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Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
Approximately 17 million people in the United States, or 6.2% of the population, have diabetes. While an estimated 11.1 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.9 million people (or one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.
Type 1 diabetes - is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.
Finding out you have diabetes is upsetting, but don't panic. Sure, diabetes is serious. But people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. You can too by taking good care of yourself.
Diabetes, Children & Parents
Raising a child, with or without diabetes, is never easy. Diabetes doesn't change the basics of parenting. However, it adds new challenges, from birth to the teenage years.
It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes – Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:
Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are the same as those for type 1 diabetes: frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, dramatic weight loss, irritability, weakness and fatigue, and nausea and vomiting.
Some other symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include: recurring or hard-to-heal skin, gum, or bladder infections, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, and itchy skin.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, symptoms for type 2 diabetes usually occur gradually over months or even years, and some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms that are so mild they go unnoticed.
Complications
Some of the possible complications of diabetes are: heart disease and stroke; retinopathy (eye disease); kidney disease; neuropathy (nerve damage); as well as maintaining good skin, foot and oral health
Approximately 90-95% (16 million) of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic! Diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. You can too by taking good care of yourself.
How do you do make sure that in an emergency situation when you are unable to communicate with medical personnel these personnel will know about your Diabetes? Carrying your medical history with you in a wallet card when you are away from home or your loved ones will help inform others of your particular medical condition.
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So simple. So smart.
A Medical History Card — it could save your life.
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