Diabetes And The Body

10 Pages 2382 Words

diabetes, often referred to as maturity-onset diabetes, is likely to occur in those with a family history of diabetes and is characterized by blurred vision, itching, unusual thirst, drowsiness, obesity, fatigue, skin infections, slow healing, and tingling or numbness in the feet. Onset of symptoms is usually later in life. Diet often controls this type and insulin is not usually required. Obesity is a major factor in type II diabetes. An estimated 5.5 million Americans are being treated for diabetes. Studies indicate that there are 5 million adults with undetected type II diabetes, and another 20 million have impaired glucose tolerance that may lead to full-blown diabetes. The National Institutes of Health report that undiagnosed diabetes is the reason behind millions losing their vision. Those who are overweight face the greatest risk of developing diabetes. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Other signs of diabetes include lingering flu-like symptoms, loss of hair on legs, increased facial hair, small yellow bumps anywhere on the body (known as exanthemas-cholesterol), and inflammation of the penile skin. Diabetes is associated with arteriosclerosis. DIABETES SELF-TESTS Type I Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent or Juvenile Diabetes) To test for type I diabetes: 1. Purchase chemically treated plastic strips at the drugstore. 2. Prick your finger and apply a drop of blood to the tip of the strip. 3. Wait one minute and compare the color on the strip to a color chart that lists various glucose levels. (There are various electronic devices available that can analyze the test strip for you and give you a numerical read-out of the glucose level.) There is a new device caned Glucometer 2 (Miles Laboratories, Elkhart Indiana) that can be used at home at your convenience. You simply prick your finger with the spring-loaded needle, apply a drop of your blood to the test strip, and place it into the machine for analysis. Thi...