Diabeties Essay Research Paper There are two

Diabeties Essay, Research Paper

There are two types of diabetes: diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is a rare metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the pituitary hormone, which is usually the result of damage to the pituitary gland. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by enormous amounts of urine that are produced by the body regardless of how much liquid is consumed. Diabetes mellitus results from the production of insufficient amounts of insulin by the pancreas. Without insulin the body cannot utilize glucose, thus creating a high level of glucose in the blood and a low level of glucose absorption by the tissues. Diabetes mellitus is generally divided into two categories: type I called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes and type II in which the onset of the diabetes occurs during adulthood. The symptoms of the type I diabetic include irritability, frequent urination, abnormal thirst, nausea or vomiting, weakness, fatigue, and unusual hunger. This type of diabetes occurs mostly in children or young adults. The type I diabetic may have an insulin reaction in an instant, seeming perfectly normal one second and becoming unconscious the next. The early warning signs of this type of reaction are hunger, dizziness, sweating, confusion, palpitation, and numbness or tingling of the lips. If left untreated, the insulin-dependent diabetic may also experience double vision, trembling, and disorientation, may perform strange actions, and may eventually lose consciousness. While experiencing any one of these symptoms, quick consumption of a piece of candy, some soda pop, or anything else that contains sugar will bring blood sugar levels back to normal.Recovery is more difficult for the diabetic whose insulin reaction is left untreated for a long period of time. An insulin reaction producing low blood sugar can be life threatening. Therefore, it is safer to “spill” small amounts of urine sugar when taking insulin.The second type of diabetes, often referred to as maturity-onset diabetes, is likely to occur in those with a family history of diabetes and is characterized by blurred vision, itching, unusual thirst, drowsiness, obesity, fatigue, skin infections, slow healing, and tingling or numbness in the feet. Onset of symptoms is usually later in life.Diet often controls this type and insulin is not usually required. Obesity is a major factor in type II diabetes.An estimated 5.5 million Americans are being treated for diabetes. Studies indicate that there are 5 million adults with undetected type II diabetes, and another 20 million have impaired glucose tolerance that may lead to full-blown diabetes. The National Institutes of Health report that undiagnosed diabetes is the reason behind millions losing their vision. Those who are overweight face the greatest risk of developing diabetes. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States.Other signs of diabetes include lingering flu-like symptoms, loss of hair on legs, increased facial hair, small yellow bumps anywhere on the body (known as xanthomas-cholesterol), and inflammation of the penile skin. Diabetes is associated with arteriosclerosis.DIABETES SELF-TESTSType I Diabetes(Insulin-Dependent or Juvenile Diabetes)To test for type I diabetes:1. Purchase chemically treated plastic strips at the drugstore.2. Prick your finger and apply a drop of blood to the tip of the strip.3. Wait one minute and compare the color on the strip to a color chart that lists various glucose levels. (There are various electronic devices available that can analyze the test strip for you and give you a numerical read-out of the glucose level.)There is a new device caned Glucometer 2 (Miles Laboratories, Elkhart Indiana) that can be used at home at your convenience. You simply prick your finger with the spring-loaded needle, apply a drop of your blood to the test strip, and place it into the machine for analysis. This test will give you immediate feedback on your condition.Type II Diabetes (Maturity-Onset Diabetes)Those who do not have an onset of diabetes until adulthood (type II diabetics) are not able to perceive sweet tastes. While addressing the American Diabetic Association, Dr. J. Shan said, “This abnormality may play an important role in how food is perceived by patients and their compliance with diet therapy.” Obesity is common among type II diabetics (those who became diabetic during adulthood). A weight reduction program is usually all that is required to control this type of diabetes without the use of drugs. However, the inability of these patients to perceive sweet tastes makes it more difficult for them to lose weight Because they do not recognize the sweet taste of substances, they often consume sugary products that they do not appreciate as sweet If the type II diabetic attains a better understanding of his food and exercises greater care in his food choices and carefully reads food labels, he will be able to control the problem and avoid drugs or insulin.The following test can detect this impaired ability to taste sweets.1. Do not consume stimulants (coffee, tea, soda) or sweets for one hour before the test.2. Label seven identical glasses as having no sugar, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 11/2 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons sugar, or 3 teaspoons sugar. Fill each glass with eight ounces of water and add the appropriate amount of sugar. Have someone place the glasses out of order and h