Diabetes

Overview   
Symptoms   
Treatment   
Products   
Resources

Diabetes is a chronic disease of the bodys metabolic system in which too much sugar or glucose is present in the bloodstream. Diabetics either dont make or cannot use insulin effectively, resulting in high levels of sugar in their blood. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into the energy needed for daily life.

Diabetes today is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Approximately 17 million Americans have diabetes, and of these almost 6 million have not been diagnosed yet. Every year, another 1 million people are diagnosed with diabetes. This disease is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. Diabetes often leads to blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, strokes, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage.

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Types of Diabetes

The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is insulin dependent while Type 2 is non-insulin dependent.

Type 1 Diabetes This most often occurs in children and young adults when the body does not produce any insulin. Type 1 diabetics must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. This form of diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that results when the body's immune system for fighting infection turns against another part of the body. In diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and destroys them. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue.

Type 2 Diabetes This metabolic disorder results from the body's inability to make enough insulin or properly use the insulin it does produce. Type 2 the most common form of diabetes, accounting 90 to 95 percent of all cases. This form of diabetes usually develops in adults age 40 and older and is most common in Baby Boomers over age 55. However, Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions due to the increased number of older Americans and the growth of obesity and sedentary lifestyles among children and young adults.

Type 2 diabetes is part of a metabolic syndrome that includes obesity, elevated blood pressure, and high levels of blood lipids. The pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for some unknown reasons, the body cannot use the insulin effectively and results in a condition called insulin resistance. After several years, insulin production decreases. The result is the same as for Type 1 diabetes in which glucose builds up in the blood and the body cannot make efficient use of its main source of fuel.

The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes develop gradually. They are not as sudden in onset as in Type 1 diabetes. Some people have no symptoms. Symptoms may include fatigue or nausea, frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent infections, and slow healing of wounds or sores.

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Diabetes Treatment

Early detection of diabetes is extremely important in controlling the disease and minimizing later medical complications. Healthy eating and physical activity are the primary management techniques for all diabetics. Type 1 diabetics also need insulin via injection or an insulin pump and they must monitor their blood glucose levels frequently to keep in balanced with eating and activities. Type 2 diabetics must also test their blood glucose daily and require oral medications and insulin to control their blood glucose levels.

Diabetics must take responsibility for their daily care and wellbeing. By monitors their blood glucose they can keep the levels from rising too high or dropping too low. When blood glucose level drops too low from certain diabetes medicines, hypoglycemia results and the diabetic can become nervous, shaky, and confused. Judgment can be impaired. In contract, if their blood glucose level rises too high, they can become ill with hyperglycemia.

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Diabetes Products

Following are some of the products used by diabetics to help manage their daily condition and stay healthy:

• Blood Glucose Monitors and Strips are used to manage diabetes by testing blood sugar levels throughout the day. Most monitors come in convenient carrying cases and newer units require only a minimal amount of blood for a sample.
• Blood Glucose Control Products are used to help monitor and maintain normal glucose levels. These products include:
  • Insulin is a prescription medicine that helps maintain insulin levels in the blood stream.
  • Glucose Tablets are taken when blood sugar levels fall low and assist in bringing sugar levels up very quickly.
  • Lancets are devices used to puncture the skin so that a blood sample can be obtained for the glucose meter. They are available in numerous styles.
  • Insulin Pumps these medical devices help continuously monitor the insulin level in the blood stream and dispense the needed amount to maintain safe levels.
  • Syringes are used to inject insulin and usually very small gauges and cause minimal discomfort when injecting.
  • Alcohol Swabs are used to clean the skin prior to either taking a blood sample or injecting insulin.
• Diabetes Shoes and Socks are custom made to avoid any unnecessary discomfort or pressure points that might lead to open wounds and possible amputations. Most insurance companies will provide one pair of diabetic shoes and three sets of custom molded inserts per year. Diabetic shoes now come in a variety of styles (both lace and Velcro closures) and colors. A diabetic sneaker is even available for the active diabetic.
• Foot Care Products provide cushioning and support to help avoid any irritations or wounds that often develop as a result of diabetes.
  • Gel and Heel Pads are placed within shoes to help eliminate pressure spots and to cushion the foot.
  • Orthotics are available in either off-the-shelf or custom varieties to eliminate a number of common foot conditions.
• Impotence Aids are sometimes desired when diabetes results in the loss of sexual potency. The most common is a vacuum-erection therapy device whereby a pump, used externally and painlessly helps draw blood into the penis helping to achieve an erection.
• Skin Care Products help to prevent skin breakdown and maintain healthy skin tissue. They work to eliminate bacteria, fungi and yeast infections while helping to heal infected skin. These include:
  • Cleansers
  • Barriers and Skin Protectants
  • Moisturizers and Creams

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Diabetes Resources

American Diabetes Association (ADA)
800-342-2383
www.diabetes.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
800-533-2873
www.jdrf.org

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
800-860-8747
www.niddk.nih.gov


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