Type 1 Diabetes Essay

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of metabolism. It is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Diabetes mellitus is a significant public problem that affects about 26 million Americans in the United States has diabetes. Diabetes can go silently undetected for a long time without symptoms. Many people first become aware that they have diabetes when they develop one of its potentially life threatening complications, such as heart disease, blindness or nerve disease.

There are 2 main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs during childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form the disease, usually occurs in people who are 45 years of age or older. However, the rate of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents is increasing.

Many people who have diabetes, particularly those who use insulin, should have a medical ID with them all the times. In some emergencies, the diabetic person may not always be able to speak or communicate. He or she may even be unresponsive. In these cases, a diabetes bracelet can silently inform the attending medical personnel of the disease.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES:

The underlying pathophysiologic defect in type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Following this destruction, the individual has an absolute insulin deficiency and no longer produce insulin. Autoimmune beta cell destruction is though to be triggered by environmental event, such as a viral infection. Since the pancreas is no longer produces insulin, people with type 1 diabetes are absolutely dependent on exogenously administered insulin...

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...ressure and tendency to retain fluids. Limiting sodium may also help the heart work more efficiently. Exercise is essential for the prevention of diabetes because it helps lower blood sugar levels and also helps the body to use its natural insulin more effectively.

Regular blood glucose tests are the only way to know with confidence whether the treatment program is working. Whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes, people who use insulin may need four or more blood glucose checks each day. Each time one performs a blood glucose test, log the results in a record book. The information one record will help to see how food, physical activity, illness and other factors affect blood glucose.

Seek support group or consider joining a local diabetes organization is important. One will get a sense of support and discover what others do to cope and lead healthy life with diabetes.