What is diabetes?
A. Diabetes occurs when the body is not able to properly process blood sugar. There are number of reasons this can happen. For those with type 1 diabetes, previously called “juvenile onset diabetes,” the pancreas ceases to provide insulin, which is a key regulator of blood sugar. This form of diabetes usually occurs at an early age and requires the injection of insulin to make up for the failure of the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, previously called “adult onset diabetes”, which is the most common type of diabetes, can result from a number of causes. It is often associated with obesity. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas may be producing insulin but the body is not utilizing it properly. The result is swings in blood sugar levels which affect daily life as well as long term health. If not properly managed, diabetes leads to much suffering and serious health consequences. Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease, kidney failure, adult blindness and non-traumatic amputations.
Diabetes means there is too much glucose in the bloodstream. Glucose is a type of sugar that’s created as carbohydrates are broken down during digestion. Glucose is the primary source of energy for cells. After eating carbohydrate-containing foods, the pancreas, a gland that lies behind the stomach and provides substances to help with digestion, releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin unlocks the cells, so to speak, to let the glucose into the cells so they can use the glucose for fuel. Those who have diabetes either can’t produce insulin, don’t make enough insulin, or their cells can’t use the insulin the pancreas makes. Because glucose can’t get into the cells, it remains in the bloodstream. High levels of blood sugar over time can wreak havoc on bodily systems. The complications of diabetes include heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems and amputations. However, having diabetes does not mean one will develop severe complications. Keeping blood sugar levels in no
Diabetes is a disease in which the body is missing or does not have enough of the natural hormones that help control blood sugar. You are probably familiar with one of these important hormones — insulin. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into the cells where it is used for energy or stored. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood where, over time, it can cause many complications, including damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. But there is another hormone that many people with diabetes do not know about — amylin. Generally, people who do not produce enough insulin also do not produce enough amylin. Without enough amylin, sugar enters the blood rapidly following meals, producing peaks in blood sugar levels. Without amylin, it is harder for insulin to lower these peaks, and blood sugar levels remain above normal and are difficult to control.
Related Questions
- Can an LVN in the state of California perform Routine Diabetic nail care? Can we trim DM nails? Under the direction of a podiatrist or RN?
- Can an LVN in the state of California perform Routine Diabetic nail care? Can we trim DM nails? Under the direction of a podiatrist or RN?
- Is Complan suitable for type 2 diabetics?
