⇒ disease in which body cannot control its blood glucose concentration in order for it to remain within normal limits. ⇒ result ⇒ Blood glucose concentration can rise to a level that exceeds Kidneys ability to completely reabsorb all glucose. ⇒ glucose that is not reabsorbed is excreted in urine
Type 1 Diabetes: develops early in persons life ⇒ hence it is known as juvenile or early onset diabetes. in type 1 ⇒ islets of Langerhans are unable to produce or secrete sufficient insulin. it is inherited. Type 2 Diabetes: occurs later in persons life and hence is called late onset diabetes. Overweight people ⇒ more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops when target cells ⇒ such as muscle cells ⇒ do not respond well to insulin
Signs and symptoms of diabetes:
- persistently high blood glucose level
- presence of glucose in the urine
- healing of wounds is slow or difficult
- frequent urination
- weight loss
- thirst
Treating Diabetes
diabetics ⇒ have to measure their blood glucose concentration and test urine regularly ⇒ must also watch diet carefully ⇒ making sure that they do not take in too much carbohydrates
People with type 1 diabetes ⇒ have to inject insulin regularly into fat tissue under the skin (eg into abdomen) if they use too much insulin, excersise too much or eat too little, blood glucose concentration can drop too low. ⇒ severe cases ⇒ blood glucose concentration may cause them to into a coma. Hence they always need to be ready with supply of sugary foods such as glucose sweets.
Diabetics ⇒ should also take medication that increases uptake of glucose from bloodstream into cells.
Risk factors of type 2 diabetes
in type 2 diabetes⇒ liver and muscles do not respond well to insulin. called insulin resistance unable to take in excess glucose in the blood.
hence blood glucose level remains high. ⇒ it is more common in older adults.
- Obesity: main risk
- Age: Risk is higher as you get older
- Family History: If you have family members with diabetes, you are more likely to develop this disease
- Blood Lipid levels: Risk is increased if you have high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol or LDH and low levels of ‘good’ cholesterol or HDL in the blood
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Less active you are, the greater your risk. Physical activities help to control your weight. they use up the excess glucose to provide energy for muscular contractions and make the liver and muscle cells more sensitive to insulin
healthy lifestyle can reduce risk of getting type 2 diabetes
- eat healthily: consume foods that are low in calories and high in fiber. eat more fruits and vegetable
- Engage in more physical activities
- avoid being inactive for long periods of times, eg sitting for too long.
- Maintain a healthy body weight, based on your age and height.