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Diabetes Facts

Diabetes Facts
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that are characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to many complications, including death, if not treated. Diabetes occurs when a person's pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin, or if their body is not responding to insulin as it should. There are four main types of the disease including Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, and other specific types. Those with type 1 diabetes require insulin, while those with type 2 are able to treat with diet, exercise, medications, and in some cases insulin. Gestational diabetes occurs in some pregnant women, and usually resolves once the baby has been born. Other specific types include diabetes with individual causes.
Interesting Diabetes Facts:
Diabetes can be prevented in many cases by ensuring that a person eats a healthy diet and maintains a healthy weight, and exercises regularly.
It is estimated that there are 415 million people around the world living with diabetes. 90% of the cases are type 2 diabetes - which can be prevented or reversed if patients follow diet and exercise plans.
Diabetes rates are expected to continue to rise around the world as more people eat unhealthy diets and do not get sufficient exercise.
In 2012 alone, diabetes treatment in the United States was roughly $245 billion.
Signs of diabetes can include increased thirst, increased urination, blurry vision, fatigue, headaches, and many more.
Obesity is a contributing factor to diabetes in many cases.
Once considered to be rare, the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children is rising all over the world.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. It is the result of increased blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. Some women require medication to control their blood sugar while others are able to control it with diet and exercise. This often disappears after childbirth. In some cases however it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, for both mother and child.
Complications of diabetes can include kidney failure, blindness, amputation, cardiovascular disease, strokes, numbness, pain, foot problems, muscle wasting, and a decline in cognitive function.
Other specific causes of diabetes include genetic defects, exocrine pancreatic defects, endocrinopathies, infections, and certain drugs such as statins and thyroid hormone.
It is estimated that approximately one-third of those with diabetes are unaware they have the disease.
In many cases type 2 diabetes does not produce symptoms and it is discovered during routine blood work.
Those at risk for type 2 diabetes should take preventative measures such as losing weight, and adding exercise to their daily regimen.
Those with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease, than those who do not have the disease.
Some obese type 2 diabetes patients are cured by bariatric surgery, while others experience reduced symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes is not preventable but type 2 preventable is in many cases.
Smoking is considered a risk factor for developing diabetes. Stress and depression have also been linked to its development.
Physical activity is considered to be a major preventative measure to reduce the chances of developing diabetes.


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