Diabetes, which is also known as diabetes mellitus, is a disease that affects the body's ability to convert blood sugar into energy. Typically broken into Type 1 and Type 2, diabetes can be found in people of both sexes and all nationalities or points of origin.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the body fails to produce insulin. This dilemma causes type 1 diabetics to become insulin dependent, usually for the remainder of their life. Type 2 diabetics usually produce insulin but the body struggles with utilizing it properly. Some of these sufferers also become insulin dependent but others manage to use diet and/or lifestyle changes to overcome their illness.
Current research indicates that diabetes causes is inherited at then later compromised by infection or environmental factors. Lifestyle and diet can also induce diabetes symptoms for type 2 sufferers. The symptoms and treatment for diabetes varies depending on which type the afflicted has incurred. The best resource for diabetes information for those who fear they suffer from the affliction comes from a medical professional.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Like the signs of most illnesses, diabetes symptoms are usually easy to spot can be confused for other illnesses. The most prominent symptom is an excessive thirst. This symptom is common to both types and is usually frequented with frequent urination. Increases in appetite and drastic weight fluctuations can also be common symptoms. With the increased intake of fluids and food, there also might be extreme or constant bouts of fatigue. For type 1 diabetes sufferers, the fatigue can be a warning sign for a needed shot of insulin. Failure to receive the medication could result in the person entering a dazed state and even passing out.
Continued failure to administer the appropriate medication could lead to a diabetic coma and possibly death. Blurred vision and slow healing wounds are also diabetes symptoms. In general, sufferers of type 1 battle with these symptoms for their entire lives. Type 2 sufferers generally see a slower onset of some but not always all of the symptoms. A medical professional must always be made aware of all symptoms that the sufferer is experiencing so that the appropriate diabetes treatment will be prescribed. Like the symptoms, the treatments for the two types of the illness vary depending on the diabetes information given.
Diabetes Treatment
A diabetes treatment plan will be implemented on a doctor based on a few tests. First, the patient will have their blood tested for appropriate blood sugar levels. The doctor will also check the functioning of the kidneys and the condition of the skin, especially on the feet and legs. Once the tests are run and the diabetes symptoms detailed, an appropriate plan is established. For type 1 sufferers, the best diabetes treatment plan involves three important areas. First, the patient must learn to check their own blood sugar and learn when and what amounts of insulin to take to maintain safety. Second, routine check-ups will be established with the doctor or a specialist to monitor the aforementioned kidneys and condition of the feet and legs. Lastly, the doctor will discuss the impact of lifestyle and diet on the illness.
Sufferers of both types of diabetes will be quickly encouraged to establish a routine physical exercise program and eat a diet that is consistent and monitored. For the type 2 sufferer, these changes in diet and physical exercise are usually more drastic. Since most research points to lifestyle as the main diabetes cause for this type, a doctor must act quickly. These changes can include much smaller caloric intake, much higher levels of physical activity and the possible use of medication or surgery.
