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Diabetes
is a medical disorder
characterized by varying or persistent hyperglycemia (elevated
blood sugar levels), especially after eating. All types of
diabetes mellitus share similar symptoms and complications
at advanced stages. Hyperglycemia itself can lead to
dehydration and ketoacidosis.
Diabetes Longer-term complications include
cardiovascular disease (doubled risk), chronic renal failure
(it is the main cause for dialysis), retinal damage which can
lead to blindness, nerve damage which can lead to erectile
dysfunction (impotence), gangrene with risk of amputation of
toes, feet, and even legs. Serious complications are much less
common in people who control their blood sugars well with
lifestyle and medications.
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The
most important forms of diabetes are due to decreased
or the complete absence of the production of insulin (type
1 diabetes), or decreased sensitivity of body tissues to
insulin (type 2 diabetes, the more common form). The
former requires insulin injections for survival; the
latter is generally managed with diet, weight reduction and
exercise in about 20% of cases, though the majority require
these strategies plus oral medication (insulin is used if the
tablets are ineffective).
Patient understanding and participation is vital, as blood
glucose levels change continuously. Treatments that return the
blood sugar to normal levels can reduce or prevent development
of the complications of diabetes. Other health problems that
accelerate the damaging effects of diabetes are smoking,
elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, high blood pressure, and
lack of regular exercise. |
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Diabetes Supplies
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Glucose Monitoring
Control and outcome in type 1 diabetes is
improved by patients using glucometers to measure their glucose
levels from time to time. Complications can be greatly reduced if the
HbA1c level is kept low; a step in complications was observed in the large
UKPDS trial at 7.8%, and aiming for <7.0 is highly desirable.
Some patients are reluctant to use these devices for various reasons; they
are useful only if changes in sugar levels produce changes in behavior —
chiefly with regard to eating and injecting insulin. And, although the
devices are marketed to patients with type 2 diabetes, there is a lack of
evidence of effectiveness there, and a certainty that more benefit could
be had from that cost if it were spent on treatment and other assistance.
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| This
page is dedicated to
Diabetes Supplies. The information
is derived from believed to be reliable government sources
and is not meant to be medical advice. |
More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes
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