Diabetes

Essay by ckhallCollege, UndergraduateB+, October 2009

download word file, 3 pages 5.0

"Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles" (About Diabetes. 2007). When you eat, some of your food is broken down into glucose. Glucose travels in your blood to all your body cells, where it supplies energy. Insulin, made by your pancreas, helps glucose move from your blood into your cells. When insulin is not available, glucose stays in your bloodstream and cannot be used for energy (What is Diabetes. 2005).

There are two major types of diabetes: Type I, and Type II. Type I is where the pancreas does not function well enough to produce any insulin also known as insulin dependent or immune-medicated diabetes.

You must assist your body to keep your insulin and glucose in balance Type II is where the body can't make enough or properly use insulin. Diet and an active lifestyle play an important role in controlling this type. Individuals that I personally know can control this with diet and most take pills such as Sulfonylureas stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas to release more insulin.

Many experts say that diabetes is genetic. I have even heard people say that it may skip generations. There are many risk factors to consider even if diabetes does not run in your family. These risk factors include excess body weight, having your HDL cholesterol under 35, high blood levels of triglycerides, high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, low activity level, poor diet, etc. All in all if you have a family history of...