DIABETS

Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus which is often referred to as diabetes, is not a singular disease instead it comprises of a number of metabolic disorders which are characterized by hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose), it results due to the defects of secretion of insulin in the blood, insulin action, or both. It is one of the most common and major diseases that exist in U.S., it affects about 24,100,000 million people, of which approximately 6,600,000 million are not diagnose. During the period 2002 to 2007 a certain number of people in the United States who were diagnosed with diabetes increased from 12,100,000 to 17,500,000 (American Diabetes Association, 2011). The economic, personal and social cost of this disease is huge. This entry describes the classifications, complications, and risk factors of diabetes. In addition, prevention and complications are discussed, along with the social, economic, and personal costs associated with diabetes. Last, this entry addresses quality-of-life issues and policy implications.

There are three types of diabetes mellitus: type 1, type 2, and gestational. All are cause by insufficient production of insulin, the hormone that enables glucose (sugar) to be transformed into energy, or by the ineffective use of insulin within the body. Globally, the number of people with diabetes is increasing rapidly due to aging populations and increased rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy body weight and diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking are the best ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease (Wild et al, 2004).

Type 1 diabetes, previously referred to as insulin-dependent, child, or juvenile onset diabetes, occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin because the cells that produce it have been attacked and destroyed by the immune system. Approximately 10 percent of all cases of diabetes are type 1.

Type 2 diabetes, ...