Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affects the body’s ability to convert blood sugar into energy. Those with diabetes cannot produce or process insulin. As a result, diabetes can affect every organ in the body. It can lead to not only blindness, but heart and kidney failure, as well as nerve problems. It is the major reason for amputations in the United States. Diabetes mellitus treatment occurs throughout the nation and saves thousands of lives.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes was formerly called juvenile diabetes, because it often begins in childhood or adolescence. This type is dependent on insulin injections and occurs when when the immune system can not protect itself from foreign organisms, and it turns against its own body. This destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is much more common. This type is usually seen in middle aged adults or the elderly, who are often overweight. These people may have high levels of insulin, but the body cannot use it correctly. Symptoms for type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and skin problems. It often goes undetected until there are complications from the disease.
Diet and exercise are of utmost importance to diabetics. In fact, most type 2 diabetics can manage their diabetes with a careful diet and exercise plan alone. Some, however, may still require medication. Correct diet is necessary to keep blood sugar levels stable. Complex carbohydrates are important, as the fiber in these foods slows the release of glucose. While sugar is no longer considered completely off limits, it should be consumed in very small amounts.
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women. They are often unaware that there is anything wrong, until it is detected by testing. While this is a temporary condition, these women are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Staying healthy is extremely important to thousands of people, and there are many great ways to lose weight and stay healthy. One great way is by eating healthy foods such as Dr Sanford Siegal’s Cookie Diet.