Insulin, a hormone responsible for converting sugars and starches, plays a major role in turning food into the energy needed for daily life. Diabetes is the inability to produce or properly use insulin.  15.7 million people in the U.S. (5.9%) are diabetic and another 5.4 million people are probably diabetic and not aware of it. An additional 2200 people per day are diagnosed with diabetes, which is the 6^th leading cause of death in the U.S.

There are two major types of diabetes. 

Type I:  is an autoimmune disease occurring most often in children and young adults. It accounts for 5-10% of all diabetic cases. Insulin is currently required for treatment, but promising research may provide a potential vaccine. 

Type II:  results from the body being unable to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It accounts for 90-95% of diabetic cases and is reaching epidemic proportions due to obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

Another less common form is Gestational Diabetes. Occurring in 2% - 5% of all pregnancies, 30% of these women go on to develop type II diabetes.

CAUSE 

The cause of diabetes is unknown, however genetics and environmental factors play significant roles in its expression and severity. Ongoing research, particularly in genetics and nutrition, continues to shed light on the problem.

Risk Factors

Type I: 

1. Siblings and children of affected individuals 

2. Twin of affected sibling has 25-50% chance of developing type I

Type II:              

1. Age over 45

2.  Family history of diabetes

3. Overweight

4. Sedentary

5.  Low HDL or high triglycerides

6. Ethnic groups (Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, Pacific Islanders)

7. Women with gestational diabetes

Symptoms for Type I include frequent urination, often with multiple nighttime visits to the bathroom, an unusual thirst that can’t seem to be quenched, accompanied by extreme hunger. Chronic fatigue and lack of energy are also common and can result in increased irritability. Despite constant hunger and eating, unintentional weight loss may occur.

Type II Diabetes may exhibit all of the symptoms of Type I plus other symptoms specific to Type II. These include blurred vision, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and frequent infections that are slow to heal in the skin, gums, or bladder. Diabetics have the same number of infection fighting cells as non-diabetics, but their ability to combat infection is weakened.

The most troublesome, are cases that have no symptoms and are only diagnosed coincidentally by routine blood work. Long-term consequences are quite serious. Heart disease, kidney disease, nerve disease with  amputations, and even blindness are possible, particularly if the diabetes is not treated.

Diagnosis 

When your blood sugar levels rise, beyond the normal blood sugar range of 90mg/dl to 125mg/dl, a diabetic diagnosis is made. Urine tests may indicate high blood sugar levels, but blood tests are more accurate. If a routine health screening blood test indicates an elevated blood sugar, your physician may wish to perform a fasting blood plasma or oral glucose test. Blood is drawn after an eight hour fast and provides a more accurate measurement of blood sugar levels.

Treatment consists of insulin administration for all type I and many type II patients. Oral medications, depending on the diabetic severity, may be used to improve control of type I. These medications may reduce or eliminate the need for type II patients to use insulin.

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