FREE ESSAY ON DIABETES

DIABETES

Diabetes 
Diabetes is a very serious disease that attacks millions of people around the world. It
can strike at any age and can happen to anyone. Although we are not exactly sure about
the causes of diabetes, we believe that it has to do with the body's own immune system
attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the
glucose that we need to live, has a hard time entering the cells of the body that need
it. If too much glucose builds up in the blood, then a diabetic may begin to have
headaches or blurry vision. They may become very thirsty and have dry, itchy skin. If
glucose levels go too low, then a diabetic may feel shaky, tired, hungry, confused, or
nervous. 
There are two types of diabetes. They are called Type 1 and Type 2 Some symptoms of
diabetes include: excessive thirst; constant hunger; sudden weight loss for no reason;
rapid, hard breathing; sudden vision changes or blurry vision; and drowsiness or
exhaustion. These symptoms can occur at any time. Type 1 diabetes is more common in
Americans then Type 2. It has affected over 1 million Americans with 30,000 more people
diagnosed every year (13,000 of those being children). Type 1 diabetes can occur at any
age but is most commonly diagnosed during childhood. In Type 1 diabetes, a person's
pancreas produces little or no insulin, and because insulin is necessary for life, people
with Type 1 diabetes must take several insulin injection shots each day for the rest of
their lives. Although insulin allows a person to stay alive, it does not cure diabetes or
prevent it's complications. 
The blood sugar level of the diabetic must be tested several times daily. One this is
done by pricking the finger with a special needle and placing the blood into a machine
that will carefully read it. This helps balance the glucose in the blood and will help
determine how much 
insulin is needed. Diabetics need to pay careful attention to their diets, exercise, and
blood sugar levels in order to stay healthy. Other factors that can affect the blood
sugar levels are stressed, periods of growth, dollars for infection, and fatigue as well
as their exercise and any changes in their normal schedule. Type 1 diabetes is also
called insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes or, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is
different than Type 1 diabetes in one major way. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does
make insulin, we so it is not needed to be taken separately, but sometimes, not enough
insulin is made or the cells ignore the insulin. Because of the sudden rise or fall in
blood sugar levels, people with this type of diabetes must also test their blood several
times daily and adjust their diets and exercise accordingly. Insulin boosting pills help
this type of diabetic maintain consistent blood sugar levels. With good treatment though,
insulin levels can return to normal. This, however, does not mean that you are cured. You
will always have diabetes, but normal levels shows that you are taking care of yourself.
A good diet, exercise, and weight loss can help improve the body's use of insulin. A good
diet should include low-fat foods, moderate amounts of protein, and lots of foods high in
complex carbohydrates, like beans, vegetables, and grains. Exercise helps the body take
in glucose. Exercise also lowers glucose levels and plays a major part in treatment.
Losing weight is also a major part in treatment. It can also help the body to use insulin
more efficiently. The best way to lose weight is to maintain a good exercise program and
a healthy eating plan. If a healthy diet is not kept up, then life-threatening
complications may arise. These life-threatening complications include: blindness; heart
attack; kidney failure; stroke; nerve damage; and amputation. People with diabetes can
live a normal, regular life by keeping track of their blood sugar levels. The average
life span of a 
diabetic is 15 years less than people that are not diabetic. This does not mean that they
cannot live a normal life. If a diabetic takes care of themself by exercising and eating
right, then their life can be just as happy as anyone elses.