Diabetes mellitus is an all too common

Type 1 diabetes
happens when the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin, stops producing it. This occurs because the beta cells (which are located inside the pancreas) which produce insulin, have been destroyed. For unknown reasons , the body acts as if the beta cells are foreign; it forms antibodies against the beta cells and then destroys them. All people with Type 1 diabetes, formally called Juvenile Diabetes, must take insulin injections to replace the insulin that they lack. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about ten percent of the diabetic population.

Type 2 diabetes
is the more common form of diabetes. While this type is also a disorder of metabolism, there may be several sites of malfunction. It's possible that the pancreas may not produce enough insulin, the liver may produce too much glucose (sugar), and/or the cells where insulin works may not be receptive to insulin. The result of any or all of these processes is high blood sugar.

The incidence of diabetes in the United States is rising as our population ages. Currently There are 15 million people with diabetes. The risk of diabetes is higher in people who have a family history of the disease, who are older than 40 years of age, and who are overweight. Diabetes has a higher incidence in certain ethnic populations including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans. In addition, those women who have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) have a greater risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Many are unaware they have it
Half of the people who have diabetes are unaware that they have the disease. This is dangerous because untreated diabetes may cause damage to the body. For this reason, individuals over the age of 45, those who have a family history of the disease, and those who are members of one of the above mentioned ethnic groups should be screened for diabetes.

Many of the symptoms of diabetes
result from a lack of insulin.
Patients might feel tired because their cells are not getting the energy they need. Frequent urination is a symptom occurs because the kidneys try to get rid of the excess glucose . This may lead to excessive thirst caused by dehydration. Patients may feel excessively hungry because their cells are not receiving the nutrition they need. On the other hand, they might lose weight. This is, in part, due to water loss. It can also be due to the breakdown of fat for energy in Type 1 diabetes. When fat is broken down, ketones (organic compounds in the body, that accumulate in the blood and urine in conditions of impaired metabolism such as diabetes) are formed and expelled in the urine. Patients may experience blurry vision. When high blood sugar is present, the lens of the eye swells which makes focusing difficult. Frequent infections, especially vaginal infections in women, occur due to the high glucose level in which bacteria can easily grow. People with diabetes may have any or all of these symptoms at diagnosis. They will also occur when diabetes is poorly controlled.

Here are several warning signs for diabetes mellitus.

• excessive thirst
• frequent urination
• unexplained weight loss
• blurry vision
• fatigue or weakness
• tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
• frequent skin, gum, bladder or vaginal infections

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.

Diabetes:
More Common Than You Think
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
Find out more
Do you have diabetes?
There are more than 16 million Americans who have diabetes. Americans have been getting diabetes at an alarming rate over the past 10 years, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Increases were reported among all adults, but the most dramatic increase -- a 70 percent jump -- was seen in people aged 30 to 39. This number is increasing every year. There are many people who have this life long disease and don't realize it. Each year 650,00 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes.

Sue's Sugar-Free Biscotti
Today there are millions of people who love sweets but can't eat sugar. Whether you are a diabetic or some one trying to lose a few pounds, Sue's Sugar- Free Biscotti will satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies are made with Splenda. This new sugar substitute is the only sugar substitute that can be used in baking. Splenda is free of calories and full of taste. So indulge your sweet tooth and make a batch today!

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