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Overview for Dietary and Lifestyle or Treatment info
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Diabetes mellitus is characterised
by high blood glucose concentrations, resulting from an insulin deficiency,
insulin resistance or both.
Type I: Insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM)
This begins in childhood. The pancreas makes insufficient insulin. Insulin
promotes glucose uptake into the cells, from the bloodstream, for use
as energy. Without insulin, glucose accumulates in the blood, passing
into the urine. High glucose concentration in the urine increases water
output. Increased urination and thirst may be the first symptoms of
diabetes. Other symptoms include tiredness, weight-loss and recurrent
skin infections.
Type II: Non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM)
This begins in adulthood. It is caused by insufficient insulin production
and insulin resistance in cells. Environmental factors may trigger the
disease in those adults who are genetically susceptible. Symptoms are
similar to those with type 1, but there is less prominent weight loss.
Diabetic complications
These include arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, which can
lead to heart attack and stroke. Diabetic kidney, eye or nerve disease
may also, result. Nerve degeneration can lead to foot ulcers, and if
unchecked may lead to gangrene in the legs. In type 1 diabetes, low
blood sugar can cause loss of consciousness. High sugar levels may result
in ketoacidosis, as fat is rapidly broken down for use as an energy
source and the increased amount of free fatty acids in the blood converted
to acidic ketones in the liver, result in metabolic acidosis . This
is aserious condition and needs immediate hospital attention.
Overview | Orthodox
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