Friday, August 14, 2009

Diabetes At A Glance

  • Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

  • Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose.

  • Absence or insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes.

  • The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent).

  • Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst and hunger as well as fatigue.

  • Diabetes is diagnosed by blood sugar (glucose) testing.

  • The major complications of diabetes are both acute and chronic.

    • Acutely: dangerously elevated blood sugar, abnormally low blood sugar due to diabetes medications may occur.

    • Chronically: disease of the blood vessels (both small and large) which can damage the eye, kidneys, nerves, and heart may occur

  • Diabetes treatment depends on the type and severity of the diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.

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