What causes diabetes? From the food we eat everyday we get carbohydrates, fats & proteins. Through the process of digestion, these nutrients are then broken down into simpler components so that our body cells would be able to use them. Carbohydrates, being the main source of energy, are converted by the body into simple sugars. From the small intestine, these simple sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of blood sugar or glucose. Without insulin, the body cells would not be able to utilize the glucose for energy. If there is a problem with the insulin production, then this a case of diabetes. What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is the lack or insufficient amount of insulin in the body. It can also be a case of insulin resistance, where the body cannot properly use insulin. Insulin is needed by the cells to convert the sugar intake into energy. In a normal person, it is produced in the pancreas. Without insulin, sugar cannot enter the cells; instead these accumulate in the bloodstream, which, over a long period, can cause you to have a high blood sugar level. Under normal condition, your cells convert blood sugar into energy so you can perform everyday tasks. To achieve this, the pancreas produces a protein hormone called insulin that acts as a key so the blood sugar molecules can enter the cell and be converted into energy. Nature of Diabetes Diabetes cuts across socio-economic levels. It is now acquired by people at a younger age than before. Persons with family history of diabetes are prone to acquire diabetes themselves. More are expected to acquire diabetes because of the popularity of “fast-food” diet and unhealthy lifestyle. Types of Diabetes Type-1 Diabetes—this is commonly inherited from either parents or close relatives hence even children can be afflicted. The pancreas stop producing insulin, hence a type-1 diabetic needs constant injections of insulin. In type-1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin; thus, the blood sugar molecules cannot enter the cell. This starves the cell (and the person) resulting to debilitating and even fatal complications. Type-2 Diabetes—either the pancreas produce insufficient insulin, or the insulin is rejected by the cells. Type-2 diabetics comprise almost 90% of all diabetes cases. In type-2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but either the amount is not enough or some of the insulin produced cannot unlock the cell resulting in the accumulation of blood sugar molecules in the blood stream. Gestational Diabetes—a temporary condition where the woman develops high blood sugar level during late pregnancy. The nature of gestational diabetes is similar to type-2; although, usually, the woman regains blood sugar control after giving birth.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 08:23:57 +0000
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