Diabetes Mellitus - Causes And Types
Diabetes Mellitus, also commonly called just diabetes, is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or where the body's cells no longer respond to the insulin that is produced. Glucose, or blood sugar, is not absorbed into the body's cells.
This disease can cause serious complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, and blindness. There are over 17 million people in America that have the disease, but is estimated that as many as one half of these people are unaware that they have it.
In order to understand what causes diabetes mellitus, you need to know some basics of how the body produces and uses insulin. The main source of energy for the human body is glucose. Glucose is a simplex sugar that occurs as a result of digesting foods that contain sugars and starches. Sugar and starches are also referred to as carbohydrates.
Glucose circulates in the blood and is a ready source of energy for the cells that need it. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and bonds to the outside of the cells. It acts as a key that can open the cells so glucose can enter. Some of this glucose is converted to energy and some is saved for later. If there is not enough insulin produced or if a cell cannot recognize the insulin as a key, the glucose will stay in the blood instead of entering the cells.
The human body attempts to dilute the blood with this high level of glucose by taking water out of the cells and placing it in the bloodstream. This is an attempt to dilute the glucose and get rid of it through the renal system. It's very common for people who have undiagnosed and untreated diabetes mellitus to drink large volumes of fluids in an attempt to quench their thirst. They will also urinate frequently. This produces high of glucose in urine.
While all this is happening, your body's cells are sending signals to the brain to eat more food because the cells are starving. This accounts for diabetics being very hungry. In order to give the cells the required energy, the body begins to convert proteins and fats to glucose. This breaks down the proteins and fats for energy, but causes ketones to develop in the blood. Ketones are acid compounds and can be excreted through the renal system as well.
When ketones build up in your blood, a condition known as ketacidosis occurs. This can be very serious. If it is not treated, ketacidosis can lead to death. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, usually begins in childhood. The body does not produce much insulin, if any at all.
This type of diabetes mellitus may require several doses of insulin throughout the day in order to keep the blood glucose levels controlled. Type 2 diabetes often occurs in people are overweight and don't exercise. It usually develops over the course of many years and can often be controlled with oral medications, weight loss, diet, and exercise.
However, if the blood glucose level is not controllable with this type of treatment program, insulin may be necessary. Gestational diabetes is another form of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. It usually disappears after birth. Gestational diabetes is normally controlled through diet; however, insulin may be required in some cases.
Diabetes Mellitus is quickly becoming one of the most common diseases in the United States; however, far too many people are unaware that they have the disease. It important to get your blood glucose levels checked regularly, especially if you experience any of the common symptoms. With proper care and treatment, there is no reason why you cannot live a full and healthy life.
Related topics about Diabetes Mellitus
What Causes Diabetes
Only Fat People Develop Diabetes. Obesity does play a large role in whether or not you will develop diabetes. But it is not what causes diabetes.
Glycemic Index
You may be under the assumption that foods like cookies and pies are the ones with a high Glycemic Index rank. However, many healthy and needed foods have a high Glycemic Index. The Glycemic Index accounts for carbohydrates which can be natural sugars, as well as processed sugars.
Hyperglycemia
Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia are very common when compared to other conditions. Most often, if you have high blood sugar you will experience a frequent need to urinate, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, or outrageous hunger, even after you have just eaten. A frequent need to urinate and excessive thirst are often a result of your blood sugar being too high for a very long time.