Healthy Considerations » Diabetes » Causes of Diabetes

Causes of Diabetes

January 27th, 2007 | 2 Comments

There is only one cause for diabetes, and this is simply having too much glucose in the blood.

Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to regulate the level of glucose (a sugar) in the blood, resulting in too much glucose being present in the blood.

Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood.  Or, to be more precise, diabetes occurs when the body is unable to regulate the level of glucose in the blood, resulting in too much glucose being present.

Over time, the high blood glucose levels as a result of diabetes may cause serious complications, such as damage blood vessels and nerve cells, leading to damaged eyes, nerves and kidneys and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, impotence, and foot problems.

The presence of diabetes can be indicated by a range of symptoms, however these symptoms may not appear or be noticeable until extremely high levels of glucose are in the blood, such as above 15mmol/l (milli-moles per liter).  The normal / safe level for glucose in the blood is between 3.5 and 7.8 mmol/l (milli-moles per liter).

As a result, it is quite common for someone to have diabetes without them even being aware that they have it.

Related posts:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Toddlers With Diabetes
3. The Secret Life of Diabetes II

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Written by Dave

Filed under: Diabetes · Tags: causes of diabetes, Diabetes

2 Responses to "Causes of Diabetes"

1. mitha says:

   April 3, 2007 at 8:53 pm

   As a layman it was difficult for me to understnad level of glucose in blood the way you have mentiond.
   could u make it more simpler so that a lay man can understnd ?
   would also like to know simple and practical steps in dily life to check this menace and live a better life.
   thanks.

   Reply
2. Dave says:

   April 4, 2007 at 6:13 am

   I hope this helps:

   Normally, your body converts surgars, starches and other foods into a form of sugar called glucose. Your body uses glucose for fuel. The cells receive the glucose through the bloodstream. They then use insulin (a hormone made by the pancreas) to absorb the glucose, convert it into energy, and either use it or store it for later use.

   In diabetes, something goes wrong with this process. Food is changed into glucose, but either your body doesn’t make enough insulin or it can’t properly use the insulin it produces. When the glucose is unable to enter the cells, it begins to build up in the bloodstream. High blood-glucose levels, or as they’re sometimes known high, blood-sugar levels, are one of the main signs of undiagnosed diabetes.

   The goal of treatment for all types of diabetes is to keep blood sugar at or near normal levels.

   You can learn more about Diabetes at: Diabetes Base

   Reply

Cover WP Theme

© 2012 Healthy Considerations