Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic, progressive disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood and utilize it properly. The glucose is needed by the body for energy to perform its normal functions like walking, exercising and performing the daily chores. When you eat a meal like a soda and burger, the body breaks down the complex chemical structure that makes up your food into glucose, a simple sugar, which is easily absorbed and used by the cells in the body.
In healthy individuals, the blood glucose level is regulated primarily by two hormones- insulin and glucagon. The former is produced by the beta cells and the latter by the alpha cells of the pancreas. Essentially, insulin keeps blood sugar from going up (hyperglycemia) more than its normal level (> 200mg/dL taken randomly) by allowing the glucose to move from the blood into liver, muscle, and fat cells, where it is used for fuel. On the other hand, when blood sugar level drops too low (hypoglycemia), the body releases glucagon to raise it up to its normal level again.
When the body is unable to control the surge of blood glucose in the circulation, some of it leaks into the urine, a condition called glycosuria. This happens because the kidneys are overwhelmed by the excess glucose and are unable to reabsorb it. Normally, glucose is not found in the urine because it is a necessary nutrient and therefore, reabsorbed into the circulation. Glycosuria is one of the most notable symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus although its existence could be due to other factors such as the intake of drugs. Other signs and symptoms include the three P's:
• Polyphagia (excessive hunger)
• Polyuria (excessive urination)
• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Statistics
About 17 million Americans (6.2% of adults in North America) are believed to have diabetes. About one third of diabetic adults do not know they have diabetes. Type 1 DM accounts for the 10% of the cases and the remaining 90% is attributed to Type 2 DM.
About 1 million new cases occur each year, and diabetes is the direct or indirect cause of at least 200,000 deaths each year. It is listed as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
The incidence of diabetes is increasing rapidly. This is attributed to many factors, but the most significant are obesity and the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles.
Pre-diabetes
This is a common condition where the blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetic. Pre-diabetes almost always leads to Type 2 DM, cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Pre-diabetes can typically be reversed without insulin or medication by losing a modest amount of weight and increasing your physical activity. This weight loss can prevent, or at least delay, the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
An international expert committee of the American Diabetes Association redefined the criteria for Pre-diabetes, lowering the blood sugar level cut-off point for Pre-diabetes. As a result, approximately 20% more adults are now believed to have this condition and at risk of developing Type 2 DM within 10 years if they do not exercise, maintain a healthy weight and reduce their fast food intake.
As you may be aware, Diabetes Mellitus primarily occurs in two forms:
1. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: people with it cannot produce any insulin or enough of it. It is also formerly known as juvenile-onset Diabetes Mellitus and Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM).
2. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: people with it have insulin but cannot utilize it properly. To distinguish it from the Type 1, it also used to be known as adult-onset diabetes Mellitus and non-insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM).
Sometimes, both types occur together. Generally, both Type 1 and Type 2 results in the accumulation of glucose in the blood. Consequently, the cells that need the glucose for fuel are starved and certain organs and tissues exposed to the high glucose levels are harmed too.
Another form of diabetes is the one that occurs during the second half of pregnancy. This is called Gestational Diabetes and is present in 2-4% of pregnant women. It typically goes away after delivery of the baby. Women who have Gestational Diabetes are more likely than other women to develop Type 2 DM later in life. Also, women with Gestational Diabetes are more likely to have large babies.
Secondary Diabetes is also known to happen to individuals who have endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome and pancreatic disease; and those who use anti-inflammatory medications such adrenocorticosteroids and antihypertensive drugs like thiazide diuretics (Diuril).
My name is Gary Turner and I have been a diabetic since 1984. I started Diet Plan for Diabetes to provide other diabetics the information they need to manage their diabetes and live a longer, fuller life. In my free mini-course, you'll find tips for keeping your blood sugar under control, and much more. My Diet Plan for Diabetes eBook is the result of personal experience combined with much additional research, to provide a complete and extensive guide to managing diabetes.
