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Diabetes Mellitus Type I or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) is a genetic disease. It appears that people with this genetic pre-disposition develop an auto-immune disorder in which the immune system attacks the beta cells within the pancreas that are responsible for making insulin. The exact reason that the cells attack is not known but certain viral infections such as mumps, congenital rubella, and the coxsackie-virus have been shown to trigger the autoimmune response. Only 10% of people have Diabetes Mellitus Type I. (Read on …)

Managing diabetes can be difficult task when you are just learning about the disease. There is a lot to learn and a lot to remember to do. Diabetics have to manage their blood glucose on a daily basis. Type I diabetics may even check their blood glucose level several times a day and give themselves insulin injections prior to each meal. Type II diabetics may check their blood glucose levels 2 to 4 times a day and typically don’t use insulin, but are managed by one or more oral medications taken one or two times a day. (Read on …)

Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia are two serious complications of Diabetes Mellitus that can be managed by knowing the signs and symptoms, and what you should do when these emergencies arise.

Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood glucose (sugar) level falls too low. The causes of hypoglycemia are usually related to too much diabetic medication, the inability to eat for whatever reason or a sudden increase in activity/exercise without increased calories. A person may also have a hypoglycemic episode due to a tumor within the pancreas or liver that causes a sudden release of insulin.

The early symptoms of hypoglycemia are extreme tiredness, a general feeling of discomfort or nervouseness, irritability, headache, cold sweats, rapid heart rate and hunger. Later symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, blurred or double vision, convulsions, seizures and coma. Treatment for hypoglycemia is very simple the person needs some carbs. If the patient is awake give them a drink containing sugar, if they are not able to drink place a glucose tablet or small amount of sugar under the tongue. This will raise the blood glucose level, and you should see an immediate improvement in symptoms. Prolonged exposure to decreased levels of glucose can cause permanent brain damage. Even if the blood glucose improves and the person feels fine you need to contact your doctor so they can determine the cause of the event. (Read on …)

One of the major complications of Diabetes Mellitus is Diabetic Neuropathy. This involves a breakdown of nerve fibers which eventually leads to a loss of nerve function. We have two types of nerves in our bodies, sensory nerves and motor nerves. If the neuropathy involves the sensory nerves it will lead to either a loss of feeling or you may experience constant pain, burning and/or tingling. If the nerves involved are motor nerves it will affect the strength of the muscle leading to weakness and loss of use. (Read on …)

Diabetic Nephropathy is the leading cause of Kidney Failure or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in the United States. It is also the leading cause of death for Type I diabetics. Approximately 40% of Type I diabetics and 50% of Type II diabetics will acquire this complication during the course of their disease. Kidney failure decreases a person’s longevity by years but can be managed through
dialysis, medications and regulating protein, potassium, sodium and fluids in your diet; as well as tight blood glucose control. (Read on …)