Diabetes and Its Symptoms

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the body's cells. Individuals who have diabetes suffer from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes causes glucose to build up in the blood.�

Individuals can take steps to control diabetes and lower the risk of complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure. People with diabetes need to keep their blood glucose levels from going too high or too low.�

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes typically strikes children and young adults, but the disease can occur at any age. This type of diabetes was previously called juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells. These cells make the hormone insulin which regulates blood glucose.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. This type of diabetes usually begins as insulin resistance where the cells do not use insulin properly. The pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce an adequate amount of insulin. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may develop gradually.�

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents. This type of diabetes is associated with obesity, family history of diabetes, older age, physical inactivity, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, American Indians, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and some Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes.�

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed in some women during pregnancy. Approximately 5% to 10% of women who have gestational diabetes are found to have type 2 diabetes.Gestational diabetes is more common among women with a family history of diabetes and obese women. It occurs more frequently among African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic/Latino Americans. Gestational diabetes requires treatment during pregnancy to normalize maternal blood glucose levels and prevent complications in the infant. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a 20% to 50% chance of developing diabetes in the next 5-10 years.�

Other specific types of diabetes result from surgery, malnutrition, drugs, infections, illnesses, and specific genetic conditions.�

Symptoms of Diabetes�

Individuals with diabetes may have some or none of these symptoms:�

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Extreme hunger
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Sudden vision changes
• Sores that are slow to heal
• Feeling very tired much of the time
• Very dry skin
• More infections than usual
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains�

Individuals are urged to seek medical attention if they suspect they may have diabetes.�

What is the Treatment for Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections, healthy eating, and physical activity. Individuals learn how to balance the amount of insulin taken with their food intake and activity. They need to monitor their blood glucose levels closely through self-blood glucose testing.�

Type 2 diabetes is treated with healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing. Some people with type 2 diabetes take oral medication, insulin, BYETTA, or a combination of insulin and oral medication to control their blood glucose levels. BYETTA mimics the body's natural physiology, allowing the body to respond to blood glucose changes as they occur.
People with diabetes need to be monitored by their heath care providers. They may need assistance from dietitians and diabetes educators so they can learn the skills needed for diabetes management.�

Is There a Cure for Diabetes?

Currently, diabetes can be treated but there is no cure. Several approaches to cure diabetes are being tested:�

• Islet cell transplantation (islet cells produce insulin)
• Pancreas transplantation
• Artificial pancreas development
• Genetic manipulation�

Researchers are faced with challenges in each of these "cures" such as preventing immune rejection. Other concerns are finding an adequate number of insulin cells and keeping the insulin cells alive.�

Prevention of Diabetes

There are no known methods to prevent type 1 diabetes. Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes among high-risk individuals. Individuals who modify their diets and engage in moderate-intensity physical activity (such as walking for 2 1/2 hours per week) may help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.�

What's a Desirable Blood Glucose Level?

The normal range is about 70 to 120. The target levels are 90 to 130 before meals and less than 180 one to two hours after the start of a meal. Individuals who get close to their target levels are more likely to reduce their risk of diabetes-related problems and feel better than individuals whose glucose levels are out of the target levels.�

High Blood Glucose Levels�

If the blood glucose level is consistently over 180, the body does not have enough insulin. High blood glucose levels can occur if individuals miss taking their diabetes medications, eat too much, do not get enough exercise, have an infection, or are under stress.�

Low Blood Glucose Levels (Hypoglycemia)�

Hypoglycemia can occur if the blood glucose drops too low. Hypoglycemia can come on fast and make individuals feel weak, shaky, hungry, tired, confused, or irritable. Some individuals pass out or have seizures. Some causes are taking too much diabetes medication, delaying or missing a meal, drinking alcoholic beverages, or exercising more than usual. Other medications may affect blood glucose levels.You may sweat a lot or get a headache.�

Prevention of Diabetes Complications�

Individuals with diabetes can work with their health care providers and minimize the impact of diabetes complications. They can monitor their levels of blood glucose, pressure, and blood lipids. Regular eye examinations can help detect and treat diabetic eye disease. A foot care program can help reduce the rates of amputation.�