Diabetes: Learning Health Online

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting nearly 16 million Americans in which one-third of them do not know they have it. Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, and is a condition in which the body cannot produce or use insulin the right way. Insulin controls the sugar level in the blood and gives the body energy from this sugar. Without enough insulin, the cells of the body cannot get the energy they need which can result in problems for the body. There is no cure for diabetes; however, it is treatable.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, insulin dependent diabetes, affects both children and adults. About 5 to 10% of all people diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are not able to produce their own insulin, so they need insulin injections to regulate their body’s function. Type 1 diabetes attacks the body's immune system and destroys cells in the pancreas, the organ that produce insulin.

Endocrinology Health Guide- Information on type 1 diabetes including signs and treatment.

Joslin Diabetes Center – Information on type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes Education Online – An informational website about type1 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes- Learn more about type 1 diabetes including complications, causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Type 1 Overview – A general overview regarding type 1 diabetes, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus usually occurs in adults. At least 90% of all diagnosed diabetics have Type 2 diabetes and around 80% of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetics are overweight. This type of diabetes affects the body’s ability to respond to insulin secretions, this involves the insulin receptor; the receptors become insulin resistant and do not function properly. Type 2 diabetes can cause major damage and complications to the body because it is a progressive disease. Type 2 diabetics often develop blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease. Often, type 2 diabetes can be controlled by eating properly, losing weight, and exercising. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce the liver’s glucose production and increase the body’s responsiveness to insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes Basics- Type 2 diabetes facts including causes, treatments, symptoms, and how you can manage the condition.

Type 2 Diabetes in Children- A Growing Epidemic- Type 2 diabetes information and how its more common in children.

Heart Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Studied by Medical College of Wisconsin Researchers- The problems with the heart and type 2 diabetes.

Reduce the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes- How to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes – Includes proactive tips and information to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Other Types

Approximately 3 to 5% of all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. The condition usually ends after the mother has given birth. Medical studies indicate a 40% chance of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes will move on to develop type 2 diabetes, based on individual predisposition. It is very important for women who had gestational diabetes to follow up with their doctor after a pregnancy.

Another type of diabetes is referred to as secondary diabetes. Secondary diabetes is a very broad category that occurs when the pancreas tissue in charge of producing insulin is broke down by conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis, trauma, or removal of the pancreas. Some of the common symptoms of secondary diabetes can include chronic pancreatitis, hemochromatosis, Cushing’s disease, and glucagonoma.

Gestational Diabetes – Gestational diabetes causes and risk factors.

What is Diabetes? – General information about the different types of diabetes, including gestational and secondary diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes – Gestational diabetes information and the risks associated with it.

An Introduction to Diabetes – Information about the different types of diabetes, how it effects the body, and how it can be managed.

Guardian Angel: Diabetes Information – An informational guide of information on gestational diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms

Diabetes often goes unnoticed because many of the symptoms appear normal or otherwise undetected. Symptoms may develop gradually over several years. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and shifting blood sugar levels. Early detection of diabetic symptoms and therapy can decrease the chance of developing lasting complications brought on by diabetes.

Diabetes- A list of diabetic facts about symptoms of the condition.

Symptoms and Tests for Diabetes – The warning signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetic Basics- The basic symptoms of diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes- Different symptoms of diabetes including prevention methods.

Signs and Symptoms- A basic list of signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes Symptoms – Learn more about the symptoms of each type of diabetes.

Causes

The cause of diabetes is a mystery; however, there are many factors involved. People who have a family history of diabetes have a 25% chance of also developing diabetes. Diet is another influence responsible for causing diabetes; it is important to eat a well-balanced diet. Obesity is also a factor for many people that develop type 1 or 2 diabetes later in life. Studies have shown that there are several common genetic and external indicators, including family history, body mass, or even consuming cow’s milk during early stages of development due to unstable oxygen molecules and an increased number of free radicals.

What Causes Autoimmune Diabetes – Learn about the causes of diabetes.

Majority of new cases of diabetes in older U.S. adults could be prevented modestly healthier lifestyles make big difference, researchers find- What causes diabetes in older adults.

Causes of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus – The different factors that cause diabetes.

Diabetes – An outline of diabetes and what causes it.

What Is Diabetes- Facts about diabetes and the cause of the condition.

Insulin – Information about the chemical Insulin, how it works in the body, and its involvement in diabetes.

Managing

It is important to monitor blood sugar levels on an everyday basis; many people with diabetes are advised to check their blood sugar levels before and after meals. Blood sugar monitoring is typically done by pricking one’s finger to draw blood that is then read by a portable monitor. There are several machines available that do not all include pricking a finger. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and have blood work done regularly for newly diagnosed diabetics, such as a hemoglobin A1C. To help manage diabetes, it is important to exercise and eat right. Maintaining a healthy body weight will help maintain sugar levels in the body.

Drinking Alcohol and Diabetes: Facts & Information- The serious problems diabetes can develop with alcohol.

Diabetic Management Protocols- How to manage diabetes with medication.

Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition, and Weight Management- How to control and manage diabetes.

Diabetes – How to control diabetic conditions.

The Nutrition Source Simple Steps to Preventing Type 2 Diabetes- How to prevent type 2 diabetes.

U-M Researchers Examine New Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes - An article from the University of Michigan Health System.