Categories: Diseases & Conditions

Diabetes: The Sixth Leading Cause of Death in the US

Diabetes occurs in about 23.6 million Americans. It occurs when insulin in the body is either not produced, or is not used properly. There are a few different types of diabetes. There is type 1, type 2, gestational, and pre-diabetes. Insulin is produced in the pancreas. If the pancreas does not make the right amount of insulin, or the body fails to use the insulin it makes, sugar will build up in the blood, therefore causing diabetes. Diabetes has been known to cause serious health problems for many. It classifies as the sixth leading cause of death in the US. The health problems it can cause include, but are not limited to, amputations of lower body parts, heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness. Some races have a higher risk of developing diabetes. For example, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are more likely to get type 2 diabetes.

There are many people who do not know that they have diabetes. Some things to watch for if you think you may have the disease are sores that heal slowly, excessive thirst, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, and frequent urination. Other signs and symptoms include unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, always being tired, extremely dry skin, and sudden vision changes. Stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting are sometimes noticed with the other symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin properly, or when it does not produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use the insulin produced correctly. Gestational diabetes only occurs in pregnant women and normally goes away after pregnancy. It can however turn into type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. Pre-diabetes is when you have a high-glucose level, but the level is not high enough to classify it as being type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can also occur due to drugs, infections, genetic syndromes, malnutrition, or surgery.

Testing is done to diagnose and treat diabetes. One test is a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test, or FPG. Another test is an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, or OGTT. A result of a 126 mg/dl blood glucose level with a FPG test means that you have diabetes. 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl means pre-diabetes has occurred. An OGTT test is preformed after a fast, and two hours after drinking a high glucose drink. A result of 140 to 199 mg/dl with OGTT test signals pre-diabetes. A result of 200 mg/dl or higher signals diabetes. Diabetes can be prevented with proper diet and exercise. It can be treated with proper diet, exercise, insulin injections, and medical care. Proper health care should be sought out to treat diabetes.

Diabetes cannot necessarily be cured, but a cure is being researched. Pancreas transplants, islet cell transplants, and genetic manipulation are options being researched for use as cures.

Taking care of yourself can not only treat, but also prevent diabetes.