What is diabetes?

By PennsylvaniaHealth.com writers. Not doctor reviewed. Read disclaimer.

When we eat, our body turns most of the food into sugar (glucose) which then gets converted into energy with the help of the hormone, insulin. In people with diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce ANY insulin (known as type 1, insulin-dependent, or juvenile diabetes -- since it usually shows up in childhood); or the pancreas produces too little insulin plus the cells in the muscles, fat and liver are unable to utilize that insulin properly (known as type 2, adult or non-insulin dependent diabetes). 90-95% of people diagnosed with diabetes are type 2. This results in above normal blood sugar levels at the same time that the cells are being starved of energy.

Symptoms of diabetes
These may include excessive thirst, frequent need to urinate, weight loss, extreme hunger, constant fatigue, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, sores that heal slowly, dry skin or frequent infections. Some people with diabetes, however, exhibit none of these symptoms. For anyone who has one or more increased-risk factors, a simple blood test is suggested.

Diabetes risk factors
Anyone who has the following risk factors may be at a greater risk of having or developing diabetes:

• have a parent or sibling with diabetes
• are overweight
• are of Pacific Islander or African, Asian, Hispanic or Native American descent
• have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 lbs. or history of gestational diabetes
• have been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure or heart disease
• women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome
• do not exercise at least three times per week and live a fairly sedentary lifestyle
• age 45 or over

While there is no cure at this time, with early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes (managing your weight, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly) many people with diabetes can live full, healthy lives. Untreated, diabetes may lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke, blindness, nerve damage, gum infection, amputation and more. Type 2 diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death in high-income countries.

As of 2007, nearly 24 million Americans are believed to have diabetes but 1/3 of these people do not even know it.

Low Vitamin D levels linked to diabetes risk

Melbourne, Australia - Low Vitamin D levels are associated with type 2 diabetes risk, according to a study published in Diabetes Care. Scientists from the University of Melbourne in Australia found that people with lower than average Vitamin D levels had a 57% higher chance of developing diabetes than people with Vitamin D levels.

Researchers measured Vitamin D levels in over 5,000 people without diabetes. After five years, researchers measured Vitamin D levels again and determined that 200 of the participants had developed diabetes. They found that 6 in 100 people with low Vitamin D levels developed diabetes, versus 3 in 100 with regular levels that developed diabetes. When they factored in diabetes risk factors, the risk of diabetes increased to 57%.

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