What is diabetes?

1. What is diabetes?

diabetes treatment:What is diabetes? 

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1.1. Introduction
Diabetes is a disease. For our bodies to work properly we need to convert sugar into energy. With diabetes, a hormone called insulin, which is essential for the conversions of the glucose (sugar) into energy, is no longer produced in sufficient amounts by the body or the insulin produced is not working properly. There are two main types of diabetes. 
- Type 1 or insulin –dependent diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) which usually affect children, teenagers and young adults and requires daily injections of insulin; and 
- Type 2 or non-insulin dependent Diabetes (Adult-onset Diabetes), which usually affects people over the age of 45 years and is treated by healthy eating and regular exercise. Tablets and insulin injections are sometimes necessary. 


This second type is the more common form of diabetes. 
1.2. Type 1 diabetes 
In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas (a large gland behind the stomach) fails to produce insulin. Without insulin, the body’s cells cannot use glucose (sugar), which the body needs for energy. It begins to burn its own fats as a substitute. Unless treated with daily injections of insulin, a person with type 1 diabetes accumulates in the blood dangerous chemical substances from the burning of fat. This can cause a condition known as ‘keto-acidosis’. To stay alive, people with type 1 diabetes depend on up to four insulin injections every day of their lives. They must test their blood glucose levels several times daily. This is vital to monitor the complex interaction of food and exercise with their insulin injections. Symptoms The symptoms may occur suddenly. If they occur, see a doctor. 
- Feeling constantly thirsty 
- Passing urine frequently, including bedwetting 
- Excessive hunger Blurred vision 
- Unexplained weakness and fatigue 
- Weight loss
- Vaginal discharge or itch in young girls
- Nausea and vomiting
Through a simple test, a doctor can find out if diabetes is present. Cause The exact cause is not known. Some people are predisposed to developing type 1 diabetes. In these people, the diabetes is possibly triggered by a virus. This destroys the part of the pancreas which produces insulin. Treatment Treatment aims to do what a normal body does naturally - maintain a proper balance of insulin and glucose. Diabetes "control" means keeping the level of glucose in the blood as close to normal as possible. The three elements of "control" for type 1 diabetes are:
- Food
- Exercise
- Insulin
1.2.1. Keto-acidosis
Keto-acidosis is a serious condition associated with illness or very high blood glucose (sugar) levels in type 1 diabetes. It develops gradually over hours or days. It is a sign of insufficient insulin. Without enough insulin, the body’s cells cannot use glucose for energy. To make up for this, the body begins to burn fat for energy instead. This leads to accumulation of dangerous chemical substances in the blood called ketones, which also appear in the urine. Symptoms of keto-acidosis High blood glucose level and moderate to heavy ketones in the urine with:
 Rapid breathing
 Flushed cheeks
 Abdominal pain
 Sweet acetone smell on the breath
 Vomiting
 Dehydration

This is medical emergency and can be life threatening if not treated properly. If these symptoms are present, contact your doctor or go to hospital.

1.3. Type 2 diabetes
In Type 2 diabetes, the body cells are unable to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This causes glucose (sugar) to accumulate in the blood stream. Symptoms The symptoms come on gradually but many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms and are diagnosed after a blood glucose test. It occurs more frequently in people who have a family history of diabetes, are over 50 years, are overweight and rarely exercise. Symptoms include:
- Feeling tired
-Passing urine frequently
- Feeling constantly thirsty
- Blurred vision Itching of the skin or genital area
- Slow healing infections
- Numbness and tingling in hands or feet
Treatment In many people with type 2 diabetes, healthy eating and regular exercise can control blood glucose levels. The eating and exercise plan a doctor or dietitian may suggest depends on the person¡¦s age, lifestyle and overall health. In some cases, tablets or insulin injections may also be necessary.
1.4. Gestational diabetes
What is Gestational diabetes? Gestational Diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. This common condition refers to a high blood glucose level recognized for the first time during pregnancy. It develops towards the middle of the pregnancy as a result of the changes in the mother¡¦s hormones. If this condition is left untreated, it can cause complications for the mother and the baby. Who is at risk of developing gestational diabetes? Women:
- over 30 years of age
- with a family history of type 2 diabetes
- who are overweight
- from certain ethnic groups e.g. India, Asia, Pacific Islands, Middle East