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According to the Centers for Disease Control, members of America’s “Baby Boomer” generation accounted for over half of all visits to the doctor during 2001. Here is some useful information to learn more about this metabolic disease.
·What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is described as the syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). The hormone insulin made in the beta cells of the pancreas controls the Blood glucose levels.
·What are the types of Diabetes?
Diabetes has mainly two types: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
With Type 1 diabetes, insulin is simply not available. A person’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas hence, could not produce insulin for the body. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is sometimes called immune-mediated diabetes. Factors that can trigger an immune reaction include viruses, toxic chemicals and certain drugs. Genetic makeup may also be implicated, for Type 1 diabetes often runs in families, and it is most common among Caucasians.
With Type 2 diabetes, the body makes insulin but usually not enough. Moreover, the cells are reluctant to let insulin in – a condition called insulin resistance. Among non-Caucasians, the genetic factor is even stronger but with greater occurrence. And among the most affected are the Australian Aborigines and Native-Americans.
·Diabetes Treatment
A member of American Diabetes association commented, “There’s no diabetes that’s not bad. It’s all serious.”
Why Serious? – Diabetes has been called “a disorder of the very engine of life”, and for good reason. When the body cannot metabolize glucose, a number of vital mechanisms can break down, sometimes with life-threatening consequences.
There is hope for those who are affected with Diabetes, if they recognize the seriousness of the disorder and submit to a program of treatment.
Scientists are studying genetic risk factors in persons with Type 1 Diabetes, and are trying to find ways to suppress an immune attack. With Type 2 Diabetes patients, there is a brighter side because many of those who are genetically susceptible avoid showing any sign of this disease simply by eating balanced diet and exercising regularly, thereby staying physically fit and keeping their weight with normal limits.
Insulin therapy is also recommended for those with Diabetes. It is a must to supplement their diet and exercise program with daily testing of glucose levels along with multiple insulin injections.
·Complications
Complications include heart disease, stroke, poor kidney function, peripheral arterial disease, and nerve damage. Poor blood supply to the feet can lead to ulcers, which in severe cases require amputation of the affected limb. Diabetes is also the most frequent cause of blindness among adults.
Based on further studies, physicians have concluded that diabetes is not only a disease of the baby boomer but also a “disease of the young”. The average age for the onset of diabetes is indeed dropping. Ten years ago, Diabetes was not present in people under 40, now it is present in young people under 10. This is sometimes caused by genetic predisposition, but weight and environment may also play a role. A study showed that a number of obese children have doubled in the past two decades.
Do you know a 10 year-old child suffering from this condition? Or are you a baby boomer yourself fighting against the complications of Diabetes? Share your ideas, thoughts and experience with others at Boomer Yearbook.
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Tags: baby boomer generation, baby boomers, Elderly Problems, Psychological Articles