Diabetes | Type 1 diabetes | Type 1 diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels that result from defects in insulin secretion. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes was first identified as a disease associated with "sweet urine," and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term sweet urine. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition, meaning that although it can be controlled, it lasts a lifetime. Types Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It's caused by the body attacking its own pancreas with antibodies. In people with type 1 diabetes, the damaged pancreas doesn't make insulin. This type of diabetes may be caused by a genetic predisposition. It could also be the result of faulty beta cells in the pancreas that normally produce insulin. By far, the most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, accounting for 95% of diabetes cases in adults. About 26 million American adults have been diagnosed with the disease. Type 2 diabetes used
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of obese and overweight kids, more teenagers are now developing type 2 diabetes. Symptoms The early symptoms of untreated diabetes are related to elevated blood sugar levels, and loss of glucose in the urine. High amounts of glucose in the urine can cause increased urine output and lead to dehydration. ●The dehydration also causes increased thirst and water consumption. ●A relative or absolute insulin deficiency eventually leads to weight loss. ●The weight loss of diabetes occurs despite an increase in appetite. ●Some untreated diabetes patients also complain of fatigue.
●Nausea and vomiting can also occur in patients with untreated diabetes. ●Frequent infections (such as infections of the bladder, skin, and vaginal areas) are more likely to occur in people with untreated or poorly-controlled diabetes. ●Fluctuations in blood glucose levels can lead to blurred vision. ●Extremely elevated glucose levels can lead to lethargy and coma. Causes Insufficient production of insulin production of defective insulin or the inability of cells to use insulin properly and efficiently leads to hyperglycemia and diabetes.This latter condition affects mostly the cells of muscle and fat tissues, and results in a condition known as insulin resistance. This is the primary problem in type 2 diabetes.The absolute lack of insulin, usually secondary to a destructive process affecting the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, is the main disorder in type 1 diabetes. Diagnosis Diabetes can often be detected by carrying out a urine test, which finds out whether excess glucose is present. This is normally backed up by a blood test, which measures blood glucose levels and can confirm if the cause of your symptoms is diabetes.If you are worried that you may have some of the above symptoms, you are recommended to talk to your doctor. Treatment Diabetes is a serious disease that you cannot treat by yourself. Your doctor will help you make a diabetes treatment plan that is right for you and that you can easily understand. You may also need other health care professionals on your diabetes treatment team, including a foot doctor, nutritionist, eye doctor, and a diabetes specialist. Each treatment plan is tailored for the person and can be adjusted based on what you eat and how much you exercise, as well as for times of stress and illness. Eating a balanced diet
is vital for people who have diabetes, so work with your doctor or dietitian to set up a menu plan.