Diabetic Emergencies
According to the American Diabetes Association well over 18
million people in the United States are suspected or diagnosed to have
diabetes. This is approximately 6% of the US population. Surprisingly
about 20% of the people over 60 fall within this 18 million people.
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to utilize sugar in the
form of glucose. There are two general types of diabetes appropriately
called Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also called insulin
dependent diabetes, refers to the body's
inability to produce insulin. The basic nutrient used by all cells in the
body is glucose. This base molecule of sugar is normally transported into
body cells and broken down via glycolysis and the kreb's cycle to form ATP, the
fundamental unit of energy to carry out cellular functions. The molecule
within the cell membrane that transports glucose into cells requires a body
hormone called insulin to function. In simple terms, insulin is the key
unlocking the door allowing glucose into cells. Obviously, without
insulin, glucose would not be able to enter cells to be metabolized and thus
would accumulate within the bloodstream. This phenomenon is known as
hyperglycemia. Eventually body cells would run out of energy. In
attempt to compensate for low glucose levels in the cells, the body will begin
to metabolize fats, a less efficient means of creating energy. The
by-products of fat metabolism are ketones. When they accumulate in the
blood stream, they will raise the acidity of the blood thus causing many
problems throughout the body. In attempt to compensate the body will
stimulate three physiologic responses alliterated as polydypsia (excessive
thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger) and polyuria (excessive urination).
By theses mechanisms the body is attempting remove the buildup of glucose in the
bloodstream. Typically type 1 diabetes is treated by giving synthetically
produced insulin in order to compensate for the natural lack within the
body. Insulin therapy will allow for glucose to be transported into
cells. This insulin is given daily by injection or by an insulin
pump. If treated, people with type 1 diabetes can live a normal, healthy
life. Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, refers to
the body's in ability to produce enough insulin or the body ignores the insulin
that it does produce. Like type 1 diabetes, the cells are starved for
glucose and cannot manufacture energy. Often this type can be treated
without insulin by diet and exercise.
For more information about Diabetes visit the American
Diabetes Association.
This page is meant for public education in basic medical
safety issues. The Cedarville Township Fire Department is not responsible
for any further complications resulting from improper use of information
contained on this page.
Cedarville Township Volunteer Fire Department
19 South St.
Cedarville, OH, 45314
Phone: 937-766-5851 - Email: ctvfd@woh.rr.com
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