Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that helps the body's tissues absorb glucose (sugar) so it can be used as a source of energy. . . In people with diabetes, glucose levels build up in the blood and urine, causing excessive urination, thirst, hunger, and fat and protein metabolism problems. This condition can also develop when muscle, fat, and liver cells respond poorly to insulin. Diabetes mellitus is different from the less common diabetes insipidus, caused by a deficiency of the hormone vasopressin that controls the amount of urine secreted. This diabetes is most common in adults over the age of 45, in people who are overweight or physically inactive, in individuals whose family members have diabetes; and among people of African, Hispanic, and Native American descent. Native Americans have the highest rates of diabetes in the world. More women than men have been diagnosed with the disease.
There are two types of diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, which usually begins in childhood, the pancreas stops making insulin completely. It is also called insulin-dependent diabetes.
In type 2 diabetes, which begins in adulthood (and in some teens), the body still makes some insulin. But it doesn't make enough insulin, or the body can't use it properly. It is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Diabetes is diagnosed by measuring the amount of glucose in the blood after a person has fasted (abstained from food) for about eight hours. In some cases, physicians diagnose diabetes by performing an oral glucose tolerance test, which measures glucose levels before and after consuming a specific amount of sugar. Another test being developed for type 1 diabetes looks for specific antibodies (proteins of the immune system that attack foreign substances) that are only present in individuals with diabetes. This test can detect type 1 diabetes at an early stage, reducing the risk of complications from the disease.
Once diabetes is diagnosed, treatment involves controlling the amount of glucose in the blood and preventing complications. Depending on diabetes, this can be accomplished through regular physical exercise, a carefully controlled diet, and medication. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections, often two to four times a day, to provide the body with insulin that does not produce it. The amount of insulin needed varies from person to person. It can be influenced by factors such as a person's level of physical activity, diet, and the presence of other health disorders. Typically, individuals with type 1 diabetes use a meter several times a day to measure the glucose level in a drop of blood obtained by pricking their fingers. They may then inject insulin, exercise, or adjust the amount of food they eat to keep blood sugar at a normal level.
People with type 1 diabetes must carefully control their diet by distributing meals and snacks throughout the day so that insulin's ability to supply cells to help absorb glucose is not affected. They should also eat foods that contain complex sugars, which break down slowly and cause a slow rise in blood sugar levels.
For individuals with type 2 diabetes, treatment begins with diet control, exercise, and weight loss, although this treatment may not be sufficient over time. People with type 2 diabetes usually work with nutritionists to create a diet plan that controls blood sugar levels to don't rise too rapidly after a meal.
Diet control and exercise may also play a role in weight loss, which partially reverses the body's inability to use insulin. A recommended meal is usually low in fat (30 percent or less of total calories), provides moderate protein (10 to 20 percent of total calories), and contains various carbohydrates, such as beans, vegetables, and Grain. Regular exercise helps the body's cells absorb glucose—even ten minutes of exercise per day can be effective.
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