what is diabetes?

Answer 1

A common problem
Diabetes occurs because the body can't use glucose properly, either owing to a lack of the hormone insulin, or because the insulin available doesn't work effectively.

The full name 'diabetes mellitus' derives from the Greek word 'diabetes' meaning siphon - to pass through - and 'mellitus' - the Latin for honeyed or sweet. This is because not only is excess sugar found in the blood but it may also appear in the urine, hence it being known in the 17th century as the 'pissing evil'.

Diabetes has been a recognised condition for more than 3,500 years.

According to the charity Diabetes UK, more than 2 million people in the UK have the condition, and up to 750,000 more are believed to have it without realising they do.

More than three-quarters of people with diabetes have what is called type 2 diabetes mellitus.This used to be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes mellitus.

The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

What's the difference?
In type 1, the body's unable to produce any insulin. This usually starts in childhood or young adulthood. It's treated with diet control and insulin injections.
In type 2, not enough insulin is produced or the insulin that is made by the body doesn't work properly. This tends to affect people as they get older, and usually appears after the age of 40.


Normal blood sugar control
The body converts glucose from food into energy. Glucose comes ready made in sweet foods such as sweets and cakes, or from starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta or bread once they're digested. The liver is also able to manufacture glucose.

Under normal circumstances, the hormone insulin, which is made by the pancreas, carefully regulates how much glucose is in the blood. Insulin stimulates cells to absorb enough glucose from the blood for the energy, or fuel, that they need. Insulin also stimulates the liver to absorb and store any glucose that's left over.

After a meal, the amount of glucose in the blood rises, and this triggers the release of insulin. When blood glucose levels fall, during exercise for example, insulin levels fall too.

A second hormone manufactured by the pancreas is called glucagon. It stimulates the liver to release glucose when it's needed, and this raises the level of glucose in the blood.

Insulin is manufactured and stored in the pancreas, which is a thin gland about 15cm (6in) long that lies crosswise behind the stomach. It's often described as being two glands in one, since in addition to making insulin it also produces enzymes that are vital for digestion of food.

These include lipase, which helps to digest fat, and amylase that helps to digest starchy foods. It also releases 'bicarbonate of soda' to neutralise any stomach acid that may otherwise damage the lining of the gut.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood

Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke and even the need to remove a limb. Pregnant women can also get diabetes, called gestational diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may include fatigue, thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and frequent urination. Some people have no symptoms. A blood test can show if you have diabetes. Exercise, weight control and sticking to your meal plan can help control your diabetes. You should also monitor your glucose level and take medicine if prescribed.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Many common natural remedies are claimed to have blood sugar lowering properties that make them useful for people with or at high risk of diabetes. Learn here https://tr.im/KfVg2

A number of clinical studies have been carried out in recent years that show potential links between herbal therapies and improved blood glucose control, which has led to an increase in people with diabetes using these more 'natural' ingredients to help manage their condition.

Answer 6

It is when the gland which turns sugars into insulin either stops working fully, this is type 1 which is treated with insulin injections or tablets.

In type 2 the gland is still working but cannot produce enough, this can be treated by diet or tablets and diet.

If your body becomes too low in sugars the body goes into a reaction which if not treated by insulin or a sugar hit eg Mars bar or Chocolate will go into a diabetic coma which can only be treated by a hospital

Answer 7

A disorder which affects transfer of sugar from your blood into your cells. Diabetes affects every organ in your body. and uncontrolled... can lead to heart attack,stroke all manner of eye problems, amputation. Just to name a few ailments.

Answer 8

I think you've received some very good information here. It's a pity that some Qualified First Aiders have absolutely no idea what they're talking about though.

Answer 9

diabetes is a condition where you are not processing your sugar consumption correctly check out WebMd.com for further details. symptoms include excessive thirst, skin salty to taste and weakness or irritability, if you suspect you have it please consult a Md. early intervention, along with diet and exercise can make a difference.

Answer 10

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