Definition
* Diabetes is a chronic condition for which there is no cure but it can be controlled through diet and medication.
* The blood sugar levels are elevated in those with diabetes because of a problem related to the hormone insulin which is secreted by the pancreas.
* Insulin is required for the body to be able to convert glucose or sugar into energy.
* There is either not enough insulin or the body has a resistance to insulin or both, causing blood sugar levels to be abnormal.
Types
Diabetes Mellitus is diagnosed as either one of three types.
* Type 1 Diabetes - Although this can occur in all ages, it most commonly is diagnosed in children, teenagers and young adults. The cause in not known and the body produces little or no insulin, requiring daily injections for a lifetime.
* Type 2 Diabetes - This is the most common type of diabetes and is usually diagnosed in adults. Due to the high obesity rates in children and young adults, more of them are being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. This is frequently referred to as noninsulin-dependent diabetes, and the body either resists the effects of insulin or does not produce enough insulin. Sometimes patients with Type 2 Diabetes need to take insulin in addition to other diabetic medications.
* Gestational Diabetes - This is the diagnosis when a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy and does not have diabetes.
Statistics
* According to the CDC Fact Sheet for 2011 there are 25.8 million Americans affected by diabetes. 18.8 million have been diagnosed and the remaining 7 million are undiagnosed.
* Diabetes is ranked as the 7th leading cause of deaths in the U.S.
* Diabetes is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
* Diabetes is listed as the "major cause of kidney failure" as well as lower-limb amputations not caused by trauma and new cases of adult blindness.
* For seniors 65 and older 10.9 million have diabetes, accounting for 26.9 percent of that group.
Symptoms
Especially in Type 2 Diabetes, the symptoms may be subtle and many people have diabetes without symptoms in the early stages. Key symptoms that likely indicate a diagnosis of diabetes are:
* Excessive thirst
* Increase in urination
* Fatigue
* Unexplained weight loss
* Blurry vision
* Tingly hands or feet
* Slow healing infections or wounds
Treatment
Since there is no cure for diabetes it is vital that patients comply with medical treatment which includes:
* Blood sugar monitoring
* Adhering to a diabetic diet
* Exercise regimen
* Compliance with prescribed insulin and/or other diabetic medications.
* Regular check-ups with the physician.
Margie Miklas is a critical-care nurse with more than 30 years of experience. She currently works in south Florida in a cardiovascular ICU with a specialty certification in cardiac surgery.

SOURCE: yahoO