How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by the inability of the body to either produce or respond to insulin making it impossible to maintain proper levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The extra glucose is excreted in the urine and because of the high level of glucose more water is flushed through. The diabetic experiences excessive urination and thirst.
The term Diabetes mellitus literally explains these symptoms: The Greek term diabainein, means "to pass through" (referring to the excessive urination) and mellitus comes from the Latin "sweetened with honey" (referring to the excessive presence of sugar).
There are basically two major types of diabetes: Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (non-insulin dependent).
Type 1 (formerly known juvenile-onset diabetes, because it is diagnosed in children or young adults) is caused by both genetic and environmental causes. In this case, the person's immune system produces antibodies that destroy the cells that produce insulin. Because the body can't produce insulin on its own, daily insulin injections are required.
Type 2 (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, because it normally appears in people aged over 40) is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90% of cases. Genetic factors play a major role in the development of Type 2, but obesity is also a major factor. A typical Western lifestyle means a diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and a minimal exercise plan and these habits are strong risk factors. Interestingly, people who do not live in Westernized areas do not tend to get Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their family history.
A third type of diabetes, known as Gestational Diabetes, affects women who have high blood-sugar levels during pregnancy. This should be monitored as it can adversely affect the baby. There is also a high probably that women who experience gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes at a later stage.
Diabetes symptoms to watch out for include; frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) website is an informative starting point for all. Visit the site today and take the Online Diabetes Risk Test, which can help you determine if you are at risk of developing diabetes. If you are deemed at risk and are experiencing one or more of the above mentioned symptoms you should see your doctor immediately.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes the ADA website has informative articles the disease, plus lots of suggestions on lifestyle and diet changes for those diagnosed with diabetes. A quick Internet search for "Diabetes Supply" will also bring up various sites offering products suitable for those living with diabetes.
There's nothing at all to be scared of. There's lots of help and advice available literally at your fingertips.
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.diabetes-top-resources.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Washington Post | AstraZeneca Successful in First Diabetes Seroquel Lawsuit AboutLawsuits.com All federal Seroquel lawsuits over diabetes are consolidated for pretrial litigation in an MDL, or multidistrict litigation, that is centralized in the US ... AstraZeneca Wins Trial on Seroquel Diabetes Claim Corporate Watch Jury: Drug did not lead to diabetes |
Competact Diabetes Drug Withdrawn As EU Is Unlikely To Approve eMaxHealth Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited recently withdrew their application to market its type 2 diabetes treatment drug, Competact, in Europe. ... Takeda drops application for diabetes drug in Europe Takeda Withdraws European Marketing Authorization Application For Type 2 ... |
 World News | Manage diabetes to preventing heart disease and stroke The Morning Sun By MIDMICHIGAN HEALTH Heart disease is common in people with diabetes, but the good news is that taking good care of diabetes and the body today can help ... Right Knowledge and Conduct is the Key to Survive with Diabetes Online, Phone Tests Assess Diabetes Risk Education, behavior key to living with diabetes |
 Times LIVE | Diabetes Drug Supporters Had Financial Tie to Glaxo, Study Says BusinessWeek March 19 (Bloomberg) -- Most scientists who published articles supporting GlaxoSmithKline Plc's diabetes drug Avandia after it was ... Scientific Disclosure Ethics Questioned in Diabetes Drug Debate Supporters of diabetes drug had financial trials to pharmaceutical company Scientific Disclosure Ethics Questioned in Diabetes Drug Debate |
Health department home health staff note American Diabetes Alert Day Quad-Cities Online The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Home Health Nursing staff announce that Tuesday, March 23rd has been proclaimed the American Diabetes Alert ... Diabetes health fair Saturday -- at the cemetery 'Diabetes Alert Day' is March 23 "The silent killer" |
 Daily Contributor | FDA Rejects Amylin Diabetes Drug, Seeks More Info Wall Street Journal NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--The US Food and Drug Administration denied approval of a long-acting version of diabetes drug ... Diabetes Drug From Lilly, Amylin Under Scrutiny FDA asks for risk plan info on diabetes drug Amylin, Alkermes Gain as FDA Needs No New Byetta Data |
 ABC News | To Cut Diabetes Heart Risks, Diet and Exercise May Beat Drugs U.S. News & World Report More than 1 in 10 American adults have diabetes, and many of them successfully keep their blood sugar levels under control with various ... Diabetes Trial: Drug Treatment May Not Cut Heart Disease Diabetes Patients Lowering Their BP and Cholesterol Do Not Reduce Heart Risks No surprise – treatments for diabetes failed |
 TopNews United States | Selenium concentrates may cut diabetes risk in men--study TheMedGuru In a notable study, researchers have found that selenium intake can reduce diabetes risk in men. ... Selenium Could Shield Against Diabetes High Selenium Concentration Reduces Diabetes Risks in Men: Research Dietary supplement can reduce diabetes risk – but only in men |
 Private MD | Introverted, self-reliant personality may shorten life-expectancy for diabetes ... Private MD Patients undergoing diabetes testing who have a lower propensity to trust and seek out others may be at a greater risk of death than ... |
Students use spirit day to Dance for Diabetes EMC Stittsville/Richmond EMC News - Students at Goulbourn Middle School spent Friday afternoon dancing for a cause, raising $861.70 for juvenile diabetes research. ... Local Ford Lincoln Mercury Dealerships Support the Cure for Diabetes JDRF hosts Diabetes Research Symposium to focus on type 1 diabetes PM devotes innovative funds for diabetes research |
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