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News » Diabetes: the simple facts
 

Diabetes: the simple facts

Type I diabetes is a condition that mainly affects children and adolescents and requires the sufferer to check their blood sugar levels regularly and inject insulin (a hormone normally produced by the pancreas). It is caused by an autoimmune reaction after an illness, or is idiopathic (unknown). Symptoms of type I diabetes are acute and include fatigue, lethargy, weight loss, increased thirst, polyuria (having to urinate a lot), blurring of vision, susceptibility to infections, and coma. Type II diabetes (also known as adult-onset diabetes) has slower onset with more damage being done to the body as it is a progressive illness of insulin insensitivity due to lifestyle factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise. Treatment for type II diabetes begins with dietary modifications and implementation of exercise programmes, or medication in the form of hypoglycaemic pills or insulin. Complications of uncontrolled diabetes include peripheral neuropathy (causing loss of sensation), blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease. Adolescents are less likely to be compliant with treatment as they encounter peer group pressure and growing issues.

Source: summary of medical news story as reported by Gilroy Dispatch

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About: Diabetes: the simple facts

Date: 28 June 2005

Source: Gilroy Dispatch

Author: Melania Zaharopoulos

URL: http://www.gilroydispatch.com/lifestyles/contentview.asp?c=162459

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