What Causes Schizophrenia – Searching the Possibilities
What causes schizophrenia is a combination of different factors resulting to the abnormal behavioral manifestations seen among schizophrenics.
What causes schizophrenia is something that we need to know in order to understand this type of mental disorder. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to be the culprit behind the bizarre condition manifested by schizophrenics. The use of modern biochemical researches and tools still were unable to clearly define what causes schizophrenia although research on the causes of schizophrenia strongly suggests there is a need for further study in order to pursue possible genetic and brain development factors that cause the abnormal behavior.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
The causes for schizophrenia are considered to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. No single cause of schizophrenia has been identified until now and the use of modern tools of biochemical research are being exhausted in order to search for the genetic and brain development causative factors that induce the abnormal behavioral manifestations among schizophrenics.
Physical Causes for Schizophrenia
1. Genetic Inheritance
It has been a common knowledge that schizophrenia always runs in the family. The risk is higher for those with closer bloodlines who have schizophrenia. Children with schizophrenic parents have 10% chance of developing the condition. Multiple genes are believed to be involved as a predisposing factor to develop schizophrenia as well. Prenatal difficulties such as intrauterine starvation, viral infection, perinatal complications are probable causes too. Chromosomes 13 and 6 are highly suspected with the transmission of schizophrenia however this assumption remains to be unconfirmed.
2. Chemical defects in the Brain
Abnormal and imbalanced functions of the brain’s neurotransmitters are believed to be involved in the development of schizophrenia. The association of the imbalanced complex and interrelated systems of the brain that involve dopamine and glutamate actions can also affect the development of schizophrenia.
3. Physical Abnormality of the Brain
With the aid of neuroimaging technology scientists were able to study the structures of the brain and its function and they have associated what causes schizophrenia to some brain structural and functional abnormalities. Abnormal brain structures include the presence of an enlarged ventricle or decreased in size of a brain region with functional abnormalities such as decreased metabolic activity in the brain region that can possibly contribute to schizophrenia. The structural abnormalities in the brain however are often subtle and are not a significant characteristic of individuals with schizophrenia. Abnormal fetal development of the brain can also be attributed as possible causes for schizophrenia to occur.
4. Environmental Causes
Environmental factors play a significant role in triggering individuals at high risk of developing schizophrenia. Environmental stress can also be the culprit resulting to abnormal development during pregnancy. High level of stress is believed to cause hormonal changes that increase the body’s cortisol level.
Stress inducing factors that can contribute to the development of schizophrenia include:
- low oxygen level during birth
- prenatal exposure to viral infection
- early parental loss or separation
- physical or sexual abuse during childhood
- exposure to virus during pregnancy
5. Birth Complications
- pre-eclampsia pregnancy complication
- abnormal fetal growth such as low birth weight and reduced head circumference
- asphyxia
- emergency caesarian section
6. Infections
- Polio varius
- Flu virus
- encephalitis lethargica
7. Head Injury
- traumatic brain injury
- fall
- traumatic accidents
Psychological Causes of Schizophrenia
The major psychological trigger for schizophrenia is life’s stressful events. These events may range from a death of a loved one, unemployment, birth loss and many others. Social factors also play in the development of schizophrenia. Studies also show that individuals with no genetic predisposition to the condition can be triggered by social conditions such as institutional and individual racism, poor housing, social isolation, low employment level and lack of cultural identity.
May 8, 2012
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Tags: causes for schizophrenia, causes of schizophrenia, research on the causes of schizophrenia strongly suggests that, schizophrenia, what causes schizophrenia · Posted in: Mental Health
Symptoms Of Torn Rotator Cuff
Symptoms of torn rotator cuff can be debilitating and uncomfortable. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary for relief.
The shoulder is the most mobile part of the body. It is supported with tensile muscles that are meant to provide stability and mobility to the shoulder. The rotator cuff muscles are important groups of tendons attached to the shoulder. Injury to these muscles results to symptoms of torn rotator cuff. It is important to determine the proper symptoms of torn rotator cuff to obtain proper diagnosis and treatment to the condition.
It is notable to know that the shoulder needs muscular support or being a mobile structure of the body. Without the proper support of the muscles the shoulder will be prone to hypermobility and instability. The rotator cuff muscles are the vital muscular support to the shoulder area. The symptoms of torn rotator cuff are common when injury to the shoulder is sustained.
Signs of Torn of Rotator Cuff
There are different levels of symptoms for torn rotator cuff. The symptomatic manifestations of rotator cuff tear usually depends whether the condition is on its early stage or acute condition and whether the injury sustained is either minor or major one.
Tendinitis is a common early symptom of torn rotator cuff. The condition may occur among women between the age of 35 and 50 years. The significant manifestations of symptoms of torn rotator cuff are tenderness on the shoulder joint, deep aching sensation along the shoulder area that may also involve the upper arm. These sensations are often accompanied with pain that worsens when lifting the arm and turning the arm inward. The early and minor symptoms of torn rotator cuff involving tendonitis may progress to chronic stage.
The major symptoms of torn rotator cuff muscles are those involving chronic pain that may be intense especially at night which interferes with sleep. In time the symptoms of torn rotator cuff progresses to muscle weakness that can lead to immobility of the arm at the shoulder joint.
Diagnosis of Torn Rotator Cuff
Establishing a diagnosis is based on the manifested symptoms of torn rotator cuff. The patient typically will have a chief complaint of pain and tenderness on the shoulder joint area where the rotator cuff tendons insert and most likely to be injured. The diagnosis is made through physical examination, x-ray assessment, and imaging studies such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Physical examination is an important component of making a diagnosis and ruling out other underlying causes that can mimic the symptoms of torn rotator cuff is important to make the diagnosis more accurate.
Treatment for Torn Rotator Cuff
The treatment for rotator cuff tear begins from conservative approach to surgical treatment. The choice will depend whether the symptoms of torn rotator cuff involved is one as mild, chronic or acute. Conservative treatment consists of rest and limited mobility to the injured shoulder, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, the use of a sling, injection of steroid and physical therapy rehabilitation. Strengthening exercises are important component of recovery treatment for torn rotator cuff muscles. Conservative approach is the best treatment option for minor shoulder injury and to relieve the early manifestations of its symptoms.
Once conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is recommended. Conditions such as the involvement of the dominant shoulder, the need for maximum strength on the affected arm for daily activities and the presence of intense pain warrant the recommendation for surgical approach.
May 1, 2012
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Tags: Diagnosis of Torn Rotator Cuff, physical therapy rehabilitation, rotator cuff muscles, shoulder, Signs of Torn of Rotator Cuff, symptoms of torn rotator cuff, Treatment for Torn Rotator Cuff · Posted in: Musculoskeletal conditions
Agoraphobia Symptoms – Abnormal Response to Fear
Agoraphobia symptoms manifest as extreme fear of experiencing panic attack in unfamiliar places where one feels there is no help.
Evelyn De Matias – Writer Contributor
Agoraphobia symptoms are the typical responses involving anxiety disorder related to fear. One feels overly anxious of being in a place or situation where they sense danger of not getting any help in case panic attack occurs. This usually happens in places like elevators, sporting complex, bridges, bus, trains, airplane or other public transportation, driving, grocery stores, shopping malls, and even on the simple act of falling in line. Agoraphobia treatment can be challenging because it usually means confronting your fears.
Agoraphobia is often taken as “fear of open spaces.” Sufferers are called agoraphobics. They are not automatically afraid of open spaces but they are afraid of experiencing panicky feelings “wherever” they are. It is an unreasonable fear that something bad will happen in a public place. As compared with other disorders like social anxiety disorder, agoraphobics are not afraid of particular places or open spaces but rather they are afraid of being in any place where there are no persons they can trust to help them.
Agoraphobia Symptoms
Agoraphobia symptoms manifest as a panicky feeling in a public place or setting. There are many noticeable agoraphobia symptoms such as fear of being alone, worrying when in a crowded place, fear of losing control in a public place, afraid of being in a location or situation where it would be difficult to get out such as when one is on an elevator or train, being housebound for prolonged period of time, feeling of helplessness, seeking too much help or overdependence on someone they trust, and a feeling that his or her body is unreal as well as the environment.
There are also cases that agoraphobia symptoms can be associated from panic attacks and these related signs and symptoms manifest as lightheadedness, breathing difficulty, dizziness, excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, flushing, nausea, upset stomach or diarrhea, chest pain, feeling a loss of control, and trouble swallowing. Agoraphobia treatments are available and a mental health professional will need to determine if you might also have panic disorder, social phobia or another specific type of phobia to include in the treatment process since these mental disorders resemble one another.
Persons suffering from agoraphobia demonstrate fear in unfamiliar places or in places where they find no control of. If one feels that their anxiety, panic-like symptoms and avoidance behavior hinder them to carry on with their every day activities they may need to seek medical help. Agoraphobia diagnosis is possible with the help of competent mental health professionals. Let’s not allow agoraphobia symptoms to take control of the normal life that anyone deserves because help is always available.
April 11, 2012
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Tags: Agoraphobia diagnosis, Agoraphobia symptoms, Agoraphobia treatments, agoraphobics, anxiety disorder, fear, fear of open spaces, mental disorders, overly anxious, panic attack, panicky feeling · Posted in: Mental Health
What is Agoraphobia and Its Diagnosis
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What is agoraphobia is a common question to many who know someone who shows a panicky feeling characterized by agoraphobia symptoms that manifest as panic disorder accompanied by extreme fear, losing self control in public places, overly anxious, helplessness, avoidance behavior, and the fear of being alone. The panic attack usually occurs in places when the agoraphobic finds the threat of being alone and without any help around. It takes another form of anxiety disorder with the phobia of being in public places.
What Cause Agoraphobia
There are different reasons on what cause agoraphobia. Among these are genetics, biological causes, personality trait, stressful environment, substance abuse, use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills such as benzodiazepines, emotional and unresolved conflicts, anxiety provoking, events, learned behavior, traumatic events, chemical imbalances, temperament, genetics, and standing medical conditions.
Diagnosis of Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is diagnosed based on the presentation of the patient’s signs and symptoms. Diagnostic procedures include a thorough psychological evaluation as well as physical examination in order to rule out other medical conditions that could trigger the symptoms of agoraphobia. Moreover, the patient will also undergo evaluation consisting of questions concerning the description of their symptoms such as when they occur, what they are, how intense are the symptoms and the duration of the symptoms as they occur.
Agoraphobia may occur alone or with panic attack and other anxiety disorders such as social phobia hence differential diagnosis is very important in order to define a more appropriate agoraphobia treatment plan for the patient. In order to be accurately diagnosed with agoraphobia alone without the history of panic disorder and other medical conditions the following criteria must be met according to DSM-IV:
- There is marked intense fear with the panic attack generally limited to the symptoms.
- There is avoidance or extreme distress
- The condition is not caused by or related to a physical condition
- The symptoms are not caused by another disorder.
- The symptoms do not meet the criteria for panic disorder.
Generally there are 2 basic criteria that merit the diagnosis of agoraphobia which are:
- The feeling of anxiety about being in place or situations that can be embarrassing or difficult to get out of, or one feels they are unable to get help once they develop the panic like symptoms.
- There is avoidance of places and situations where you fear to have an episode of panic attack.
March 18, 2012
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Tags: anxiety disorder, avoidance behavior, panic attack, panic disorder, phobia of being in public places, what cause agoraphobia, What is Agoraphobia · Posted in: Mental Health
Obesity and Cancer Link
Obesity and cancer are becoming a prevalent public health concern with an estimated one third of American adult population being either overweight or obese according to the National Cancer Institute. The rising percentage of obese or overweight children is also alarming. About 3.2% of new cases of cancers have been reportedly linked to obesity. The American Institute for Cancer Research is making progress in their study how obesity can predispose a person to the risk of cancer with different types of cancers found to be associated with obesity.
Obesity and Cancer Types
A number of cancer types have been associated with obesity namely cancer of the colon, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, cancer of the kidney and esophageal cancer. There has also been reported link of obesity to the cancer of the ovaries, gallbladder, and pancreas. The European Cancer Organization, together with European Society for Medical Oncology declared colorectal cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, and endometrial cancer as accounting to 65% of obesity-related cancer cases. Experts consider physical inactivity and excessive weight as accountable to 25 to 30 percent of causes of cancer affecting the colon, breast, kidney, endometrial, and esophagus.
Menopausal women who are obese are 1.5 times more at risk to breast cancer than those with an ideal weight. The risk is reduced when a woman is able to maintain a Body Mass Index of 25 and below post-menopause and throughout their adult life. The increased estrogen secretion by the body fats among postmenopausal women is linked with the risk to breast cancer.
The lifetime exposure to hormones such as high estrogen and insulin levels caused by excessive weight are believed to be the cause of endometrial cancer. Excessive abdominal fat deposits can predispose one to the risk for colon cancers, according to a study conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research. The risk to renal cancer due to obesity is linked to the possible cause of high exposure to the sex steroids androgen and estrogen. The gastric reflux that often occurs in obesity is associated with the development of esophageal cancer. High levels of leptin and insulin can increase the risk to prostate cancer among obese men.
The Biological Mechanisms in Obesity and Cancer
Several clinical trials were undertaken in order to associate relationship between obesity and cancer and the mechanism that cause cancer risk due to obesity involve varied factors with difficulty in establishing the exact mechanism. Among the possible mechanisms that link obesity to cancer are alterations in sex hormones, physical inactivity, excessive weight, and a high fat and calorie diet. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggests that the lifestyle habits of an individual can significantly affect their risk to cancer survival, particularly having a high Body Mass Index (BMI) and sedentary lifestyle. Healthy diet coupled with physical activity can reduce the risk to increased fatty build-ups in the body and may help reduce one’s risk to obesity cancer.
January 29, 2012
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Tags: breast cancer, cancer, cancer of the colon, cancer of the kidney and esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, obesity, obesity and cancer · Posted in: Cancer
Gestational Diabetes Treatment and Overview
Gestational diabetes treatment is important because about 4% of all pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Women who do not suffer from diabetes may develop the condition during their pregnancy. The actual cause of gestational diabetes development in pregnant women remains to be unclear but there are some indications that may establish possible causes for this condition and gestational diabetes treatments are very plausible for managing diabetes during pregnancy.
Why You Need Gestational Diabetes Treatment and Management
One of the possible causes for the development of gestational diabetes is the occurrence of insulin resistance from the body of a pregnant woman. The placenta that keeps and protects the baby inside the mother’s womb may block the formation of insulin from the mother’s body with the resulting condition of diabetes. The body needs energy to carry out its daily functioning. Glucose is a primary source of energy for the body, which needs insulin to help release the glucose from the blood to convert it into energy. Hyperglycemia also occurs whenever there is an excessive build up of glucose from the blood. With insufficient insulin in the body, the blood sugar increases resulting to a diabetic condition. This physiological aspect is also a common focus of gestational diabetes treatment and management.
The implication of untreated gestational diabetes will result to imposing higher load on the pancreas to work double in producing sufficient insulin that a pregnant body needs. Moreover, glucose can cross the placenta that could trigger the baby’s pancreas to produce insulin to rid of the excessive glucose present. This produces the baby with the extra glucose in the body that is stored as fats. The risk of getting a fat baby and difficulty in breathing in newborns during delivery further increases the risk and complications emanating from gestational diabetes.
How to Get Gestational Diabetes Treatment
There are effective diagnostic procedures to help detect gestational diabetes and provide for its immediate management. This includes taking the oral glucose tolerance test or the fasting blood glucose test. The test will indicate whether one has a high level of glucose in the blood.
Once a physician confirms gestational diabetes, the most common treatment option to consider is establishing a dietary meal plan designed to lower the glucose level in the body. This would mean avoiding sweets and indicating the proper amount of foods to eat with specific food choices and schedule to eat meals. Common foods that can help reduce diabetes are foods high in fiber such as fruits and vegetables, cereals, and whole grain crackers.
Physicians usually advice to carry out physical activities that will help reduce weight as a natural form of gestational diabetes treatment and management. Walking and swimming are good exercises for pregnant women. Pregnant women who need to meet their target blood glucose level, diet plans and exercise may not be sufficient. Thus, they will likely require insulin as an added form of gestational diabetes treatment.
January 29, 2012
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Tags: diabetes, diabetes mellitus, gestational, Gestational diabetes treatment, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, pregnancy, pregnant · Posted in: Medical Conditions
The Powerful Nutrition from Flax Seed
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Flax may be a tiny grain-like seed but it is powerful in terms of nutritional contents. It contains very low carbohydrates making it more suitable to people who are watchful on their carbohydrate, sugar and starches intake. Promising studies have been done to further learn more about the health benefits of flax seed.
The Omega 3 Fatty Acid in Flax Seed
The omega 3 fatty acid in flax seed is responsible for its ability to reduce bad cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It also battles inflammatory reactions in the body. This nutritional content in flax helps boost one’s immunity against arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancers.
Immunity Boosters of Flax Seed
Two components of flax have been found to affect the immune cells to strengthen the immune system in the body. These are lignans (phytoestrogen) and Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) that are known as immunity boosters.
Anti-carcinogenic Components of Flax Seed
The American Cancer Institute singles out flax seed as one of the foods worth studying with its potential anti-carcinogenic components. Lignans is specifically identified for its natural cancer-protective compounds. High fiber content can also reduce the risk to colon cancer.
Weight Reduction Power of Flax Seed
The high fiber content in flax can aid in weight loss. It aids in stabilizing the cholesterol level and blood sugar. It can make one feel with a fuller stomach longer which is best for dieting. Fiber can also help the intestine work better thereby aids in preventing constipation as it can easily absorb water to soften the stools.
Flax Seed’s Mood Booster Ingredient
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a mood boosting ingredient, together with omega 3 fatty acids in flax plays important roles in brain development. DHA has the potential to reduce the common “blues” experienced with hormonal imbalance and other mood disorders. Dr. Martha Clare Morris of Chicago’s Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center recognizes the role of flax in reducing Alzheimer’s symptoms and its effect in regulating mood. Further studies however are required in order to fully establish the relation of flax seeds to depression and brain function but preliminary studies already show its promising health benefit in regulating moods.
Precaution
While flax seeds has the highest potential of providing health benefits, precaution should be observed by people with known allergy to flax seed. It is highly recommended to read the product label of any flax seed product and take it in the proper dosage. Overdose may result to breathing difficulty, weakness, difficulty in walking, and to an extent may result to seizure and paralysis. It should be avoided with people having diarrhea, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and with inflammatory bowel disease because of flax seed’s laxative effects.
January 14, 2012
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Tags: Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), flax health benefits, flax seed, flax seed nutrition, Flax seeds benefits, omega 3 fatty acid in flax · Posted in: Nutrition and Health
Counting Calories: A Weight Loss Strategy
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Reading the scale gives you better awareness on how much you weigh but do you know that you could easily estimate how much weight you could possibly gain or lose by counting calories? The simple equation would be the more calories you take the more weight you gain and the lesser calories you eat in your diet, the more you lose weight. Counting calories will give you leeway to easily estimate how much weight you could gain or lose from the foods you eat.
Counting Calories to Lose Weight
There are many forms of weight loss regimens involving various forms of diet available but they all get down to the bottom of reducing calorie intake in order to reduce the storage of fats in the body. Calories are the main source of energy in the body. It is present in carbohydrates, proteins and fats. About 4 grams of calories are present in carbohydrates and proteins while fats contain roughly about 9 grams of calories, according to Betsy Klein, RD who is a renowned dietician.
Counting calories allows you to monitor your caloric intake which helps you control the average amount of calorie that your body needs to fuel it with energy to carry out your daily activities. If your goal is to lose weight, you need to understand that 3,500 calories equals to 1 pound of fats. In order to lose 1 pound you need to cut down 3,500 calories off your diet. Suppose you want to lose 1 pound a week, you can estimate by cutting down 500 calories a day from your diet. That’s 500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories (equals to 1 pound). Counting calories does not need to be a complicated arithmetic to do.
Burn Down the Fats
Calories are either converted to produce physical energy supply to the body or they are stored as fats. Stored fats are the culprits for the excess baggage of fats in your body and unless you burn them, they will remain as it is – stored, unwanted, bulging fats. You can burn them down by doing simple exercises that will require the body more calories to burn to sufficiently support the energy expenditure demands to carry out physical activities. But burning down calories may not result to weight loss if you do not exercise healthy food choices that involve low calorie diet. Getting into the habit of reading the labels on nutrition facts is a good complement with your goal of losing weight by counting calories.
Why Count Calories?
The body needs calorie supplies for energy but excessive caloric intake can cause unwanted fat build ups. While it is difficult to accurately count calories from our food intake, awareness of the amount of calories present in the food we eat can relatively give substantial guide on how much fats you will possibly gain and lose to manage weight.
January 14, 2012
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Tags: burning down calories, calories, count calories, counting calories, diet, fats, lose weight, manage weight, proteins, stored fats, weight, weight loss, weight loss regimen, weight loss strategy · Posted in: Weight Loss
How Safe Is Gastric Band Surgery
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Gastric band surgery provides an option for people having difficulty to lose weight. The procedure involves tying the upper portion of the stomach with a silicone band. This process will allow the stomach to be full even with just a small food intake. This will encourage weight loss because the person will likely eat less.
The Gastric Band Surgery Procedure
The procedure of gastric band surgery is most preferred since it is the least invasive among all other surgical methods for losing weight. The dawn of the laparoscopic technology has made the procedure even less invasive and it gives the procedure another name – Lap Band Surgery. It uses a modern apparatus equipped with a small video camera that allows surgeons to see through the parts of the stomach where to place the silicone band. The procedure may last for 2 hours.
Because gastric band surgery is less invasive, there is lesser risk involved with the procedure. However, there are stringent guidelines to follow when identifying good candidates for the surgery. Doctors only recommend gastric band surgery when other weight loss methods fail. It is important to weigh the risks and advantages when considering undergoing a gastric band surgery.
Gastric Band Surgery Risks and Benefits
The risks for gastric band surgery may involve slippage of the silicone band over the stomach. The patient may also show adverse reaction to the silicone substance. Other reactions include nausea, diarrhea, and acid reflux during the recovery phase after the surgery. The risk level varies from each patient. Compliance to the doctor’s order and efficient pre and post evaluation of the patient are the keys to a successful gastric band surgery procedure. There is risk for malnutrition in some patients that is why one of the post medical managements for gastric band surgery is referral to a dietician. Others may experience heartburn and rapid weight loss.
Gastric band procedure is a reversible procedure since there are no permanent changes done through the stomach. At any time the surgeon finds the ideal weight is attained, the gastric band can be easily removed without any residual damage on the stomach and digestive organs. There is a slim chance for infection too since the surgery only makes a very small incision. The hospital stay of the patient is usually less than a day.
Qualifying for Gastric Band Surgery
The gastric band surgery is a safe procedure. There are several qualifications to meet before one becomes a candidate for the procedure. One needs to undergo a thorough physical examination and various laboratory examinations. The Body Mass Index and past medical history of the candidate are also valuable considerations. The candidate will also undergo nutritional counseling.
January 13, 2012
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Tags: gastric band procedure, Gastric Band Surgery, gastric banding, Lap band surgery · Posted in: Weight Loss
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Difference
An overview of Diabetes Mellitus
Generally, diabetes mellitus is a medical condition involving metabolic disorder. The metabolic process of the body is the manner how the body digests foods for growth and energy consumption. The main source of the energy of the cells in the body comes from glucose, a kind of blood sugar. Insulin is vital in converting glucose into energy in the body. Without insulin, high blood sugar levels occur in diabetes, a condition called hyperglycemia. In diabetes mellitus, the high sugar level is due to two physiological abnormalities. It is either there is insufficient production of insulin in the body (Type 1 diabetes) or the cells may develop resistance to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Another form of diabetes is the gestational diabetes, which only occurs during pregnancy and may disappear after giving birth.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar level in the body is detrimental as it may cause permanent organ damage most especially affecting the pancreas and the liver. It may also damage blood vessels and complications may arise following diabetes such as stroke, heart attack, blindness, immunity disorder, neuropathy, poor circulation resulting to poor wound healing and susceptibility to infections.
Type 1 Diabetes – Insulin Deficient Diabetes
This form of diabetes is a form of autoimmune disease where the insulin production capacity of the pancreas is lost owing to the destruction of the beta cells that is responsible for producing insulin in the body. In short, people with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin in the body. They need insulin injection in order to prevent high sugar levels in the body. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults before the age of 40 and is often referred to as Juvenile Diabetes or Childhood Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association indicates that only about 5 to 10 percent of the population has Type 1 diabetes and the condition is not preventable being an autoimmune disorder.
Type 2 Diabetes – Insulin Resistant Diabetes
This occurs in about 85% of diabetic patients and it is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes where there is sufficient production of insulin in the body only it could not enter the cells. As a result, there is an increase in the blood sugar level in the body while the body does not get enough energy that it needs to be more functional. The pathologic response is due to the cells’ resistance to insulin. Consequently, the body may experience fatigue after cell deprivation from sugar with significant weight loss and other complications that may arise caused by increased blood sugar levels in the body. Type 2 diabetes however is a reversible condition with proper diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle.
November 4, 2011
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Tags: insulin, insulin deficient, insulin resistant, metabolic process, non-insulin dependent, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes · Posted in: Medical Conditions
