Most people, when asked what diabetes is, will say that it is the presence of high blood sugar levels and that people with diabetes should adhere to a strict diet and have to periodically take insulin shots to control the disease. But what really is diabetes, the disease termed as "the illness of the rich?" What are the reasons that most of us think that it is an enemy to our good health and well-being?
Diabetes used to be called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). These terms though are not used often nowadays because they might cause some confusion among people with limited vocabulary on medical terms and jargon. Today, we use the terms Type I and Type II diabetes to differentiate between the two forms of diabetes.
Diabetes is metabolic, meaning it is the result of the processes that occur inside our bodies when we digest food. Whenever we eat, food is transformed into sugar known as glucose. Glucose is our main source of energy, our bodies' fuel. Glucose is transported throughout our body via the bloodstream where it is stored in cells for energy and for our physical growth. For it to be stored properly, the body makes use of insulin, a hormone produced by our pancreas.
About 5 to 10 percent of diabetics have Type I diabetes. With this type of diabetes, the pancreas do not secrete enough insulin to help the body store glucose in the different cells of our body. Because of this, individuals suffering from Type I diabetes often require insulin therapy to prevent the rise of sugar levels in the blood to dangerous levels which can lead into more serious conditions.
The remaining 90 to 95 percent of diabetics have Type II diabetes. Type II diabetics suffer from insulin resistance or sensitivity. Insulin is produced but the body is lacking in its ability to use it properly. When sugar levels in the blood rises, they are given what is called oral hypoglycemic agents. Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. During periods of sudden stress, oral hypoglycemic agents might not be enough to stop the rise of sugar levels and so they are treated with insulin injections as well. Type II diabetes can often be found in people who are obese.
Complications suffered from diabetes are sometimes fatal. With proper management of the symptoms however, and by avoiding the causes that brings about these symptoms, diabetics can avoid such complications. Health care providers must make sure that their patients are educated about such complications. They must also introduce ways on how to properly manage diabetes to their patients.
