What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder
that is defined as high levels of
blood sugar over a long period
of time. Its symptoms are
increased hunger, increased
thirst, and frequent urination. If
left untreated it can cause
stroke, heart disease, blindness,
kidney failure, foot ulcers and
nerve damage. The condition is
caused by the pancreas not
making enough insulin (diabetes
type 1) or the cell not being able
to respond properly to the insulin
that is produced by the body (diabetes type 2). This occurs
if the insulin protein that is made is defective.
Insulin, a special protein, binds to a receptor on the
surface of the cell, opens and closes this channel to allow
glucose to pass into the cell. If the insulin protein was not
made correctly and is defective, it will not be able to bind
to the receptor and open the channel. This situation
causes the cell not to be able to generate energy for itself
by being broken down in the mitochondria. Instead, the
glucose accumulates within the blood and these levels can
rise to dangerous levels.
High blood sugar levels
could cause the glucose
molecules to change from
the liquid phase into the
solid, crystalline phase.
Sugar molecules will revert
to a crystal form when a
specific concentration in the
blood is reached. Over a
long period of time, these crystals, which have sharp,
razor-like edges, cause long-term damage to nerves,
blood vessels and the tissues they come in contact with.
This damage is caused through the abrasive and cutting
action of the crystals as they move from one one location
in the body to another.
High blood sugar can be controlled through the use of
insulin that is made through an external source. It can be
injected or pumped into the
bloodstream before a meal is
consumed or eaten. Insulin
that is properly produced
allows the glucose channels
on the cell to open and allow
glucose molecules into the
cell. Once in the cell, they
are transported into the
mitochondria where they are
broken down into ATP. ATP is a form of stored energy for
use by the cells. This energy is then able to power the
activities that occur within the cell.
Diabetes is also treated
through proper eating and
exercise. People with
diabetes must watch the
quantity of sugar they take into
their bodies through food and
drink. Foods and drinks high
in sugar and fructose corn
syrup appear in cereals,
sodas, candy, jelly, and other
snacks and drinks can raise blood sugar levels to
extremely high levels. Lack of proper exercise to help the
body breakdown excess glucose puts many people at risk
for developing type 2 diabetes. Research shows that
many children now are being diagnosed with type 2
diabetes caused by poor eating choices and lack of
exercise.
Knowledge and Comprehension
1. What is diabetes?
2. What are the symptoms of diabetes?
3. What are some conditions that can be caused if blood
sugar remains high for a long time without being
treated?
4. What causes diabetes?
5. How is diabetes treated?
6. Explain how proper eating and exercise can help
prevent diabetes. What are some things you can do at
school and at home to be healthier?