Diabetes Essay

For the past 2000 years, diabetes has been a devastating and fatal disease. It was first documented around 1500 BCE by ancient Egyptians, who believed it to be an unusual condition in which a person urinated a lot and lost weight without trying. Doctors determined whether a person had diabetes or not by checking if their urine had a “sweet taste.” People diagnosed with diabetes would die within weeks or months because there were no treatment plans just yet, and their bodies did not produce enough insulin (Polonsky). Diabetes has become more common in modern society because of the increase in obesity.

Diabetes has been divided into two groups: Type 1 and Type 2. Although Type 2 is more common, a person can develop either of the two types of diabetes at any age. Type 1 diabetes is either called “juvenile diabetes” or “insulin-dependent diabetes.” This kind of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young-adults (What Diabetes Is). The beta cells of the pancreas, which normally store and release insulin, can no longer create insulin because the body’s immune system has been taken over, and destroyed them (the beta cells) (Beta Cells) .

Type 2 diabetes, called “adult - onset diabetes” or “noninsulin-dependent diabetes” is the more common kind of diabetes, which can also develop at any age. This generally begins with insulin resistance, which is a condition in which fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin in the right ways. Firstly, the pancreas keeps up with the production of insulin, but ends up losing its ability to do so, due to the unhealthy meals eaten (What Diabetes Is).

People with Type 1 diabetes need to inherit risk factors from both parents. It is more common in Caucasians because they have th...

... middle of paper ...

...or major. In some cases, they are also unable to feel if they got hurt- that usually occurs on the feet. Darkened patches of skin on the neck are usually a sign of insulin resistance (Mayo Clinic Staff).

There are several different kinds of treatments for type 1 diabetes. It requires treatment to keep blood sugar levels within a range of 70 to 100 mg/dl (Ruhl). Most people monitor their blood sugar and eat accordingly. Taking an insulin injection, regular exercise, and eating healthy are other treatment plans people follow. Type 2 diabetes follows the same treatment plan.

According to Dale Evans, “Life is not over because you have diabetes. Make the most of what you have, be grateful.” Diabetes can be under control if the person actually takes care of his/her self. Exercise and watching the food eaten is the most important factor to keeping ones self healthy.