Diabetes Mellitus

Prevention :

Research continues on diabetes prevention and improved detection of those at risk for developing diabetes. While the onset of Type I diabetes is unpredictable, the risk of developing Type II diabetes can be reduced by maintaining ideal weight and exercising regularly. The physical and emotional stress of surgery, illness, pregnancy, and alcoholism can increase the risks of diabetes, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical to preventing the onset of Type II diabetes and preventing further complications of the disease. KEY TERMS Cataract—A condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy—A condition where the sensitivity of nerves to pain, temperature, and pressure is dulled, particularly in the legs and feet. Diabetic retinopathy—A condition where the tiny blood vessels to the retina, the tissues that sense light at the back of the eye, are damaged, leading to blurred vision, sudden blindness, or black spots, lines, or flashing lights in the field of vision. Glaucoma—A condition where pressure within the eye causes damage to the optic nerve, which sends visual images to the brain. Hyperglycemia—A condition where there is too much glucose or sugar in the blood. Hypoglycemia—A condition where there is too little glucose or sugar in the blood. Insulin—A hormone or chemical produced by the pancreas, insulin is needed by cells of the body in order to use glucose (sugar), the body's main source of energy. Ketoacidosis—A condition due to starvation or uncontrolled Type I diabetes. Ketones are acid compounds that form in the blood when the body breaks down fats and proteins. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, extreme tiredness, and drowsiness. Kidney dialysis—A process where blood is filtered through a dialysis machine to remove waste products that would normally be removed by the kidneys. The filtered blood is then circulated back into the patient. This process also is called renal dialysis. Pancreas—A gland located behind the stomach that produces insulin.