Diabetes Mellitus Essay -- Medical Research

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition which afflicts millions of people around the world. It is related to the insulin hormone, which is secreted by cells in the pancreas, regulates the level of glucose in the bloodstream and supports the body with breaking down the glucose to be used as energy. In someone who has diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cells don’t respond to the insulin that is produced. There are three main types of diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational. I will be discussing type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM, or juvenile diabetes’ consequences are from the body’s failure to generate insulin. It is an autoimmune disease distinguished by failure of the insulin producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas on the way to insulin shortage. Type 1 diabetes is of the immune-mediated nature, where beta cell loss is a T-cell mediated autoimmune attack. Most people are healthy, in a healthy weight, when the sudden onset of type 1 occurs. It can occur at any age, mostly young, hence â€Å"juvenile diabetes†. It has some connection to hereditary. Various factors contribute to type 1 diabetes as well as genetics and exposure to certain viruses. Signs and symptoms come on suddenly and include increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), extreme hunger (polyphagia), weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. Some known risks are family history, genetics, and geograph y. Other possible risk factors include viral exposure, low vitamin D levels, and drinking water that has nitrates may increase the risk as well. The more common type is type 2 diabetes mellitus, also known as non-insulin-dependent ... ...list of support groups to assist in lifestyle adjustment and aid family in providing emotional support. Ninety-eight billion dollars is spent every year in the United States in order to treat diabetes. As there is still no cure, research hasn’t stopped. Just because a person has diabetes doesn’t mean their life has to be over. With proper management, diet, exercise, education and support, a person doesn’t have to be overtaken by diabetes instead take over diabetes. Control is key to the lifestyle adjustment that a diabetic patient needs. Works Cited Milchovich, S. (2011). Diabetes mellitus, a practical handbook. Bull Publishing Company http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-1-diabetes/ds00329. American diabetes association (2009). The uncomplicated guide to diabetes complications. 3rd edition http://www.drugs.com/diabetes-treatment.html