HERIBERTO SEDENO, M.D. LECTURE ON DIABETES

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HERIBERTO SEDENO, M.D. LECTURE ON DIABETES
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What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a common group of
chronic metabolic diseases that cause high blood
sugar (glucose) levels in the body due to defects
in insulin production or function. Diabetes is
also known as diabetes mellitus to distinguish it
from a relatively rare metabolic disorder called
diabetes insipidus that doesn't affect blood
sugar. Symptoms of diabetes occur when a lack of
insulin or insulin resistance stops glucose from
entering the cells and fueling and energizing the
body. The resulting spike in glucose can result
in symptoms such as increased hunger and thirst,
weight loss, fatigue, and frequent infections.
Long-term complications include kidney failure,
nerve damage, and blindness.
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Types of Diabetes Diabetes is categorized into
two main categories and one subcategory, but all
are typified by problems of insulin resulting in
high blood sugar levels in the body. The
categories are Type 1 Diabetes This type of
diabetes is categorized as an autoimmune disease
and occurs when the body's misdirected immune
system attacks and destroys insulin-producing
beta cells in the pancreas. Although genetic or
environmental triggers are suspected, the exact
cause of type 1 diabetesonce referred to as
insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetesis
not completely understood. Type 1 accounts for
only five to 10 percent of diabetes cases in the
United States, and while it can occur at any age,
most patients are diagnosed as children or young
adults.
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Those with type 1 diabetes must take insulin
daily to manage their condition. Type 2
Diabetes This type most often develops gradually
with age and is characterized by insulin
resistance in the body. Because of this
resistance, the body's fat, liver, and muscle
cells are unable to take in and store glucose,
which is used for energy. The glucose remains in
the blood. The abnormal buildup of glucose (blood
sugar) can result in hyperglycemia and impaired
body functions. Type 2 diabetes occurs most often
in people who are overweight because fat
interferes with the body's ability to use
insulin, but it also can occur in thin people and
the elderly. Family history and genetics play a
major role in type 2 diabetes, and inactivity and
poor diet can also increase the risk.
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