Essay --

In the United States alone, there are approximately 18.8 million people, who are diagnosed with a form of diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce any or enough insulin causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood. There are three forms of diabetes; Type 1 (Juvenile), Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. Diabetes is a serious health condition that can go long undiagnosed and lead to severe symptoms such as amputation of limbs and possible death if left untreated. On record for the year 2007, there were 71,382 deaths from which diabetes was the primary underlying cause of death, with an additional 160,022 deaths, where diabetes was a significant contributing factor ("American Diabetes Association," 2014). Factors that contribute to having diabetes depend on which form you have, can result from lifestyle choices (diet) or genetics. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the complications of diabetes. The most common sympto ms include frequent urination, extreme thirst, extreme hunger, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts/bruises, weight loss (specifically Type 1), and tingling/pain/numbness in hands/feet. When someone has extremely high blood glucose the body does on have enough insulin or it is not using it properly and this called hyperglycemia. If this is untreated this will cause a condition called ketoacidosis (a diabetic coma). If someone has extremely low blood glucose levels this is called hypoglycemia. â€Å"Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly. It is usually mild and can be treated quickly and easily by eating or drinking a small amount of glucose-rich food. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can get worse and cause confusion, clumsiness, or fainting. Severe hypo... ...uropathy (nerve damage), kidney disease, high blood pressure, foot complications and many more complications. Organizations such as the American Diabetes Association have been providing critical funding for diabetes research since its inception in 1994 which goes towards Association-funded research projects for diabetes to better understand this condition and attempt to find a cure. I chose this topic for my research paper because I had an interest in diabetes because I was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes approximately one year ago. I am required to inject insulin every day and before every meal. This is most definitely a big change in my life considering I had an excellent diet and I exercise on a regular basis. I have suffered from some of the more severe symptoms of diabetes such as severe neuropathy in my hands, feet and legs as well as vision problems.