What is Diabetes – Causes and Controls

By: Lysah Woods
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:18:46
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Diabetes is a disease that is caused when there is either too much or too little insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that controls the level of sugar (glucose) in the body.

When blood sugar levels are too high, for example, just after eating, insulin allows cells to increase their uptake of sugar where it can be converted into energy or other forms (eg: fat) This will bring sugar levels back to normal. When blood sugar levels are too low the pancreas reduces or stops producing insulin and the liver releases glucose to try and maintain a normal blood sugar level.

Someone who has diabetes is unable to produce normal amounts of insulin which means they are unable to adjust their blood sugar levels properly. There are two types of diabetes:-

Type 1 Diabetes – Insulin dependant Diabetes. This is where the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. The cells may have been damaged by a bacterial or viral infection but generally type 1 diabetics have a genetic predisposition to this disease.

In this case regular tests of their blood sugar levels and self administered shots of insulin are required to help the body use up its sugar supply.

Type 2 Diabetes – Non-Insulin dependant Diabetes. This is where the persons cells are unable to respond to insulin. It is generally developed in the later years of a persons life as a result of age, being overweight or a lack of physical activity. As insulin is not effective is is treated with exercise, weight loss and a diet low in carbohydrates, saturated fats and sugars.

Diabetes is becoming a more and more common which means the chances of you knowing someone who has this condition is much higher. Having a basic understanding of this condition can help you to help a member of your friends or family with the monitoring and treatment of diabetes. Diabetes can lead to more serious health problems and even death if left to get out of control.

If you want to learn more about diabetes, its causes and its treatments you can go to http://www.diabeticsupplies247.com

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Diabetes category

  • Moringa - The Natural cure for diabetes - By: Avon Howard
    Diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulted in hyperglycemia. Diabetic mellitus I & II are types of diabetes where Diabetes II can be controlled by diet and exercise. Moringa contains all essential nutrient needed for the diabetic patient to control their blood glucose level.
  • The Causes of Diabetes - By: Guna Seelan
    Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are different because they are both affected by insulin deficiency differently. A Type 1 diabetic is unable to produce insulin altogether whilst a Type 2 diabetic is ether not able to use insulin at they should be able to, or they cannot create insulin in sufficient quantities to live without insulin injections.
  • Symptoms of Diabetes Type 2 - By: Guna Seelan
    Type 2 diabetes is considered less severe than type 1. In actual fact, a sufferer can often go a very long time, even years, without knowing that they have the condition. The cause of type 2 diabetes remains unknown, however that is not to say that there has not been hypothesizes drawn over the likely causes.
  • The Symptoms of Diabetes Type-1 - By: Guna Seelan
    Type 1 diabetes is a more aggressive form of diabetes than Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes the sufferer is incapable of producing insulin altogether, and as a result will have more problems than a Type 2 sufferer who either produces less insulin or is incapable of absorbing insulin correctly.
  • IBS Diet - Foods & Eating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome - By: Rachit Dayal
    This articles examples the seven most important principles of an irritable bowel syndrome diet. Following these simple guidelines can help patients of IBS get relief from their symptoms and let their digestive system heal. Inside you'll find everything you need to know about - ibs diet, most common trigger foods, right and wrong foods, soluble fibers, acid-alkaline balance, fresh vs processed foods, what to avoid, and lifestyle tips on how to eat.
  • Diabetes Diet and Nutrition Guide - By: Andy John
    Diabetes Diet and Nutrition Guide for Diabetes Patients. Proper nutrition is essential to effectively manage diabetes. Keeping blood glucose level as close to normal (non-diabetes level) as possible is the only goal of a healthy eating plan for people with diabetes. This can be easily achieved by eating well-balanced meals and healthy food in the right amounts.
  • Diabetes - Alternate Site Testing - By: Andy John
    Alternate Site Testing may be a comfort for people with diabetes. Alternate Site Testing as the name suggests, allows people suffering from diabetes to take blood samples for glucose testing using parts of the body other than the fingertips.
  • Diabetes Basics - By: Andy John
    Diabetes Basics covering What is Diabetes, Types of Diabetes, Risk Factors and Symptoms of Diabetes.
  • Buy Your Diabetes Glucose Monitor Kit Carefully - By: Roberto Sedycias
    Buying a diabetes glucose monitor kit is definitely a wise decision, but do you know what to consider while buying this device? Read on to find out.
  • Diabetes Natural Treatment - By: Natisha Nel
    Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. In the simplest terms diabetes mellitus (commonly referred to as just "diabetes") is a blood sugar disease, in which the body either does not produce or does not properly utilize insulin.