It is estimated that 20 million Americans have diabetes, a disease where the body loses its ability to properly produce and use insulin. Diabetes is a progressive disease that must be managed well to slow its advancement. Beyond the importance of keeping diabetes under control, it is imperative that you understand the warning signs. There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, plus gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
Diabetes Type 1 usually starts in childhood or in young adults. A part of the pancreas, called beta cells, is destroyed by an autoimmune process, a condition in which the body attacks and damages itself. The pancreas is then unable to produce the insulin required to move sugar from the blood into the cells for use as energy. The sugar then builds up in your blood and you have diabetes. Signs and symptoms include weight loss, increased thirst and urination and fatigue. In the worst case scenario, a patient will develop ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA includes dehydration and acidic blood pH which in turn causes the patient to breathe rapidly. These patients must be treated with insulin replacement from the beginning.
Diabetes Type 2 typically begins in adulthood and accounts for around 80 percent to 90 percent of the 20 million Americans with diabetes. The body's cells are resistant to insulin and/or there is a decrease in insulin production, and the blood sugar is not taken into the cells. The blood sugar elevates, and you once again have diabetes. Characteristic patients are obese and may present to their physician with increased thirst, increased urination or numbness in their feet. These diabetic patients can begin treatment with oral medications that help their cells use insulin. Since diabetes is a progressive disease most of type 2 diabetics will eventually need insulin therapy.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. There is an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes if a woman is African-American or Hispanic, obese or has a family history of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is usually detected during a routine prenatal visit. Therefore it is important for pregnant women to seek appropriate medical care. Approximately, five to 10 percent of women who had gestational diabetes will be found to have Diabetes Type 2 after pregnancy, and 20 to 50 percent will develop diabetes within five to 10 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Many complications can arise from diabetes, including increased risk of heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, slow wound healing and foot ulcers requiring amputation. If you have diabetic signs or symptoms, see a physician immediately. A simple blood test could save your life.
For more information on diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association site at www.diabetes.org.
