Diabetes is a malady that is characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from the body's inability to produce a normal and healthy level of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is essential to energy and metabolism regulation within the body.
It helps to regulate carbohydrates and fats; when glucose, or sugars are absorbed from these substances, it is turned into glycogen. This process is essential to hormone regulation within the body and helps it to understand when it is hungry and needs more energy.
According to the 2007 Diabetes Fact Sheet, at least 23.6 million people, or seven point eight percent of the population, are affected by the disease. It does not discriminate by age or gender, and often even small children can suffer from it.
It has different levels of seriousness and can either be permanent or temporary, depending upon the situation and the individual that has been diagnosed with it. With proper medication and monitoring, those affected have the capacity to live pretty normal lives.
However, it is a serious illness that must be treated; in fact, over the past five years, it has remained in the top ten leading causes of death notified on death certificates. Unfortunately, diabetes is not usually a disease that stands on its own.
Many individuals experience other complications along with it. Some of these that have been noted are heart attack, stroke, hypertension, blindness, kidney disease, neuropathy, and the need for amputation.
These do not always occur, and some individuals may find themselves to be completely healthy, despite their problems with diabetes. Being victim to the illness can get costly, including medication and health care over the lifespan.
In fact, it was recorded that Americans who suffer from it spend an estimated one hundred and seventy-four billion dollars each year on health care. That means that each of those individuals may spend over two times more each year than someone that does not have the illness.
There are a few different categories and types of the sickness. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults; it has also been called juvenile diabetes.
Most often, it only affects between five and ten percent of all patients with this sickness. With Type 1, the body simply does not produce insulin; in other words, the system is unable to convert sugar and starches into the energy that is used each day.
The majority of children that recognize it and go on insulin therapy early are able to manage the problem and live long and healthy lives. Type 2 is the most common diagnosis among patients; with this, the body either does not produce needed hormones or the cells ignore the substances and do not make use of them.
Some groups are more likely to be diagnosed than others. This includes African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and the aged population.
Most of these individuals have to stay very aware of their blood glucose levels, usually by pricking their fingers throughout the day and testing their blood. Depending upon the levels, they may also need the help of daily insulin shots to help manage energy and absorption.
There are other medications that can be taken, but most will benefit simply from the regulation of the levels of hormones within their bodies. Some individuals may be instructed by a doctor to also start an aspirin regimen, because it has been suggested that it thins blood and makes it less likely for a patient to experience a heart attack.
Though there really is no way to cure the disease, there may be ways that people can lessen the effects or prevent it from happening in the first place. Many of those that are diagnosed with diabetes were not living a healthy lifestyle and keeping their blood pressure and weight levels down.
This may not be the case with everyone, but it is suspected that those that have a healthy diet and exercise frequently may be able to reduce their likelihood of developing it at a later date. Therefore, if you feel that you might be genetically or physically prone to experiencing blood glucose problems, make sure that you develop healthy habits while you can.
Keep your heart and cardiovascular system healthy with daily exercise; running, biking, swimming, or other cardio might be able to help you reduce weight. Avoiding saturated fats and sugars could also be a way to prevent further health complications.
It is definitely true that some are more likely to experience it, due to heredity, than others; however, there is no set pattern of inheritance. Pregnant women can also suffer from gestational diabetes; it is most often temporary, and should disappear once their child is born.
Learning about the illness and changing behavior could make it easier for those that are prone to it to prevent it. It is suggested that as overall health increases, the likelihood of patients suffering from it may decrease.
Author Resource:-
Tommy Greene has worked in surgical equipment sales for the past 15 years. He has great advice and information on a Electrosurgical Unit.
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