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Diabetes Mellitus : Type 1 and Type 2

Diabetes Mellitus : Type 1 and Type 2

Diabetes can manifest itself in two different forms and severities. When there is an occurence of diabetes due to an inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas, it is a condition of Diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a hormone which regulates the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. Glucose serves as a vital source of energy for all organs in the body and is the only source of energy that can be utilized by the brain. But insulin is needed to control the glucose levels in the blood so that the body can effectively use it for regulation of metabolism. Insulin is critical in the transport of glucose to the cells for energy metabolism.

The two forms of diabetes are discussed below:

TYPE 1 Diabetes: Diabetes of this kind usually manifests in childhood or adolescence. Patients suffering from this type of diabetes are dependent on insulin injections to maintain normal body chemistry. This type of diabetes can be inherited. If this is not tackled with insulin, diabetic ketoacidosis and death can result. Type 1 Diabetes is referred to as insulin dependent diabetes.

TYPE 2 Diabetes: Usually, middle aged and overweight people suffer from this type of diabetes when their blood sugar is higher than normal. This manifestation of diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes. Insulin injections are not needed to conrol this form of diabetes but a suitable diabetes diet and weight reduction can help. But this form of diabetes can lead to long term diabetic complications.

Complications arising out of long-term diabetes
1. Diabetic Retinopathy: There is damage to the retina (perceptive structural tissue of the eye). This condition results in decreased vision and sometimes leads to blindness.
2. Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can be a resultant of long term diabetes. It can even lead to overt kidney failure.
3. Stroke: Diabetics have an increased risk of stroke.
4. Heart Disease: Increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack).
5. Peripheral Vascular Disease
6. Poor Wound Healing: Ulcers and foot problems are common
7. Decreased immunity to infection
8. Peripheral Neuropathy: Patients suffering from Diabetes face damage to the peripheral nerves and altered sensation. It is also accompanied by numbness, tingling and/or burning pain to the extremeties.
9. Females who are diabetic need to be carefully monitored during pregnancy

Type I Diabetes manifests itself in symptoms such as increased frequency of urination, increased thirst and hunger. Type I Diabetic patients also experience weight loss and increased fatigue. Read up the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis

Type II Diabetes is characterized by increased hunger and thirst and increased fatigue. Persons suffering from this form of diabetes face numbness or tingling in the hands and feet as well as frequent infections along with slow healing of cuts, ulcers and sores. Impotence is yet another resultant condition.

Random and fasting blood sugar testing can help in revealing any indications of diabetes. Examining the medical history combined with a physical examination is also done by a physician. To confirm the diagnosis, a Glucose tolerance testing is also done. Blood tests for kidney profile and blood counts are also done. Urinalysis will show the excess presence of glucose.

Treating Diabetes
1. Controlling the symptoms of diabetes.
2. Achieving and maintaining a desirable weight.
3. Achieving and maintaining a healthy level of physical activity.
4. Achieving and maintaining a nearly-normal blood glucose level (between 70 mg/dl and 140 mg/dl).

Treatment of type 1 diabetes requires adherence to a strict diabetes diet and regular doses of insulin. Failure to take care of the diabetic condition can lead to potentially serious outcomes. Blood glucose levels must be monitored so that complications are avoided. Diabetics must be trained to check their own blood and urine glucose levels. They can use the newer forms of ambulatory glucose monitors that can give you automatic readings and help in diabetes management. Avoiding sweets is an elementary precaution that needs to be followed. Many a time, oral hypoglycaemic agents (Orinase, Glucatrol) may be used for regulating blood sugar levels. Find out more on a diabetes diet (in total calories). You can seek help from an Internist or Endocrinologist

Use of Steroid medications (i.e. Prednisone and Medrone) can increase blood sugar levels. They can affect the control and treatment of diabetes. Beta-blocker antihypertensive medications are yet another set of medicines that can cause serious complications for the diabetic patient and should be avoided.

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease caused by streptococcus bacteria. Typically rheumatic fever tends to affect children in the age group 6 - 15 years. Often rheumatic fever tends to follow a strep throat or scarlet fever or any other streptococcus infection. Rheumatic fever is characterized by symptoms such as fever and skin rash. The joints tend to get swollen and painful. Rheumatic fever damages the heart valves and can lead to severe disabling problems. Persons who have suffered a case of rheumatic fever have a tendency to develop flare-ups with repeated strep infections. The patient may experience chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. The patient suffers heart inflammation accompanied by weakness or chest pain. There may be involuntary jerky movements of hands and legs. Rheumatic fever can lead to Sydenham's chorea - a temporary nervous system disorder.

Blood counts, ESR and ECG help in diagnosing rheumatic fever. A physician will check joints for pain and inflammation and listen for any abnormal rhythms in your heart. It is essential that persons suffering from strep infection treat it without delay lest it manifest into rheumatic fever. Any nodules over swollen joints and red rashes on the chest, back and abdomen must not be ignored. Treatment for rheumatic fever involves reduction of inflammation and antibiotics such as penicillin, sulfadiazine or erythromycin. Persons suffering from rheumatic fever can suffer heart damage and attacks. Treatment for rheumatic fever usually includes anti-infective agents and anti-inflammatory agents. Sometimes cardiac medications are also prescribed for patients suffering from rheumatic fever.