hospital. Diabetes test for patient on appointment. Medicine, clinic concept

Risk Factors for Type 2

  • Older than 45 years of age
  • Overweight
  • Do not exercise regularly
  • Parent or sibling has it
  • Having a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
  • Having gestational diabetes while you were pregnant
  • African- or Latin-American, Native American, Asian or a Pacific Islander descendant

Symptoms of Diabetes

  • Excessive thirst & appetite
  • Excessive urination
  • Unexplained Weight loss
  • Sudden exhaustion or weakness
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent vaginal infections
  • Impotence

Your Medical Team

Every person with diabetes needs a medical team to help them with their illness, but many do not know who these people are.

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN (PCP)

They are who keep your basic medical records. You should always talk to them about meds, symptoms, or anything that you just don’t understand.

DIETICIAN

This is the person who sits with you and advises you of foods to eat and avoid, as well as other helpful nutritional stuff.

NEUROLOGIST

In plain language, this is your nerve doctor. They examine your nerve responses, teach you about the impact of diabetes on your nervous system, and offer good advice on staying healthy.
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PODIATRIST

A good foot doctor is one who looks at your feet and shows you ways to maintain great soles and foot health. Sometimes, they even massage your feet, give them salt baths, or clip your toenails.

OPHTHALMOLOGIST

I often have trouble with that word. This is your eye doctor. They check your vision, your pupils, and other eye parts, and sometimes give prescriptions for glasses. This doctor should be seen, no pun intended, at least twice a year, or when deemed necessary.