Diabetes is a very serious disease that attacks millions of people around the world. It can strike at any age and can happen to anyone. Although we are not exactly sure about the causes of diabetes, we believe that it has to do with the body's own immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the glucose that we need to live, has a hard time entering the cells of the body that need it. If too much glucose builds up in the blood, then a diabetic may begin to have headaches or blurry vision. They may become very thirsty and have dry, itchy skin. If glucose levels go too low, then a diabetic may feel shaky, tired, hungry, confused, or nervous. There are two types of diabetes. They are called Type 1 and Type 2 Some symptoms of diabetes include: excessive thirst; constant hunger; sudden weight loss for no reason; rapid, hard breathing; sudden vision changes or blurry vision; and drowsiness or exhaustion. These symptoms can occur at any time. Type 1 diabetes is more common in Americans then Type 2. It has affected over 1 million Americans with 30,000 more people diagnosed every year (13,000 of those being children). Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed during childhood. In Type 1 diabetes, a person's pancreas produces little or no insulin, and because insulin is necessary for life, people with Type 1 diabetes must take several insulin injection shots each day for the rest of their lives. Although insulin allows a person to stay alive, it does not cure diabetes or prevent it's complications. The blood sugar level of the diabetic must be tested several times daily. One this is done by pricking the finger with a special needle and placing the blood into a machine that will carefully read it. This helps balance the glucose in the blood and will help determine how much insulin is needed. Diabetics need to pay careful attention to their diets, exercise, and blood s...
