The month of November has been declared American Diabetes Month by the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes often goes undetected and undiagnosed as many of the symptoms of the illness appear harmless. Recent studies have indicated that early detection and treatment can decrease the possibility of developing long term and irreversible complications of the illness.
Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that result from the body’s inability to produce or utilize insulin. Glucose is the main source of energy for our bodies and comes from two major sources; the food you eat and your liver. During digestion sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream. Normally sugar then enters the cells with the assistance of insulin from the pancreas. There are three types of diabetes commonly known as type 1, type 2 and gestational which occurs during pregnancy.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system which normally attacks harmful bacteria and viruses begins to attack the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. This leaves the body with little insulin and an overabundance of glucose in the blood. It is believed that genetic factors as well as environmental factors may play a role in determining the onset of the disease although the mechanics are not well understood. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, unusual thirst and extreme hunger, unusual weight loss and extreme irritability and fatigue.
In type 2 diabetes, the cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance. Instead of moving the glucose into the cells, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include all of those symptoms noted in type 1 plus frequent infections or slow healing wounds, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet and recurring gum, skin, or bladder infections. It is also believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes and being overweight has been linked as a risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. However, not all type 2 diabetics are overweight.
The symptoms of gestational diabetes are the same as type 1.
Long term complications of diabetes develop gradually over time. The longer the person has the disease, and less controlled the blood glucose, the greater the risk for the development of complications. Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, and narrowing of the blood vessels. Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels in nerve cells causing tingling, numbness or burning sensations known as neuropathy. The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessels that filter waste from the blood. Diabetes can damage this filtration system causing kidney failure and end stage renal disease. Diabetes can also damage the sensitive blood vessels in the retina of the eye potentially causing blindness. Because of decreased circulation to the feet; any injuries left untreated can result in serious complications which may necessitate amputation in the case of severe damage. People with diabetes are at increased risk for bacterial and fungal infections of the mouth and skin. There is also controversy if having diabetes predisposes one to the risk of developing certain cancers. This is a source of ongoing research.
If you or someone you love has any of the symptoms mentioned, please seek the guidance and treatment of a physician. Treatment of diabetes includes an entire team of professionals working together to achieve stable blood glucose and minimize complications. Also, a great resource for further information is the American Diabetes Association.