The pancreas is a long, irregularly shaped gland in vertebrates, lying behind the stomach, which secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum and insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin into the bloodstream. This organ is directly related to having the disease called diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes mellitus (DM): Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin causing the body's inability to process glucose properly. High blood sugar, then, causes spillage of glucose into the urine called glucosuria. Diabetes effects and symptoms include extreme thirst, dizziness, shakiness, fatigue, and more. Type 1 DM used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes, because it is usually detected early on in life. A Type 1 diabetic requires medication to control his or her blood sugar levels, usually in the form of insulin injections or shots.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, often called as adult-onset diabetes, is different because, in Type 2, the pancreas is still producing insulin but the body is unable to process it correctly. The insulin is there, but the cells in the body do not respond to it. Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age and is becoming increasingly prevalent in children. It is often caused by a poor diet consisting of foods high in simple carbohydrates and other unhealthy foods.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, though both have similar effects and symptoms, Type 2 diabetes can be effectively treated and controlled without medication. Adjustments to diet and lifestyle have a large impact in correcting the issues the body has with its inability to process the insulin. A healthy diet combined with exercise will help the patient reach and maintain a good weight, and reduce the blood sugar levels to improve the body's response to insulin.
Types of Diabetes
Learn the different types of diabetes, its effects and the ways on how to prevent them.
Childhood Diabetes
Your children can be a victim of this devastating disease. Learn why children are becoming more prone to diabetes.
Diabetes Treatment
Learn the different ways in treating diabetes in order to live a longer and happy life.
