| What is Diabetes? |
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| Diabetes mellitus is a
group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting
from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugars to build up in your blood. Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Overall, the risk for death among people with diabetes is about 2 times that of people without diabetes. However, people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications. Common Symptoms of Diabetes People who think they might have diabetes must visit a physician for diagnosis. They might have SOME or NONE of the following symptoms: • Frequent urination • Excessive thirst • Unexplained weight loss • Extreme hunger • Sudden vision changes • Tingling or numbness in hands or feet • Feeling very tired much of the time • Very dry skin • Sores that are slow to heal • More infections than usual. • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains may accompany some of these symptoms in the abrupt onset of insulin-dependent diabetes, which is now called type 1 diabetes. Related Topics: Types of Diabetes Treatment of Diabetes Complications of Diabetes Prevention of Diabetes Insulin Devices Alternative Therapies Prediabetes Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| This fact sheet
gives an overview of the different types of diabetes and their causes.
Additional details about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of
diabetes can be found via the links at the bottom of this page. If you are
currently experiencing diabetic symptoms, be sure to consult your
physician as soon as possible. |
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| This document is
provided solely for educational and informational purposes. Be sure to consult your doctor before making any major medical decision. |
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