Information About Diabetes

The term diabetes technically refers to any disorder of metabolism that causes excessive thirst and a significant increase in urine output. So there is a rare disorder called diabetes insipidus caused by a deficiency in the production of a hormone vasopressin which regulates re-absorption of water in the kidneys and which is produced by the pituitary gland. This disease causes a constant thirst and disposal of large volumes of dilute urine.

But in general when using the term diabetes is made to refer to the condition known as diabetes mellitus. This is a disorder of the metabolism of sugars or carbohydrates caused by a lack of production of the hormone insulin or an inability of the body to use effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the level of blood sugar. Diabetes causes carbohydrates cannot be used by the body to produce energy. As a result these accumulate in the blood. This is known as hyperglycemia and may be causing numerous health problems such as diseases of the kidneys, vision loss and cardiac and vascular problems. As the body cannot effectively use carbohydrates uses fat as an alternate source of energy. The result is an alteration in the acid-alkaline balance of the body as if it perpetuates may occasionally produce seizures and diabetic coma.

Two Types of Diabetes: There are two main types of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Type I or insulin is usually begins in childhood or adolescence although there are cases where because of damage to the pancreas is presented to other ages. Those who suffer from this condition have little or no ability to produce insulin and are dependent on these hormone injections to survive. This addition to lead a strict diet in terms of sugars ingested. The type one diabetes is usually more severe than the other type of diabetes.

The type II diabetes is much more common and usually begins after 40 years of age. In this type of diabetes the pancreas retains at least some ability to produce insulin. But either this is not enough or the body does not use it in an efficient manner. Many of these patients can control their diabetes with diet only, while others require in addition oral medications that reduce the level of glucose in the blood. In some cases diabetes control and exits are necessary, at least temporarily, insulin injections.