Diabetes mellitus, more commonly known as diabetes, is classified by the presence of high glucose levels in the blood. Symptoms of diabetes include increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and dizziness, and infections or sores. The percentage of the United States population with diabetes has increased drastically from 0.93% in 1958 to 7.18% in 2013. The rising prevalence of the disease in the United States makes diabetes an increasingly important condition to understand.
Diabetes can usually be classified as either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (a third form, gestational diabetes, occurs in pregnant women and is far less common). Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, typically appears initially in youth and occurs …show more content…
Currently, there are three methods of inserting insulin into the bloodstream: shot, pen or pump. With insulin shots, the diabetic person gives himself shots depending on the number of carbohydrates, proteins and fats he consumes. Insulin pens contain insulin and also require injections, but are easier to use. An insulin pump, inserted in the form of a tube under the skin on one’s abdomen, can dispense set amounts of insulin. The pump costs more, but is significantly easier to manage. Though not yet released for public use, the bionic pancreas automatically dispenses insulin depending on blood sugar levels, preventing the need for Type 1 diabetics to regularly monitor blood sugar levels and insulin intake. Initial testing has proved promising, and the bionic pancreas is likely to hit markets in 2017, allowing Type 1 diabetics to lead normal …show more content…
Most Type 2 diabetics take medication and all Type 2 diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar. Some medications stimulate insulin production in the Islets of Langerhans within the pancreases while others limit the production and release of glucose from the liver. Since a resistance to insulin as a result of high blood sugar serves as one of the main causes of Type 2 diabetes, doctors often recommend that diabetics maintain healthy diets and regular exercise. In cases of extreme obesity, bariatric (weight loss) surgery, can be
Diabetes can usually be classified as either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (a third form, gestational diabetes, occurs in pregnant women and is far less common). Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, typically appears initially in youth and occurs …show more content…
Currently, there are three methods of inserting insulin into the bloodstream: shot, pen or pump. With insulin shots, the diabetic person gives himself shots depending on the number of carbohydrates, proteins and fats he consumes. Insulin pens contain insulin and also require injections, but are easier to use. An insulin pump, inserted in the form of a tube under the skin on one’s abdomen, can dispense set amounts of insulin. The pump costs more, but is significantly easier to manage. Though not yet released for public use, the bionic pancreas automatically dispenses insulin depending on blood sugar levels, preventing the need for Type 1 diabetics to regularly monitor blood sugar levels and insulin intake. Initial testing has proved promising, and the bionic pancreas is likely to hit markets in 2017, allowing Type 1 diabetics to lead normal …show more content…
Most Type 2 diabetics take medication and all Type 2 diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar. Some medications stimulate insulin production in the Islets of Langerhans within the pancreases while others limit the production and release of glucose from the liver. Since a resistance to insulin as a result of high blood sugar serves as one of the main causes of Type 2 diabetes, doctors often recommend that diabetics maintain healthy diets and regular exercise. In cases of extreme obesity, bariatric (weight loss) surgery, can be