Diabetes is a disease that is growing rapidly among individuals over 20. Speculations as to the cause of the disease are great in number, but not specific. What is known is that diabetes can be directly linked to the pancreas. Insulin, which is produced in the pancreas, acts to regulate blood sugar levels in healthy individuals. As a secondary function, insulin assists the body in using fat and protein. When this metabolic process is tampered with, problems arise.
Diabetes has been around since the 19th century. In 2005, 1.5 million people were diagnosed with the disease. Today, it’s prevalence is astounding. Overall, 20.8 million people have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. Of those diagnosed, 175,600 or .22% have Type I. Type I refers to one of three categorized forms of diabetes. Type I diabetes is a result of the body’s inability to produce insulin. Of the three is it the least common. Once diagnosed, the individual will have to manage the disease for the rest of his or her life.
Diabetes has warning signs that are often overlooked. They include the following: Frequent urination (in large quantities) Excessive thirst
Insulin is categorized by its onset, peak and duration. There are four categories of insulin: rapid acting, regular or short-acting, intermediate and long acting. The onset refers to how soon the insulin reaches the bloodstream.
Rapid weight loss
There are more than 20 different kinds of insulin. They are either manufactured in a lab or derived from animals.
Irritability and mood changes
Ulralente (Humulin) and Glargine (Lantus) are two long acting synthetic human insulin medications that are ccommonly prescribed for diabetics. Ultralente enters the blood at a slow rate, remaining active for 28 hours. Glargine, injected daily, begins to work to regulate blood sugar levels in just over an hour and lasts up to 24hours. Both are used to treat Type I diabetes.
There are four ways to categorize insulin: rapid acting, regular or short-acting, intermediate and long acting. Characteristics of insulin include onset, peak time and duration. Onset refers to the time before insulin reaches the bloodstream. Peak time is when the insulin is at its most effective state in lowering blood glucose levels. Duration is how long the insulin continues to work. Depending on the individual and lifestyle, a doctor can determine which type is most beneficial for the diabetic. The various types are either created in a lab or derived from animals.
So, what is to be done? Nothing precisely can cure this problem. But something that can not be cured must be endured. If you take proper diet, and exercise regularly, you can still live happily, even in the company of diabetes.
Prevention is the best line of defense against developing diabetes. Education helps an individual learn the warning signs, before permanent damage to the pancreas takes place. Unfortunately, many people have the tendency to overlook symptoms. They contribute them to some other minor problem. For example, fatigue is brushed off as a result of working too late. It should be known, however, that life with Type I diabetes is manageable. Advances in medicine paired with information about living healthy gives diabetics a huge advantage over this disease. Ultimately it is left to the person to make healthy choices for his or her future.