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Your Health

Living With Diabetes

By Alison Gamble

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which insulin – a hormone secreted from the pancreas – is either not available or is ineffective in fulfilling its role. Its job is to enhance cellular uptake of glucose (sugar), amino acids and fatty acids after we eat. Some examples of complex carbohydrate sources are cereals, breads and grains, and a couple examples of simple carbohydrate sources are juices and desserts. When we eat these foods they are broken down to their most simple form – glucose – in order for our cells to be nourished. If the body's ability to secrete or manufacture insulin is impaired, we cannot benefit from the nutrients we consume.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), also known as Type I, typically occurs in people younger than 20. The pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin, and the person must inject insulin in order to provide their cells with adequate nutrition. The second type, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, or Type II, typically develops in persons older than 40. Initially, the pancreas produces insulin, however, the cells become insulin-resistant and respond less sensitively. If a Type II diabetic is careful and regulates her blood sugar through diet and regular exercise, she may never need oral insulin-producing agents, which enhance the body's insulin production. If she does not pay attention to her lifestyle, however, she, too, may end up injecting insulin somewhere down the road.

Risk factors for NIDDM are genetics, age and obesity. Obesity increases the risk for NIDDM because an obese person requires higher amounts of insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. As body fat increases, insulin resistance increases, which results in impaired glucose uptake. Not all obese people develop NIDDM, but it can definitely increase your risk for it, as well as other health problems.

Want to see more?

• Gestational Diabetes: It's not the end of the world
• Join the discussion at the Diabetic Discussion Board
• Post your favorite diabetic recipe at the Recipe Share Board.
• Peach Cobbler
• No-Sugar Pineapple Pie
• No-Sugar Apple Pie
• Lemon Chicken