Diabetes is a very serious disease that attacks millions of people around the
world. It can strike at any age and can happen to anyone. Although we are not
exactly sure about the causes of diabetes, we believe that it has to do with the
body's own immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the
pancreas. Without insulin, the glucose that we need to live, has a hard time
entering the cells of the body that need it. If too much glucose builds up in
the blood, then a diabetic may begin to have headaches or blurry vision. They
may become very thirsty and have dry, itchy skin. If glucose levels go too low,
then a diabetic may feel shaky, tired, hungry, confused, or nervous. There are
two types of diabetes. They are called Type 1 and Type 2 Some symptoms of
diabetes include: excessive thirst; constant hunger; sudden weight loss for no
reason; rapid, hard breathing; sudden vision changes or blurry vision; and
drowsiness or exhaustion. These symptoms can occur at any time. Type 1 diabetes
is more common in Americans then Type 2. It has affected over 1 million
Americans with 30,000 more people diagnosed every year (13,000 of those being
children). Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed
during childhood. In Type 1 diabetes, a person's pancreas produces little or no
insulin, and because insulin is necessary for life, people with Type 1 diabetes
must take several insulin injection shots each day for the rest of their lives.
Although insulin allows a person to stay alive, it does not cure diabetes or
prevent it's complications. The blood sugar level of the diabetic must be tested
several times daily. One this is done by pricking the finger with a special
needle and placing the blood into a machine that will carefully read it. This
helps balance the glucose in the blood and will help determine how much insulin
is needed. Diabetics need to pay careful attention to their diets, exercise, and
blood sugar levels in order to stay healthy. Other factors that can affect the
blood sugar levels are stressed, periods of growth, dollars for infection, and
fatigue as well as their exercise and any changes in their normal schedule. Type
1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes or,
non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is different than Type 1 diabetes in one major
way. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does make insulin, we so it is not needed
to be taken separately, but sometimes, not enough insulin is made or the cells
ignore the insulin. Because of the sudden rise or fall in blood sugar levels,
people with this type of diabetes must also test their blood several times daily
and adjust their diets and exercise accordingly. Insulin boosting pills help
this type of diabetic maintain consistent blood sugar levels. With good
treatment though, insulin levels can return to normal. This, however, does not
mean that you are cured. You will always have diabetes, but normal levels shows
that you are taking care of yourself. A good diet, exercise, and weight loss can
help improve the body's use of insulin. A good diet should include low-fat
foods, moderate amounts of protein, and lots of foods high in complex
carbohydrates, like beans, vegetables, and grains. Exercise helps the body take
in glucose. Exercise also lowers glucose levels and plays a major part in
treatment. Losing weight is also a major part in treatment. It can also help the
body to use insulin more efficiently. The best way to lose weight is to maintain
a good exercise program and a healthy eating plan. If a healthy diet is not kept
up, then life-threatening complications may arise. These life-threatening
complications include: blindness; heart attack; kidney failure; stroke; nerve
damage; and amputation. People with diabetes can live a normal, regular life by
keeping track of their blood sugar levels. The average life span of a diabetic
is 15 years less than people that are not diabetic. This does not mean that they
cannot live a normal life. If a diabetic takes care of themselves by exercising
and eating right, then their life can be just as happy as anyone elses.