What Happens When Insulin Production Stops
5 May 2008Everyone uses food for energy and growth but a metabolic disorder called diabetes stops this from happening. Our bodies use glucose, a form of sugar which our digestive system has broken down from the food we eat, which is then transported around the body via the bloodstream. As the main source of fuel for the body, glucose must get to where it is needed but diabetes stops this process from happening. When the glucose fails to leave the bloodstream as it should, it causes high blood sugar levels.
This condition comes in two forms but only brief details are given here; further information should be sought from a medical professional if you have this condition. Mainly affecting children and young adults, type 1 or juvenile onset diabetes occurs when insulin production stops completely; this can occur at any age but diabetics must take daily insulin injections in order to survive. The purpose of insulin is to regulate the amount of glucose in our blood. Type 2 is also called adult onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes; this is caused when the insulin is either not being produced in sufficient quantities or there is a problem in its use, however a careful diet plan can usually treat the condition.
Our body needs energy which it obtains from food that it converts into sugar like bread, potatoes, rice and pasta etc. High blood glucose levels over a long period of time can cause blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, and amputations. Good diabetes care and management can prevent or delay the onset of these complications; some of these conditions can be slowed down whilst others can even be stopped. Managing this condition means changing your lifestyle to suit your condition any medication that has been prescribed; it is very important that you don’t smoke and maintain your blood glucose levels, cholesterol and other blood fats within your target range.
Stable weight is also a requirement that will help ensure your blood pressure is maintained at a health level. Diabetes is a life long condition if you are unlucky enough to contract it; the USA is particularly badly hit with over 5.5 million sufferers. The problem is that here are probably another 5.5 million people who have this condition but just don’t know it; over 600,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Official figures show that diabetes causes the death of over thirty four thousand people in America every year but deaths from citizens that have the condition but do not die directly from it is about 320,000.
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