Diabetes is a chronic disease of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism that occurs when the hormone called insulin, found in the pancreas becomes depleted or reduced in the body. As a result, the blood sugar is no longer transported to the cells but accumulates in the bloodstream from a decrease in the body’s ability to utilize or store glucose after carbohydrates are ingested therefore producing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels). Hyperglycemia, if left untreated over time may produce damage to your eyes (retinopathy or blindness), your nerves (peripheral neuropathy) and kidneys (protein in the urine or kidney failure). Additionally, heart disease from plaque build up in the arteries of the heart vessels and peripheral vascular disease occurs when the arteries of the legs are affected. Sexual dysfunction in men may be one of the first signs suspecting diabetes.
Diabetes Type 1 occurs with autoimmune destruction of the Beta cells of the pancreas typically seen after viral illnesses. The body’s insulin gradually becomes depleted and must rely on permanent insulin treatment via injection.
Diabetes Type 2 occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin usually from obesity. Resistance means that the fat, muscle and liver cells no longer respond to insulin. It occurs slowly over time in older adults but with the increase of obesity in the American population we have been observing this in younger adults and sometimes even children. Over the past 10 – 15 years there have been several new and effective medications that have revolutionized the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The results have shown few side effects and easy application
A well-trained professional in diabetes management can be found at Dr. Shaffer’s practice, Center for Primary Care Medicine.
