Glucose is a nutrient that the body needs for energy production and cell growth. However, for glucose to be used effectively by the body, it has to be transported from the bloodstream to the cells. Elevated blood glucose levels occur in patients with diabetes, a disease that is caused by problems with insulin---the hormone that moves glucose into cells. Diabetes can also occur as a result of other medical problems.
Types
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse reports that there are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by production of little to no insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but does not use it properly. In this case, insulin does not do its job, even though it is present. Inadequate production of insulin may also occur in type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is seen in pregnant women.
Other Types
Diabetes can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions. Insulin is produced in the beta cells of the pancreas, so if a person suffers from pancreatic disease, it is possible for that person to develop diabetes. "Providing Diabetes Care In General Practice," by Mary MacKinnon states that acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and surgical removal of the pancreas may cause diabetes. Diabetes may also be caused by hormonal diseases such as Cushing's syndrome and genetic diseases like DIDMOAD syndrome, which stands for Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy and Deafness. .
Causes
The immune system normally destroys disease-causing agents in the body. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks and destroys parts of the body. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed.
According to The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, the cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown. However, it is associated with a family history of diabetes, advanced age, obesity, previous history of gestational diabetes, being physically inactive, and certain ethnicities such as African-Americans, Hispanics and Asian-Americans.
Gestational diabetes is caused by hormones the body produces during pregnancy. These hormones inhibit the action of insulin and lead to increase in blood glucose levels.
Complications/Effects
Symptoms of diabetes include urinating frequently which leads to dehydration and increased thirst. Excessive hunger, blurry vision and fatigue are also signs of diabetes. An individual who has had diabetes for a long time or whose blood glucose levels remain high for an extended period of time may develop complications such as kidney, nerve and eye damage. Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease may also occur.
Treatment
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy for survival. Type 2 diabetes is treated with oral diabetic medication. Both types of diabetes are also managed with dietary changes and exercise. Gestational diabetes goes away when pregnancy ends. "A Practical Manual of Diabetic Retinopathy Management," by Peter Scanlon, Stephen Aldington, Charles Wilkinson and David Matthews says that diabetes that occurs as a result of other diseases may often need insulin treatment.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,: Diabetes Overview
- "Providing Diabetes Care In General Practice: A Practical Guide To Integrated Care"; Mary MacKinnon; 2002
- "A Practical Manual of Diabetic Retinopathy Management"; by Peter Scanlon, Stephen Aldington, Charles Wilkinson and David Matthews; 2009
