Diabetes Diabetes mellitus diabetes is a group of
Diabetes • Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a group of chronic diseases characterized by the inability of the body to metabolize carbohydrates properly. • Insulin helps glucose (“blood sugar”) enter cells where it is metabolized for energy. • People suffering from diabetes produce no insulin, produce insufficient amounts of insulin, or respond abnormally to insulin. – As a result, blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels.
Diabetes Mellitus (continued) • Chronic high blood glucose levels can lead to: – Hypertension – Loss of vision – Nerve damage • In the United States, poorly controlled diabetes is a major cause of: – Kidney failure – Blindness – Lower limb amputations
Diabetes Mellitus (continued) • Common signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes: – Lack of energy – Listlessness – Frequent urination – Excessive thirst – Fruity odor in breath – Increased appetite with weight loss – Vision problems
Diabetes Mellitus (continued) • Most people with diabetes have type 2. – The typical type 2 diabetic is overweight, older than 40 years of age, and has a family history of the disease. • Since 1990, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically in the United States, particularly among black Americans and Hispanics. – The disease is also becoming more common among children and adolescents. – Obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in children and adults.
Diabetes Mellitus (continued) • Common signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes: – – – Excessive thirst Excessive urination Vision problems In women, recurrent vaginal infections Skin sores that do not heal • Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled by making changes in diet and regular exercise. • Many diabetics, however, need to take medications to increase the production of insulin. • Routine health checkups are essential to lessening the long-term damaging effects of diabetes.
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