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Page Two - Diabetes Facts

Heart disease, and stroke account for 65% of deaths among those with dm.  Other complications from diabetes are high blood pressure, blindness, retinopathy, kidney disease, nervous system disorders, dental disease, pregnancy complications, amputations, biochemical imbalances, and more susceptibility to other types of illness, such as pneumonia and flu.           

What is it:

 *Throughout this information I will use the word ‘sugar’ in place of the word glucose for ease of understanding.

When the body no longer makes insulin, or is unable to use the insulin made by the pancreas, diabetes occurs.  Insulin is used to move sugar (glucose) from the blood stream, into the cells, for the body’s energy source. When there is not enough insulin, or the insulin is not effective, blood sugar levels rise.  A proper level of sugar in the blood is extremely important to the bodies normal functioning (homeostasis).  Under normal circumstances a person’s blood sugar is regulated within a very narrow range.  When the regulation of blood sugar fails, and results in high blood sugar, this is known as hyperglycemia (remember Hy for High).  If the blood sugar goes to low, this is known as hypoglycemia (remember O for low).  When a person has diabetes of any type, and is not being managed, typically the blood sugar runs high. 

Diabetes is not just one disease.  It is a group of diseases, that all have the common factor of blood sugar running out of balance, from a defect in the production of insulin, the action of the insulin, or both.  As we have mentioned before, it is associated with serious side effects, and early death, BUT people with diabetes can take steps to control it, the complications of it, and live longer healthier lives.     

Types of Diabetes                    

There are three common forms of diabetes: Type 1, which at one time was called insulin dependent or juvenile onset diabetes; and Type 2 which used to be called non-insulin dependent or adult mature onset Diabetes.   The third type is Gestational Diabetes.  This is a form of sugar imbalance that happens when a women is pregnant.  It usually develops in the later months of pregnancy.   

Type 1 diabetes 

Type I often happens in childhood.  It is most common to be diagnosed between the ages of 8 – 15.  However, it can happen as early as 3 months old.  Usually children and young adults are diagnosed with Type I dm, although this can happen at any age.  Typically, the disease runs in a family due to a genetic link.  It is also considered an autoimmune disease.  In other words, the body attacks itself. With Type 1 dm it is believed to happen this way in most cases:  The body detects a virus or a foreign protein in itself and mounts an attack from the immune system.  In the furious attack, cells of the pancreas, beta cells, (where insulin is made) are also destroyed in this onslaught.  Eventually, the cells that make insulin die, and blood sugar can no longer be regulated.  Type 1 diabetes in the past was called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile onset diabetes.  This type of dm makes up about 5 to 10 percent of all cases of diabetes. 

Research to prevent the immune system from destroying the pancreatic cells is on going.  The best defense is to prevent the disease from occurring.

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Written by Marietta Amatangelo, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Nutritionist

Provided by Ames Walker International

Copyright © 2004 by Metta Ames Group, all rights reserved
Not for reproduction or distribution, without express permission,
and a link to this website.

This nutrition information is provided for information only, and should not be construed as medical advice, or instruction. No action, or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information. Please consult your health professional for any matter relating to your health. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate healthcare officials, assume the risk of any injuries. The information and opinions provided, are believed to be sound, based on our best judgment, and research. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. Statements made herein, have not necessarily been evaluated by the FDA. Any products, and or information discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.