Diabetes is increasingly becoming more prevalent in the United States. Over a period of 34 Years, from 1980 through 2014, the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes increased fourfold, from 5.5 million to 22.0 million! Worldwide, more than 380 million people are affected, and the World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, that this number will more than double.
Blood Sugar Levels
It is a metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or any at all causes high levels of blood sugar in the blood.
2. What causes diabetes?
Diabetic symptoms can either be categorized as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 is widely attributed to genetics. It occurs when your body is unable to produce insulin. The body’s failure to produce insulin happens when the immune system has attacked and destroyed the beta cells which regulate insulin production and secretion.
On the other hand, Type 2 arises when the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin as well as it should. It is the most common form of diabetes. The two primary triggers of this condition are genetic predisposition and lifestyle issues. Moreover, some racial and ethnic groups are at higher risk of the disease. They include American Indians, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders.
3.What are complications associated with diabetes?
Some complications result from high blood sugar levels which may increase your risk of many serious health problems. These include stroke, kidney disease, high blood pressure, Ketoacidosis and Ketones, Gastroparesis, foot complications and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome(HHNS)
However, all is not lost. With the correct treatment and recommended lifestyle changes, some people with high glucose levels can prevent or delay the onset of complications.
4.How can diabetes be managed?
Diabetes is a highly manageable disease. Medications are aimed at bringing the high glucose levels low to within a normal range.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin every day to live as it has no known cure. However, it controlled by keeping blood glucose levels within a normal range
Similarly, type 2 diabetes has no cure, but it can be controlled by maintaining the level of glucose in the blood within a normal range by taking oral medications.
Most type 2 diabetics eventually stop producing enough insulin and consequently they will need insulin therapy in combination with their pills.
5.How oral diabetes medications work
Oral diabetes pills work in the following three ways.
i. Some pills stimulate your pancreas to produce more insulin. They are insulin secretagogues(chemicals that cause the pancreas to produce more insulin). With this medication, your body is still not processing insulin as efficiently as it should, but there is more of it in your bloodstream to process. They were the first diabetic pills which include glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride, tolazamide, chlorpropamide, and tolbutamide
ii. Another group of oral medications have been developed that which stimulate increased insulin production. They go by the brand names Prandin and Starlix.
iii. Newer diabetes medications attack type 2 at its source. They overcome insulin resistance by increasing the body’s ability to use insulin. Drugs known as TZD’s going by the trade names Actos and Avandia, directly attack the problem, making the body more sensitive to insulin action. The sensitivity temporary. TZD’s may, however, increase the risk of heart attack for patients who already have heart failure.
N/B: Diabetic medications may cause low blood sugar. Urgently consult your doctor in case of such symptoms.
Diabetic patients who take a proactive step in controlling their condition live very healthy lives. So get out and seek help before it’s late.
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