The Relationship Between Diabetes And Insulin

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Diabetes affects how the body controls and uses glucose, and people with diabetes have chronic high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). The inability to produce insulin causes the most common type of diabetes, known as type 2 diabetes. Those who suffer from this disease need supplemental insulin to be released into their bloodstream in order to keep their blood glucose levels normal and avoid complications that come along with poorly controlled blood glucose levels such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood, while type 2 diabetes usually starts during youth or adulthood. Symptoms include hunger and fatigue, weight loss, frequent urination and thirst, blurred vision, dry mouth, and itchy skin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections to survive, while people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose levels through lifestyle changes.

Diabetes is an epidemic that affects every corner of the globe. The World Health Organisation estimates that more than one billion people have diabetes; this equates to about 3% of the world's population.

How do they relate?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Diabetes affects how the body controls and uses glucose, and people with diabetes have chronic high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the immune system mistakenly destroys beta cells in the pancreas. This is also called insulin-dependent diabetes because it requires injected insulin to manage blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, or family history. It may also be caused by genetic predisposition, low birth weight/prematurity, gender hormone imbalance, or certain medications

• Diabetes mellitus causes a number of complications that are difficult to treat when they occur.

What are the consequences?

Many people with diabetes have high blood sugar levels because the body is not able to produce insulin. This causes a whole range of symptoms: hunger, fatigue, dry mouth, itchy skin, and blurred vision. As well as these symptoms there are also serious consequences: risk of mortality or morbidity. The World Health Organisation estimates that 7% of deaths worldwide in 2014 were due to diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes has been increasing worldwide as a result of higher rates of obesity and physical inactivity leading to increased risks for other chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke. The risk for type 1 diabetes is genetically determined but lifestyle factors can increase the risk for this form.

How can it be managed?

There are two forms of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is usually diagnosed early in life, while type 2 is more common as people age. In order to manage diabetes, you will need to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly. You should also eat a healthy diet that can help control your blood glucose levels, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. If you experience symptoms such as increased hunger or thirst or frequent urination, it may be time for a diabetes test!