DIABETES

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Kerrian Morgan

Ladina Weise

Kimberley Williams

WHAT IS DIABETES?

The correct name for Diabetes is Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels that result from defects in insulin secretion, or its action, or both.

INSULIN SECRETIONInsulin secretion in beta cells is triggered by rising blood glucose levels. Starting with the uptake of glucose by the GLUT2 transporter, the glycolytic phosphorylation of glucose causes a rise in the ATP:ADP ratio. This rise inactivates the potassium channel that depolarizes the membrane, causing the calcium channel to open up allowing calcium ions to flow inward. The ensuing rise in levels of calcium leads to the exocytotic release of insulin from their storage granule.

DEFECTIVE INSULINE SECRETION

Types of Diabetes

Pre-Diabetes/Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

PRE-DIABETES/ IMPAIRED GLUCOSE

TOLERANCE

When persons have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, this is known as pre-diabetes, or impaired glucose tolerance. While people with pre-diabetes usually have no symptoms, it’s almost always present before a person develops type 2 diabetes. However, complications normally associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, can begin to develop even when a person has only pre-diabetic.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs because the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (called beta cells) are destroyed by the immune system. People with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin and must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes most commonly starts in people under the age of 20, but may occur at any age.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, is when the body continues to produce insulin, although insulin production by the body may significantly decrease over time. The pancreas produces either not enough insulin, or the body is unable to recognize insulin and use it properly. When there isn't enough insulin or the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose can't get into the body's cells to be used as energy. This glucose then builds up in the blood.

Gestational Diabetes

Hormone changes during pregnancy can affect insulin's ability to work properly and may result in the condition Gestational Diabetes. The condition, called GESTATIONAL DIABETES, occurs in about 4% of all pregnancies.Pregnant women who have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes are those who are over 25 years old, are above their normal body weight before pregnancy, have a family history of diabetes, or are Hispanic, black, Native American, or Asian.

CAUSES

CAUSES OF DIABETES

Production of defective insulin (which is uncommon),

Pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

The body not responding to the effects of insulin (this is TYPE 2 DIABETES.)

The body's failure to make insulin,( this condition is known as TYPE 1 DIABETES)

Genetic Risk Factors

Obesity

Lifestyle

Genetics

SYMPTOMS

The Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

INCREASED THIRSTINCREASED HUNGER (ESPECIALLY

AFTER EATING)

DRY MOUTH

FREQUENT URINATION

UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS (EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE EATING AND FEEL HUNGRY)

FATIGUE (WEAK, TIRED FEELING)

BLURRED VISION

SLOW-HEALING SORES OR CUTS

ITCHING OF THE SKIN (USUALLY IN THE VAGINAL OR GROIN AREA)

YEAST INFECTIONS

RECENT WEIGHT GAIN

NUMBNESS OR TINGLING OF THE HANDS AND FEET

IMPOTENCE OR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

THE SYMPTOMS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

How Is Diabetes Treated?

Diabetes can't be cured, but it can be treated and controlled.

Treating either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes involves medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar level.Getting better control over your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels helps reduce the risk of kidney disease, eye disease, nervous system disease, heart attack, and stroke.

TREATMENTS

DIABETES PREVENTION

Manage your weight.

Exercise regularly.

Eat a balanced, healthy diet.

Limit takeaway and processed foods.

Limit your alcohol intake.

Quit smoking.

Control your blood pressure

See your doctor for regular check-ups.

Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

COMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM DIABETES

• Like high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels cause damage to the blood vessels of the heart, eyes, kidney, and brain and additionally, affect the nerves and blood vessels of the extremities especially the lower limbs.

• Amputation of a lower limb may be necessary if the extremity becomes badly damaged. A high blood glucose or a very low blood glucose level may cause unconsciousness/coma in the diabetic.

• Diabetes by itself or in association with hypertension and/or high blood cholesterol is responsible for many of the heart attacks and 'strokes' which occur.

• Diabetes is part of what is referred to as 'the Metabolic Syndrome'. The characteristics of patients with this syndrome are, diabetic or with impaired glucose tolerance, hypertensive, abnormal levels of blood fats and obesity. The diagnosis is made if at least three of the characteristics are present.

• A person who is diabetic with no known cardiovascular disease is said to be at the same risk for stroke or heart attack as a person who has already had an attack.

EFFECTS OF DIABETES ON SOCIETY

• According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million children and adults have diabetes (Melissa Angela 2015). While it can have overwhelming effects on those affected, the impact that diabetes has on society is high reaching and just as important. Being diagnosed with diabetes can change someone’s life tremendously. He/she may need to take medications, have more doctor visits and test their blood sugar on a regular basis. Some need to take insulin injections. Most need to go on a special diet and are told to exercise more regularly. Therefore Diabetes affects our quality of life for those affected.

Diabetes has many different complications that have an impact on society. Diabetics have a higher rate of heart disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. It is also linked to kidney disease, amputations, eye problems that result in blindness and other problems. These complications cause disability and death. They have a direct impact on the health care system, families and loved ones left behind.

REFERENCES

• American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Basics.

• CDC.gov. Diabetes Public Health Resource.

• MedscapeReference.com. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

• Previous contributing author: Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

• R medications for nerve pain include Pregabalin (Lyrica) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).