Diabetes
mellitus (commonly called simply diabetes) is a disorder in
which the body's ability to break down sugar for energy is
compromised. It affects over 16 million people worldwide,
and kills over 190,000 people a year in the US alone, making
it the most common serious metabolic disorder in humans.
Normally, the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which
allows cells in the body to absorb glucose (sugar) from the
blood. Cells then convert this glucose to energy. Diabetes
compromises the ability of the body to produce and/or use
insulin. This means that glucose remains in the blood stream
longer, resulting in high blood sugar levels ("hyperglycemia")
and a loss of energy to cells.
Buildup of glucose in the blood over many years can damage
the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Development
of these complications is dependent on the duration of diabetes
and also how well blood sugar levels are controlled. Over
the shorter term, symptoms can include frequent urination,
extreme thirst, blurry vision, numbness in hands and feet,
unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
In type I diabetes (formerly called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent
diabetes), the body produces no insulin of its own. Patients
with type I diabetes must take insulin for survival. Type
I diabetes normally begins in childhood or young adulthood,
and accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes cases.
Type II diabetes (formerly called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent
diabetes) accounts for the remaining 90-95% of diabetes cases.
In type II diabetes, the pancreas does produce insulin, but
for reasons unknown, body cells are resistant to its effects,
making it harder for these cells to absorb glucose from the
bloodstream. Often, type II diabetes can be controlled through
diet and exercise; sometimes insulin therapy is required.
Drugs can also help cells be more sensitive to insulin, so
that sugar can enter them. Type II diabetes commonly occurs
later in life (after age 45), and risk factors include obesity,
sedentary lifestyle, and family history of the disease.
For further information, contact the American Diabetes Association
at www.diabetes.org
or 1-800-342-2383.
Further Reading: "Sweet
Memories"
by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain |
