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Running head: Research Paper

Research Paper
Diabetes
Ben Savich
10/05/16
Salt Lake Community College

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Running head: Research Paper

Research Paper
Diabetes
This paper will discuss the disease diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, symptoms of
diabetes, prevention, and treatment option. This paper will also discuss the effects of
activity/exercise pertaining to diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a complex group of diseases with a variety of causes. People with diabetes
have high blood glucose, also called high blood sugar or hyperglycemia.
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolismthe way the body uses digested food for energy.
The digestive tract breaks down carbohydratessugars and starches found in many foodsinto
glucose, a form of sugar that enters the bloodstream. With the help of the hormone insulin, cells
throughout the body absorb glucose and use it for energy. Diabetes develops when the body
doesnt make enough insulin or is not able to use insulin effectively, or both.
Insulin is made in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas
contains clusters of cells called islets. Beta cells within the islets make insulin and release it into
the blood.

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If beta cells dont produce enough insulin, or the body doesnt respond to the insulin that
is present, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by cells in the body, leading
to prediabetes or diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels or A1C levels
which reflect average blood glucose levelsare higher than normal but not high enough to be
diagnosed as diabetes. In diabetes, the bodys cells are starved of energy despite high blood
glucose levels.
Over time, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to
complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, dental disease, and
amputations. Other complications of diabetes may include increased susceptibility to other
diseases, loss of mobility with aging, depression, and pregnancy problems. No one is certain
what starts the processes that cause diabetes, but scientists believe genes and environmental
factors interact to cause diabetes in most cases.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin due to the destruction of insulin-producing
beta cells in the pancreas. In type 1 diabetesan autoimmune diseasethe bodys immune
system attacks and destroys the beta cells. Normally, the immune system protects the body from
infection by identifying and destroying bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful foreign
substances. But in autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the bodys own cells. In
type 1 diabetes, beta cell destruction may take place over several years, but symptoms of the
disease usually develop over a short period.

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Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in children and young adults, though it can appear at any
age. In the past, type 1 diabetes was called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus.
Type 2 diabetesthe most common form of diabetesis caused by a combination of
factors, including insulin resistance, a condition in which the bodys muscle, fat, and liver cells
do not use insulin effectively. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can no longer produce
enough insulin to compensate for the impaired ability to use insulin. Symptoms of type 2
diabetes may develop gradually and can be subtle; some people with type 2 diabetes remain
undiagnosed for years.
Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older people who are also
overweight or obese. The disease, once rare in youth, is becoming more common in overweight
and obese children and adolescents. Scientists think genetic susceptibility and environmental
factors are the most likely triggers of type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
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, and more
infections than usual. Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains may accompany some of these
symptoms in the abrupt onset of insulin-dependent diabetes, now called Type 1 diabetes.

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Prevention
You can help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by understanding your risk and making
changes to your lifestyle. Common risk factors include increased weight, blood pressure,
cholesterol and triglyceride (blood fat) levels. Changing the habits of a lifetime isnt easy, but its
worth the effort. Some tips are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Manage your weight. Excess body fat, particularly if stored around the abdomen, can
increase the bodys resistance to the hormone insulin. This can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Exercise regularly. Moderate physical activity on most days of the week helps manage
weight, reduce blood glucose levels and may also improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Reduce the amount of fat in your diet, especially saturated
and trans fats. Eat more fruit, vegetables and high-fibre foods. Cut back on salt.
Limit takeaway and processed foods. Convenience meals are usually high in salt, fat
and kilojoules. Its best to cook for yourself using fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Limit your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can lead to weight gain and may increase
your blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Men should have no more than two standard drinks a
day and women should have no more than one.
Quit smoking. Smokers are twice as likely to develop diabetes as non-smokers.
Control your blood pressure. Most people can do this with regular exercise, a balanced
diet and by keeping a healthy weight. In some cases, you might need medication prescribed by
your doctor.
Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease have
many risk factors in common, including obesity and physical inactivity.
See your doctor for regular check-ups. As you get older, its a good idea to regularly
check your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

Treatment
Some people who have type 2 diabetes can achieve their target blood sugar levels with
diet and exercise alone, but many also need diabetes medications or insulin therapy. The decision
about which medications are best depends on many factors, including your blood sugar level and

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any other health problems you have. Your doctor might even combine drugs from different
classes to help you control your blood sugar in several different ways.
Examples of possible treatments for type 2 diabetes include: Metformin (Glucophage,
Glumetza, others). Generally, metformin is the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It
works by improving the sensitivity of your body tissues to insulin so that your body uses insulin
more effectively. Metformin also lowers glucose production in the liver. Metformin may not
lower blood sugar enough on its own. A doctor will also recommend lifestyle changes, such as
losing weight and becoming more active. Thiazolidinediones, like metformin, these medications
make the body's tissues more sensitive to insulin. This class of medications has been linked to
weight gain and other more-serious side effects, such as an increased risk of heart failure and
fractures. Because of these risks, these medications generally aren't a first-choice treatment.
Insulin therapy, Some people who have type 2 diabetes need insulin therapy as well. In
the past, insulin therapy was used as a last resort, but today it's often prescribed sooner because
of its benefits. Because normal digestion interferes with insulin taken by mouth, insulin must be
injected. Depending on your needs, your doctor may prescribe a mixture of insulin types to use
throughout the day and night. Often, people with type 2 diabetes start insulin use with one longacting shot at night. Insulin injections involve using a fine needle and syringe or an insulin pen
injector a device that looks similar to an ink pen, except the cartridge is filled with insulin.
There are many types of insulin, and they each work in a different way. In addition to diabetes
medications, a doctor might prescribe low-dose aspirin therapy as well as blood pressure and
cholesterol-lowering medications to help prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

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Conclusion

A well-planned and-regular exercise regimen can be very beneficial if made a part of

everyday life, more so if one has diabetes. Exercise has the advantages of controlling the blood
sugar levels without taking additional medications. Although there is a history of diabetes that
runs in my family, I can take this preventative measure to reduce my risk having diabetes.

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References
Diabetes | NIDDK. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2016, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/healthinformation/diabetes
What is diabetes - cdc.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2016, from
https://www.cdc.gov/media/presskits/aahd/diabetes.pdf
10 tips to help prevent type 2 diabetes. (2014). Retrieved November 7, 2016, from
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/tentips/10-tips-to-help-prevent-type-2-diabetes
0By Mayo Clinic Staff Print. (2016). Type 2 diabetes. Retrieved November 7, 2016, from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosistreatment/treatment/txc-20169988