Monday, September 30, 2013

What Causes Diabetes And Can It Be Treated Or Prevented

By Ronny Pratteroll


Diabetes is a disorder that disturbs how the body uses glucose, a form of sugar, which is our main source of fuel. We get glucose from the food we eat and when it gets into our bloodstream, our pancreas releases a hormone known as insulin that assists the sugar to get inside our cells for use as energy. However, if one has diabetes, the body either is unable to produce enough insulin, which is the cause of type 1 diabetes, or the insulin no longer performs as expected because the cells are no longer sensitive to it, which typifies type 2 diabetes. In any case, the glucose is not able to get into the cells normally, and thus the the concentration of sugar in the blood goes up, which leads to several symptoms.

Diabetes causes

The cause of diabetes depends on the type. Type 1 DM, for instance is partly inherited, and then activated by particular infections, like Coxsackie virus. The mechanism is unclear, nevertheless it's believed that after the infection, the body's own immune system damages the cells where insulin is created. Type 2 diabetes mellitus on the contrary is caused mainly by lifestyle and genetic factors.

Certain health conditions and drugs can also bring about diabetes. Exocrine pancreatic problems and use of glucocorticoids, for instance, can cause diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients can encounter the same symptoms. Disproportionate urination, increased thirst, and excessive hunger are the three classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Weight loss is also possible. Sustained high blood glucose can also lead to microvascular changes that can lead to vision changes and poor wound healing. Symptoms may develop rapidly for type 1 diabetes patients, while they usually develop slowly among type 2 diabetic patients.

Treatment of diabetes

Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes. But, it can be managed to reduce its impact in your life. Treatment involves insulin injections, oral hypoglycemics, changes in lifestyle, and regular checkups. Without medical intervention and compliance on the part of the patient, complications like blindness, amputation, and multiple organ damage are likely.

Diabetes prevention

For type 1 diabetes mellitus, the answer is, unfortunately, no. For type 2 diabetes mellitus however, being a lifestyle disorder, can be prevented by keeping a healthy weight. This will require making healthier food choices, such as cutting down consumption of simple sugars, and making sure that you get enough exercise. Staying away from vices including smoking and drinking are also essential since these activities can accelerate the progression of of complications.




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