What are the short term effects of diabetes?

Answer 1

Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. In the UK, diabetes affects approximately 2.3 million people, and it's thought there are at least half a million more people who have the condition but are not aware of it.

Normally, the amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. When food is digested and enters the bloodstream, insulin moves any glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it is broken down to produce energy. However, in those with diabetes, the body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there is either not enough insulin to move the glucose, or because the insulin that is there does not work properly.

There are two types of diabetes - type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease where the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes, also known as juvenile-onset diabetes, accounts for 10-15% of all people with the disease. It can appear at any age, although commonly under 40, and is triggered by environmental factors such as viruses, diet or in people genetically predisposed. People with type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin several times a day and follow a careful diet and exercise plan.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 85-90% of all people with the disease. This type of diabetes, also known as late-onset diabetes, is characterised by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. The disease is strongly genetic in origin but lifestyle factors such as excess weight, inactivity, high blood pressure and poor diet are major risk factors for its development. Symptoms may not show for many years and by the time they appear, significant problems may have developed. People with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes may be treated by dietary changes, exercise and/or tablets. Insulin injections may later be required.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Excessive thirst, excessive urination, thrush, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue, irritability, nausea, vomiting and sweet smelling breath

Cure for Diabetes

A cure for Diabetes has not been found yet. However, it can be controlled. Ways to control diabetes are: maintaining blood glucose levels, blood fat levels and weight. Blood glucose levels can be maintained by following a diet designed by your doctor, exercising, and eating at regular intervals

Type 1 diabetes long term

Intensive control of blood glucose and keeping glycosylated haemoglobin levels below 7.0. This is proving to prevent complication due to vascular (blood vessel) abnormalities and nerve damage (neuropathy) that can cause major damage to organs, including the eyes, kidneys, and heart.

Managing risk factors for Heart disease. Evidence is merging that control of blood glucose also helps the heart, but its benefits most likely accrue over time. It is very important that people with diabetes control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other factors associated with heart disease.

Type 1 short term

• Diabetes can cause short-term effects: some are unpleasant and some are dangerous. These include thirst, frequent urination, weakness, lack of ability to concentrate, loss of coordination, and blurred vision. Loss of consciousness is possible with very high or low blood sugar levels, but is more of a danger in insulin-dependent than in noninsulin-dependent diabetes.

Type 2 long term

In general, people with type 2 diabetes have a lifespan that is five to ten years less than those without the disease. The most common long-term effect of type 2 diabetes is damage to blood vessels. Because of this, diabetics are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease, which can result in blocked arteries, and eventually lead to a stroke or heart attack. The main cause of death in type 2 diabetes sufferers is cardiovascular disease and associated complications.

Answer 2

If you have...

Type 1 diabetes:

You fail to produce insulin, a hormone that enables your body to turn glucose into energy

Type 2: Your cells fails to use the glucose, and sometimes also combined with absolute insulin absence.

Gestational Diabetes: Woman who have high blood sugar (glucose) during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes.

You may also have some eye, nerves, blood cells, and kidney.

Answer 3

There are several physical effects associated with diabetes. For example, many people have to take their blood sugar reading regularly, administer insulin, and deal with side effects like nerve pain.

Answer 4

Diabetes causes many different health issues. Some of these are blood pressure, obesity, nerve damage, struggling organ system, and decreased brain activity. It is recommended to help prevent diabetes rather than to get it and treat it.

Answer 5

It depends on if you have type 1 or 2 and if you are taking steps to control your diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and gum disease. Here is an article all about diabetes: http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/default.htm