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Those with this metabolic disorder must manage high blood
sugar (glucose) levels in their blood. Diabetes appears in those whose body is
unable to produce or use insulin efficiently. Insulin is a hormone produced by
the pancreas, which converts glucose into a form that the body’s cells can use
for energy and growth. Diabetes has no cure, so blood sugar levels must be taken
several times a day, so dietary and medication adjustments can be made.
For some individuals, diabetes can be managed by changes
in diet and regular aerobic exercise. Most often, diabetics must also take some
type of oral medication or insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes, if
not managed properly, can contribute to heart disease or stroke, circulatory or
nervous system dysfunction, and problems with eyesight and kidney
function.
Type 1, Type 2, Gestational
Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Five-10% of diabetics have Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune
disease, where the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the
pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is often associated with children and young adults,
but can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin to manage their
blood sugar levels.
In most cases, individuals need to inherit diabetic genes
(HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4) from both parents. Caucasians have the highest rate of Type
1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is most often found in colder climates, more common
in those who were not breastfed and who first ate solid foods at later
ages.
Type 2 Diabetes
Ninety percent of the approximately 18 million diabetics
in the U.S. have Type 2 diabetes. In most cases, Type 2 diabetics produce enough
insulin, but are unable to use it efficiently. One of the most significant risk
factors for diabetes is obesity -- eating too dietary fat, and too little
carbohydrates and fiber. Lack of daily exercise is a strong contributing factor
to the onset of diabetes. If both parents have Type 2 diabetes, your children’s
risk of getting diabetes is 1 in 2.
Gestational
Diabetes
This occurs in about 4% of pregnant women, and usually
goes away after childbirth. It’s not known what causes gestational diabetes, but
hormones from the placenta may cause insulin resistance. This makes it hard for
the mother’s body to use insulin produced by the pancreas.
Gestational diabetes can affect the
mother’s and baby’s health. Gestational diabetes can lead to a larger baby,
making for a difficult delivery. The baby may weigh more than is normal, and may
have a low blood sugar level or jaundice. Generally, gestational diabetes begins
in the 5th or 6th month of
pregnancy.
The obstetrician will frequently check blood sugar
levels, and encourage a change in diet, more daily exercise, and in some cases,
medication. A birth mother with gestational diabetes is at higher risk for
diabetes in any future pregnancy and later in life.
Source:
ADA
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