Facts About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown but it seems that the body's immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body becoming resistant to insulin or the pancreas not producing enough insulin. There is a proven link between insulin resistance and obesity. Visceral or intra-abdominal fat around the liver and other organs is a greater risk factor than subcutaneous fat which lies under the skin. This type of fat can also affect blood vessels and cause heart disease.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?

Diabetes type 1 and 2 both result in an excess of glucose in the bloodstream. This excess glucose has an adverse effect on the body and over a period of time produces the following symptoms:

• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision

How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

When a person seeks medical help after feeling unwell or noticing specific signs of diabetes, the doctor will perform tests to determine what the problem is. Initial medical tests will normally be a urine dipstick test that checks for glucose in the urine and a finger-prick test that gives an approximate blood sugar level. If these tests are positive, the doctor will order a blood glucose test to ascertain the exact sugar level. He will also ask the person not to eat or drink overnight and to come in before eating the next morning, for another blood test. This fasting blood glucose test will confirm a diagnosis of diabetes if the result is above 7 millimoles per liter.

Treatment of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin. This is commonly injected 3 to 5 times per day before meals. The insulin replaces what would normally be manufactured by the pancreas and the aim is to maintain stable blood sugar levels. There are various brands of Insulin available and it is divided into long-acting and rapid-acting. A combination is normally used to maintain correct blood sugar levels.

An insulin pump works in a slightly different manner and is attached to the person by a thin soft cannular. It can be programmed to deliver a basal level of insulin day and night as well as a bolus before meal times.

Type 2 diabetes is treated in a number of ways. Diet and exercise are very important and the person may be put on an eating plan and advised to become more active. In some cases, this can reverse the progression of the condition.

There are a number of tablets that are used in treating type 2 diabetes. These work by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Coupled with a weight reduction program, these can be effective in bringing glucose levels down to a normal level. In some cases, however, blood sugar levels remain high and insulin injections may be needed to control the disease.

Finding out all about diabetes is the first step to understanding and managing this disease. Knowing the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is important as although they both involve high blood sugar levels, they are two different conditions.

Reference:

The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-diabetes , Bob Greene, Simon & Schuster, 2009