Diabetes, Recognizing the Signs, and Symptoms

By: Dr. Jay B Stockman O.D.

Do you find yourself going to the bathroom more than usual? Are
you unusually hungry or thirsty? Is fatigue a normal, everyday
feeling? Does spontaneous, blurred vision interfere with you
daily life? If this sounds like you, you may have Diabetes.
Diabetes effects over sixteen million Americans, and many people
are unaware they have it. Every day, 2,200 new cases of Diabetes
are diagnosed in the United States. Diabetes is characterized by
a high level of sugar in the blood, as a result of defective
insulin secretion, or insulin resistance. Although we tend to
group all people with Diabetes together, the truth is that there
are two different types of Diabetes that are similar in their
elevated blood sugar, but different in many other ways.



Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, and young
adults. It is characterized by the Pancreas' inability to
produce insulin. It is thought that this inability arises from
an autoimmune condition. Basically the body is killing its own
insulin producing cells. The symptoms of type 1 Diabetes are
very obvious, frequent urination, increased thirst, and weight
loss. The onset is usually abrupt, and severe. In addition,
having type 1 Diabetes increases your risk for many serious
complications, heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and
kidney damage. Treatment consists of intermediate or long-acting
insulin (taken once or twice daily) with fast- or rapid-acting
insulin injections taken at mealtimes.



Type 2 Diabetes often develops rather insidiously, showing few
or no symptoms. The symptoms are similar to type 1, however they
develop gradually over time. This may explain why it often goes
undetected at first. The cells of the body being resistant to
insulin characterize the most common form of diabetes, type 2.
The Pancreas still produces insulin, however the body cannot use
it efficiently. Type 2 usually develops in men or women over 40
years of age, characterized by obesity, and lack of physical
activity. In particular, people who are an "apple-shape" - with
lots of fat around the abdomen - are at greater risk of
developing diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes runs in families, and is
particularly common among people of African-Caribbean or Asian
origin. Similarly, having type 2 Diabetes increases your risk
for many serious complications, as type 1. Unlike type 1, type 2
Diabetes can usually be controlled with diet, exercise or
medicines.



If you suspect you may have Diabetes, it is important to see
your doctor, especially if you fall into any of the categories
previously mentioned. Discovering you have Diabetes is
frightening, don't panic, people with Diabetes can live long,
healthy, happy lives. Eat right and exercise. It's a simple
prescription that will keep you healthy, whether you have
diabetes or not.



About the author:
Dr. Jay B Stockman O.D. is a contributing editor for Vision Update and a
practicing Doctor of Optometry. He has extensive experience in
Diabetes Management. Visit http://visionupdate.net/ for more
information.