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Diabetes
Diabetes | Highblood Pressure | Depression
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What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above
normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to
energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called
glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the
body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help
them convert blood glucose into energy.
People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make
enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and
fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the amount
of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved
of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia,
damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to complications
such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness,
nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.
Types of Diabetes
The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational
diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is usually
first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this
form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make
insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed
them.
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is
the most common form. People can develop it at any age, even
during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin
resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells
do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up
with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however,
it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to
meals.
Gestational diabetes develops in some women during the late stages
of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away
after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely
to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes
is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or by a shortage of insulin.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Children who have type 1 diabetes show these symptoms:
Overwhelming thirst that does not go away.
Frequent and/or uncontrollable urination
Weight loss or weight gain
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Many times children with type 1 diabetes find out they have it
after getting sick. Parents should know the symptoms of it so
they can get their children to a doctor.
Adults who develop type 2 diabetes show these symptoms:
Overwhelming thirst that does not go away.
Frequent and/or uncontrollable urination
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing infections
Impotence in men
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call
a doctor. Diabetes can be treated, but it can also do damage
to your body if the symptoms are ignored.
Important Note
The information provide by World Canadian Pharmacy is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist or other health care professional.
Consult your health care professional for more information regarding
these health topics.
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