Know about diabetes

Diabetes is a dangerous disease that many people around the world have. Its full name is Diabetes Mellitus. People who suffer from Diabetes have a higher than normal level of blood sugar, usually because their body is not able to produce enough insulin or because their body’s cells do not respond to the insulin produced.

Diabetes has three main symptoms. The first is polyuria. This is when there is a need to urinate a number of times in a short span of time. The second symptom is increased hunger, known as polyphagia. The third is increase in thirst, known as polydipsia.

There are three main kinds of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin; therefore insulin needs to be manually administered into the body. This is usually done via injection. This kind of Diabetes is also known as IDDM or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 Diabetes

In this variety, the body does not respond to the insulin that the body already produces. It is also possible that there is an insulin deficiency in the body. It is also called Adult onset diabetes and NIDDM i.e. Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes mellitus.

Gestational Diabetes

This occurs in pregnant women. Women who have never had diabetes in their life will sometimes experience higher blood sugar levels. This can also be a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes.

These three are not the only kinds of diabetes, as there is also congenital diabetes, cystic fibrosis related diabetes, steroid diabetes and monogenic diabetes.

All varieties of diabetes can be treated with the use of insulin. Insulin first became available in 1921. Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes cannot even be cured, but only managed with the use of insulin. This is why they are known as chronic diseases. Ignoring Diabetes can lead to it causing many other complications in body organs which is why it is important to get the required treatment for this disease.

Apart from this some lifestyle changes are also important to be made for the patients. It has been noted that people who exercise and eat a balanced diet can avoid diabetes. While this may not always be the case, especially for those who have diabetes in their family, it is important for everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Diabetes is a dangerous disease that can cause massive damage to the organs, and the best way to avoid it is by living a healthy life.

If you have questions and would like more information please call our office to setup an appointment to talk to Anthony Cannon, MD at (609) 587-9944.