What are the types of Diabetes?

Normally, certain glandular cells in the organ called pancreas, located behind the stomach, make a specific amount of insulin upon stimulation of glucose load in the blood after each meal and puts it in the blood stream. Diabetes can occur due to several reasons. One of them is that the body does not make Insulin or does not make enough insulin. Sometimes, in the early phases, it may noy not make it on time after a meal. The other is that the pancreas may make sufficient or even more insulin than need but it is not made available to the body tissues inside the cells for it to act in the metabolism.

What are the Types of Diabetes? : Type 1 & Type 2 :

One type of diabetes is called type 1, or insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus. This type occurs more often in young people and children. Here, the pancreas gradually looses its ability to secrete insulin and later makes no insulin at all. They must take insulin as injection because their body either does not make insulin at all or does not make enoygh of it.

Another type of diabetes is called type 2, or non-insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus. In this type, the pancreas still makes some insulin but it does not work right. Type 2 diabetes may develop slowly over time and the symptoms may be mild and often easily overlooked.

What are the symptoms of Diabetes ?

The symptoms include :

* Feeling weak, tired or dizzy; -* Blurred vision; -* Loss of coordination;

* Skin itching, slow healing of skin infection, cuts & sores;

* Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet; -* Lack of ability to concentrate;

* Sudden weight loss or excessive weight gain; -* Sexual problems;

* Excessive Thirst, Increase hunger & Excessive urination;

Who gets type 2 Diabetes .... and why?

Approximately 14 to 16 million people in the United States have diabetes, and only about half of them know that they have it. Most people [9 out of 10] diagnosed have type 2 diabetes. No one knows the exact cause of type 2 diabets, but certain factors increase the cause of diabetes. These include :

1. *Age; 2. *Physical activity; 3. *Weight; 4. *Heridity; 5. *Diet.

The Native Americans never had diabetes until they took to the more "civilized" Western dietary habits of modern times. Most often type 2 diabetes is seen over the age of 45 years.Children of diabetic parents are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Now it is more common among Hispanic Americans and Asian Indians. It is more common in modern day India and also in Asian Indians settled in western countries.

When Sugar levels stay high -- what happens?

The short term effects of high blood sugar levels can be unpleasent and some times dangerous. In addition, a number of serious ling term complications can arise after years of high blood sugar levels. These complications include :

Blood vessel blockage leading to Heart disease; Stroke; Kindney disease;

Eye problems including bleeding under retina, blindness and Cataract;

Leg and Foot problems including ulcers and poor circulation leading to amputation,

Nervous system problems including loss of sensation and power, muscle wasting ;

Oral and Dental problems including dental infection, caries and loss of teeth.

Most common and dangerous complications are increased risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, Kidney failure and hypertension, Muscle weakness, paralysis and stomach problems.

Why is Blood Sugar Control so Important?

Keeping the blood sugar levels under control, it is confirmed by research studies, could help avoid the problems and complications often associated with uncontrolled or poorly controlled Type II Diabetes.That is why the primary goal of treatment has been to keep the blood sugar levels within normal range. These could reduce the risk of developing complications of Diabetes by upto 60% or more with a program of tight blood sugar control.

Is it possible to control the Blood Sugar in Diabetes?

The Blood Sugar level can be kept well under good control in the normal range by certain life style modifications including Diet Control, avoiding certain foods including sugars and fats; weight control and bringing the weight to near normal range; regular exercise; and when necessary, taking medicines needed, oral medicines or Insulin injections in proper and regularly without missing the doses. Thus one can avoid getting the complications or at least delay the onset of complications. Now, oral medications are not a substitute for taking injections. They have their own place and can not be changed according to one's desire.