Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, that result from defects in insulin secretion, or action, or both. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, allows glucose (sugar) to enter body cells and be converted to energy. Was first identified as a disease associated with "sweet urine," and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term sweet urine.

Over time, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage. These types of damage are the result of damage to small vessels, referred to as microvascular disease. Diabetes affects approximately 17 million people in the United States. In addition, an estimated additional 12 million people in the United States have diabetes and don't even know it.


There are two main types of diabetes: non-insulin dependent (type-2) and insulin dependent (type-1).
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease that occurs when the pancreas produces too little insulin to regulate blood sugar levels appropriately.

Type 2 diabetes is alife-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It occurs when the body does not respond correctly to insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. His frequentest form.

Non-insulin dependent diabetes often can be prevented through a healthy diet and physical activity. A number of studies have confirmed that regular exercise, especially for those who are at high risk, can prevent this type of diabetes.