In my first article I gave the definition of diabetes that is in "Webster's Dictionary." The definition has a lot of good information in it so let me recap that definition.
* "any of several disorders characterized by increased urine production. It is also called diabetes mellitus, a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, usually occurring in genetically predisposed individuals, characterized by inadequate production or utilization of insulin and resulting in excessive amounts of glucose in the blood and urine, excessive thirst, weight loss, and in some cases progressive destruction of small blood vessels leading to such complications as infections and gangrene of the limbs or blindness."
In addition to the generic definition of diabetes above, the dictionary gives an explanation of Type I or juvenile diabetes...
* "Also called Type I diabetes, insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile diabetes. a severe form of diabetes mellitus in which insulin production by the beta cells of the pancreas is impaired, usually resulting in dependence on externally administered insulin, the onset of the disease."
I want to talk about Type I or juvenile diabetes, or as the dictionary states a severe form of diabetes mellitus. This form of diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.
Insulin is a hormone the body uses to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Insulin must be in the body to convert sugar, starches, and other foods to energy. If the body does not produce it, then the insulin must be externally administered. So we have kids giving themselves a shot of insulin so they get energy to live their life!
Statistics say there are between 23 and 24 million children and adults in the United States living with diabetes. Of this number there are approximately 6 to 7 million who are unaware that they have the disease. So if you have diabetes, you are not the only person living with it. You are not alone!
Of the 23 to 24 million who have diabetes, 5-10 % of those Americans have Type I diabetes. They have a long journey before them, living with the disease. Their bodies do not produce insulin or the insulin produced by the pancreas is insufficient. Either way they have no insulin or insufficient insulin produced within their bodies, so they must compensate for this lack by taking insulin shots. They can still live a long, productive, happy life.
Type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Finding out you have diabetes is scary, especially as a child. Children want to be like everyone else. They do not want their life to be interrupted by checking their blood sugar and taking insulin shots every day.
If you or your child is diagnosed with Type I diabetes arm yourself with information as to what the disease does to the human body and what can be done to prevent it.
Here are a few of the conditions which can happen because of Type I diabetes:
* hyperglycemia
* hypoglycemia
* ketoacidosis
* celiac disease
* heart disease
* blindness
* nerve damage
* kidney damage
Information on every aspect of diabetes is available. You can easily obtain details on each of the following to help you fight the disease:
* insulin
* choosing your blood glucose meter
* diagnostic tests including A1c test
* managing your blood sugar
* checking your blood sugar
* kidney and islet transplantations
* tips on how to deal with your health care provide and talk to your doctor
My next article will provide details on Type I conditions, the symptoms, and help available to fight the conditions. In addition, I will give information where you can get your supplies, as well as medical help. If I can find information on medical advances available to the diabetic, I will include it as well.
Until next time, if you would like to gather more information, check out the American Diabetes Association Website. You can find all kinds of helpful information, including the newest information on diabetes, tips and recipes. Their website is http://www.diabetes.org
Author Resource:-
Hi, I am Lucy Peacock. I hold teaching credentials and math degree. I love teaching and have been a teacher, writer and consultant. I stay busy to keep life interesting! If you want more info check the site wwwblogwithlucy.blogspot.com
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