How Is Diabetes Caused - Is It Fatal?

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition characterized by higher than normal blood glucose levels. The disease presents itself as excessive urination and abnormal thirst.

What Causes it?

Diabetes Mellitus is due to the body's inability to produce enough insulin, or the body has a resistance to the insulin that is being produced. Insulin is a hormone manufactured in the pancreas by the beta cells, and works to change glucose into energy. The cells of the body need this energy for fuel to function properly. When there is no fuel the body begins to use fat and muscle to gather the fuel it needs. This leads to the unexplained weight loss in those individuals who are showing signs and symptoms, but have yet to be diagnosed.

Is It Fatal?

Many people live long productive lives with diabetes, but it can be fatal if you do not commit to taking good care of yourself. Daily blood glucose testing, administration of insulin (if you are insulin dependent), eating a healthy diabetic diet, and getting regular exercise will help prevent major complications, such as:

• cardiovascular Disease (CVD)


• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)


• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)


• Heart Failure


• Diabetic retinopathy


• Kidney Failure


• Gangrene


• Stroke


• Coma

All involve narrowing of the arteries due to build up of cholesterol deposits inside the artery. This leads to formation of blood clots that grow in size to eventually obstruct blood flow. The lack of blood flow leads to ischemia and heart attack, which can be fatal if not treated in time.

There exists particular traits and conditions, that when grouped together provide insight on one's risks for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These traits include:

• Pot belly/Obesity


• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels


• Hypertension


• Increased blood glucose levels

What is the normal glucose level?

Blood glucose levels vary 24 hours per day depending on when, what foods, and the amount of food you have eaten at any given time of the day. Levels are higher after eating, which explains why folks camp out on the couch for a nap after a heavy Thanksgiving dinner. Normal fasting glucose level is less than 110 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). If after two consecutive tests, a blood glucose level is 126 mg/dl - 140 mg/dl, it is indicative of diabetes and your doctor may order more complete tests to make a final determination.

How can I keep this from happening to me?

There is nothing you can do about your family medical history, but you can reduce your risk factors by adhering to a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Additionally, increasing your physical activity, monitoring your blood glucose and triglyceride levels, and blood pressure readings will prevent the complications caused by diabetes that can be fatal.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT