What You Should Know About Diabetes Mellitus

type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin to transport energy throughout the bloodstream. This disease is generally treated with injections, an insulin pump or an insulin pen. Type 2 diabetes occurs most frequently in older, overweight Americans, where the body stops responding to the insulin produced. These patients are treated with diet and weight management, as well as medications and insulin supplements. Both of these types fall under the blanket classification of "diabetes mellitus," which is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

The World Health Organization estimates that over 180 million people have diabetes mellitus worldwide. Of that populace, about 10% of all cases come from America and 80% of deaths from the disease occur in low-middle income countries; 55% of the deaths occur in women and nearly half occur in people under age 70. The World Health Organization fears that the number of deaths will increase by over 50% in developing nations and more than 80% in upper-middle income regions over the next ten years, unless education, guidelines and medical treatment are improved. Even though so much is known about health prevention, the stubbornness of many people to change may shortchange their lifespan by many years.

If treatments for diabetes are not sought, many complications may ensue. Up to 50% of people with the disease suffer diabetic neuropathy, which causes tingling, pain, numbness and weakness in the hands and feet. Sometimes this can lead to reduced blood flow, ulcers, gangrene and amputation. After 15 years, 2% of diabetics go blind and 10% suffer severe visual impairment as a result of damage to the retinal blood vessels. Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure, causing 10 to 20% of diabetic deaths. Another 50% die from heart disease or stroke.

Despite long-term dangers of cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, nerve damage, Alzheimer's and erectile dysfunction, prevention for many of the more serious complications related to diabetes mellitus is possible. Patients must remain committed to dieting, exercising, smoking cessation and blood sugar monitoring. If prescribed medication, the patient must remain on it. While these lifestyle modifications may seem exceedingly difficult, it is quite literally the difference between life and death for someone with diabetes. Even though there is no cure, an individual can live relatively well for many more years.

Tagged with: American Diabetes Association • and weight • Diabetes • Diabetes Mellitus • health • health prevention • healthy eating • of diabetes • Type 1 Diabetes • Type 2 Diabetes