What is diabetes?

Diabetes

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar level is higher than normal.  Normal is 80-120. There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. It is usually seen in young people. Type 2 diabetes - usually non insulin-dependent diabetes. It tends to affect adults  and overweight people. There are also other types of diabetes. Pregnancy diabetes. This is known as gestational diabetes. It's associated with pregnancy and symptoms usually disappear after the birth. If you get gestational diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing one of the main types of diabetes later in life. Secondary diabetes. This is when diabetes is caused as the result of another condition, ex.  inflammation of the pancreas (alcohol), or by the use of certain medication such as diuretics or steroids (the most common cause). Normally blood glucose levels stay within narrow limits throughout the day: 4 to 8mmol/l. But they are higher after meals and usually lowest in the morning.  The Joslin Diabetes Center clinical guidelines recommend the following target blood glucose goals for people with diabetes. Pre-meal (fasting) glucose 90-130 mg/dL. Two-hour post-meal glucose: less than 160mg/dL. Late-stage diabetic complications When very high levels of blood glucose are present for years, it leads to damage of the small blood vessels. Late-stage complications do not usually develop for 10 to 15 years with Type 1 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, however, symptoms can appear close to the time of actual diagnosis because the disease may go undetected for longer. Diabetic Retinopathy (small blood vessels in retina are damaged) or Diabetic Macular Edema (blood vessels leak making swelling in macula of retina) that can cause blindness.  1 in 2 develop eye problems ranging from glaucoma to cataracts.  Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness 20-74yrs.  Make sure your have eye exams yearly. Nephropathy (kidney disease) Diabetic kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure. Diabetic neuropathy (nerve disease) that can cause foot ulcers and foot infections.  1 in 4 have foot complications, so take the time to inspect feet and keep them healthy and moisturized. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), particularly in smokers and those with high blood pressure and abnormal fat levels in the blood. Cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, hypertension, heart failure, stroke and problems caused by poor circulation, ex. gangrene in the worst cases.   The main factors that increase your risk are: smoking--so stop! high blood pressure raised levels of Triglycerides (fats) such as cholesterol in the blood.   Info from NetDoctor.co.uk and Time Magazine Oct 2008.