A question which is commonly asked is ‘What is a diabetic?’ Basically a diabetic is someone who suffers from diabetes. Diabetes is a defect in the body’s ability to convert sugar (glucose) into energy. When these sugars build up in the blood, the person develops complications as a result.
What is a diabetic?
Glucose is basically fuel for the body. When glucose is transferred to the blood, it is then used by the cells for energy. In order for this transfer to take place, a hormone called insulin is needed. Insulin is normally produced by the pancreas.
In diabetics this process is impaired. The pancreas of the person fails to produce the quantities of insulin that are needed or the glucose cannot be moved into the cells. When blood sugar builds up, many symptoms can manifest such as blurred vision, unexplained tiredness, and numbness in hands or feet. Furthermore, if it is left untreated the diabetic person could have organ damage, have to have an amputation, or even go into a diabetic coma. Diabetes can even cause death.
What is a diabetic diet?
There is no specific diabetic diet, but diabetics should follow general guidelines given by their doctor or a dietician. The diet that diabetics usually try to keep is low in carbohydrates. These are foods like bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, corn, and some milk products. This is because carbohydrates change to glucose. Diabetics are encouraged to eat fruits and vegetables, as well as moderate amounts of protein.
What is diabetic mellitus?
Diabetic mellitus or more specifically ‘diabetes mellitus’ is a term that is used to describe all types of diabetes. The two main types of diabetes are:
Type 1 – This type occurs most frequently in children, but it can occur at any age. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Studies have shown that it can be partially caused by environmental factors such as viruses, chemicals, and diet, but the person also must be genetically predisposed. Since these types of diabetics cannot make insulin, they must take it several times a day.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. It is usually caused by insulin resistance or an insulin deficiency. The disease is genetic, but lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, poor diet, or excess weight plays a part as well. The disease can cause significant problems such as cardiovascular disease.
Gestational diabetes is another major form of diabetes which occurs during pregnancy. Carbohydrate intolerance usually returns to normal after the birth, however, the mother may develop diabetes later on. The baby has is more likely to develop diabetes later in life as well.
What is Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is damage to nerves in the body which occurs due to high blood sugar levels and decreased blood flow from diabetes. About half of all diabetics will develop nerve damage at some point. Nerve injuries may affect nerves in the skull, spinal column, and those that affect the vital organs in the body such as the heart, bladder, stomach, and intestines.
Tingling or burning in the arms and legs may be an early sign of nerve damage. If your arms and legs become numb, you don’t notice if you have stepped on something sharp, something to warm, or something too cold. You may also not notice if you have a blister or a small cut, which could cause an infection. Nerve damage in your heart and blood vessels may cause you to feel light-headed when you stand up or have a fast heart rate. You may not even notice the chest pains that normally warn of heart attacks or heart disease.
What is a Diabetic Coma?
Diabetic coma is a life-threatening complication of diabetes. Dangerously high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic coma. Left untreated this condition can cause death. Before a diabetic coma occurs you may notice symptoms of your blood sugar being too high or too low. Symptoms of blood sugar being too high include increased thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness and nervousness, sweats, or hunger. You may also feel irritable, hostile, aggressive, tired, or confused.
Related articles: Diabetes Levels | Information on Diabetes | Diabetes in Female | Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels | Infection and Diabetes | Diabetic Disease | Diabetes Condition | Childhood Diabetes Treatment | Diabetic Herbal Treatment | Types of Treatment for Diabetes | Diabetes Assistance Programs | Early Diabetes Treatment | Nature Cure for Diabetes | Holistic Diabetes Treatment | Article on Diabetes | Diabetic Complication | Diabetes Manual | Diabetes and Metabolism | Metabolism Disorder | Diabetes Side Effects |
