Diabetes

Formed by Liliam Martínez, Valeria Setzer, Karla Soto, Ana Catalina Mancilla and Ana Paula Laria, students from prepa Tec campus EGS. We will explain the secondary complications of diabetes caused by overweight or obesity

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Key Concepts (Some vocabulary for you to understand better!)

DIABETES TYPE 2 = Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body's main source of fuel.

OBESITY = a condition that is characterized by excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body and that in an adult is typically indicated by a body mass index of 30 or greater.

OVERWEIGHT = weighing in excess of the normal for one's age, height, and build.

SECONDARY COMPLICATIONS = a secondary disease or condition that develops in the course of a primary disease or condition and arises either as a result of it or from independent causes.

RENAL = relating to, involving, affecting, or located in the region of the kidneys.

KIDNEY = one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that excrete waste products of metabolism, in humans are bean-shaped organs about 41⁄2 inches, long lying behind the peritoneum in a mass of fatty tissue, and consist chiefly of nephrons by which urine is secreted, collected, and discharged into the pelvis of the kidney whence it is conveyed by the ureter to the bladder.

BLADDER = a membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a liquid or contains gas.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM = the system of organs and parts which function in reproduction consisting in the male especially of the testes, penis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and urethra and in the female especially of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva.

FERTILITY = the quality or state of being fertile 2: the birthrate of a population.

HORMONES = a product of living cells that circulates in body fluids (as blood) or sap and produces a specific often stimulatory effect on the activity of cells usually remote from its point of origin.

GLANDS = a cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body.

ENDOCRINE = secreting internally; producing secretions that are distributed in the body by way of the bloodstream.

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How one problem causes many others

         Diabetes mellitus type 2 is known as a secondary disease widely known in adults that suffer from obesity; it is a chronic condition. This means that there is a deficiency of insulin in the body; which further causes an increase in the glucose levels in the blood. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is the cause of diseases such as: kidney failure, sexual dysfunction, disruption of hormonal production, (including insulin, mainly), and Hyperglycemia (abnormally high level of blood glucose); each of which represent the renal, reproductive and the endocrine systems. We state that this disease is very harmful for the patient if not treated, and even though it is not curable the effects can be controlled. The objective of this essay is mention the characteristics of these secondary complications and prove the previous statement.

         First, when a person is dealing with diabetes mellitus type 2, there is a 10% to 40% chance that problems in the kidneys will appear. When a person is dealing with diabetes, some of the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged. Due to this, the blood can’t be filtered correctly and the body starts to retain water and salts, also some proteins will be lost to the urine and since blood isn’t filtered correctly, metabolic wastes may be found in the blood. There is another problem where the body has difficulties emptying the bladder, so when its full sometimes the urine goes back to the kidneys. This creates infections due to the bacteria in the urine. “The usual span of time between the onset of diabetic kidney injury and kidney failure is about five to seven years.” (National Kidney Foundation) the well performance of the kidneys stops after a period of approximately seven years, due to the infections or that the blood vessels of the kidneys has been severely damaged. Some signs can be found when a patient has kidney diseases and also deals with diabetes. This include: proteins in the urine, a high blood pressure, some cramps or swelling, often urge to urinate at night, high levels of creatinine (metabolic waste) in the blood, nauseous and vomit, feeling weak, sometimes paleness and anemia can be noticed.

         Another quite dangerous disease is hyperglycemia. “A number of medical conditions can cause hyperglycemia, but the most common by far is diabetes mellitus” (Conrad Stöppler, Melissa) This can happen in both types of diabetes mellitus, and it is when the body presents a high concentration of glucose in the blood. When you have hyperglycemia the patient has an increased urge to urinate and thirst is very often. In most cases this is a sign for diabetes mellitus type 1, type 2, and also prediabetes. Glucose levels range between 70-100 in fasting. Hyperglycemia does not have a cure until now, and the only way to control the glucose levels in blood is diet and exercise. Some complications in the reproductive system when  a patient is dealing with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2, are different abnormalities in fertility and the menstrual cycle. When a woman deals with diabetes some delaying or, in other cases, premature menopause can be found. “It was found that better glycemic control and prevention of diabetic complications improves these irregularities and increases fertility rates close to those that are seen in the general population.” (Livshits A, Seidman DS). This means that if there is good care of their glucose levels and following of a doctor’s advice, health and fertility can be improved. Some other problems such as abnormal menstrual cycle had been noticed. Erectile disfunction is also present, because diabetes damages the nerves and blood vessels that control erection. Because of this it is hard to start or maintain erection. If the complications continue it is better that they reach medical help due to other complications that might be found.

         Our conclusion is that even though Diabetes itself has been underestimated this must stop. When diabetes mellitus is not treated correctly not only do you get worse by the disease itself but you increase the chance of getting other diseases such as kidney failure, sexual dysfunction, disruption of hormonal production, (including insulin, mainly), and Hyperglycemia (abnormally high level of blood glucose); each of which represent the renal, reproductive and the endocrine systems. You indeed need you check yourself to see if you’re in risk of getting firstly diabetes and if you do, you’ll need to get doctor appointments to prevent the risk of getting any of the diseases displayed on this essay.

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Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic System has 3 main functions which contribute to homeostasis. The excess tissue fluid is returned to the blood, the absorption of fats, and helps to defend the body.

Diabetes generally causes damage to the arteries and capillaries, and lymphedema is the result of damage to the lymphatic system. Together, these diseases result in damage to both the arterial and lymphatic systems and both lead to damage to the subcutaneous tissue, connective tissue and skin. The result is increased swelling, decreased levels of oxygen in the skin and connective tissue and susceptibility to infection.

Charcot Foot. Charcot foot or Charcot joint (medically referred to as neuropathic arthropathy) occurs in up to 2.5% of people with diabetes. Early changes appear similar to an infection, with the foot becoming swollen, red, and warm. Gradually, the affected foot can become deformed. The bones may crack, splinter, and erode, and the joints may shift, change shape, and become unstable. It typically develops in people who have neuropathy to the extent that they cannot feel sensation in the foot and are not aware of an existing injury. Instead of resting an injured foot or seeking medical help, the patient often continues normal activity, causing further damage.

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Respiratory System

The respiratory system main function is to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Pulmonary Zygomycosis: This condition was complicated by stenosis of the left upper lobe bronchus despite successful treatment of the zygomycosis. Bronchial obstruction has become a well-recognized complication of pulmonary zygomycosis. In addition to infections caused by Zygomycetes, mycobacteria, viruses, and bacteria, the pulmonary complications described in patients with diabetes include pulmonary edema, disordered breathing during sleep, and reductions in elastic recoil of the lungs, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, and bronchomotor tone. Other reported complications are respiratory alkalosis, cardiorespiratory arrest, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, plugging of the airways with mucus, and aspiration pneumonia attributable to diabetic gastroparesis.

Ketoacidosis: is a metabolic state associated with high concentrations of ketone bodies, formed by the breakdown of fatty acids and the deamination of amino acids. The two common ketones produced in humans are acetoacetic acid and β-hydroxybutyrate. Ketoacidosis is most common in untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus, when the liver breaks down fat and proteins in response to a perceived need for respiratory substrate. Prolonged alcoholism may lead to alcoholic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis can be smelled on a person's breath. This is due to acetone, a direct byproduct of the spontaneous decomposition of acetoacetic acid.

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Cardiovascular System

The Cardiovascular System functions are to transport the oxygen, hormones and nutrients thought the body, and it's powered by the heart.

Heart and blood vessel disease. Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke, narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure. The risk of stroke is two to four times higher for people with diabetes, and the death rate from heart disease is two to four times higher for people with diabetes than for people without the disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Strokes: small cranial arteriole bursts or becomes blocked. There is a lack of oxygen to the brain so it can cause paralysis or death. Also there are warning signs: numbness in hands and face, difficulty speaking, temporary blindness in one eye.

Heart attack: it happens when a portion of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. Angina pectoris-chest pain from partially blocked coronary artery. Heart attack occurs when vessel becomes completely blocked.

Nerve damage (neuropathy). Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish your nerves, especially in the legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. Poorly controlled blood sugar can eventually cause you to lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Damage to the nerves that control digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, erectile dysfunction may be an issue.

Ischemia: is a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism. Ischemia is generally caused by problems with blood vessels, with resultant damage or dysfunction of tissue.

Gangrene: is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that arises when a considerable mass of body tissue dies. This may occur after an injury or infection, or in people suffering from any chronic health problem affecting blood circulation. The primary cause of gangrene is reduced blood supply to the affected tissues, which results in cell death. Diabetes and long-term smoking increase the risk of suffering from gangrene.

Thrombosis: is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. When a blood vessel is injured, the body uses platelets and fibrin to form a blood clot to prevent blood loss. Alternatively, even when a blood vessel is not injured, blood clots may form in the body if the proper conditions present themselves. If the clotting is too severe and the clot breaks free, the traveling clot is now known as an embolus.

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Do you know what Diabetes Type II is?

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Check your BMI and WHR!

What those these stand for?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. With your BMI you will know is you are overweight, underweight, or just right. Be careful if you are overweight and follow the recommendations so you won't develop stage II diabetes. 

Measure your height and weight. Next, you will divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Finally, locate yourself in the chart.

  WHR is Waist-Hip Ratio. 

Are you an apple or a pear? Are you at risk? You just have to measure yourself and click to the link in the sidebar. 

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Do you know your body? Anatomy!

The anatomical position is the position in which your palms and feet are faced foreward, and straight. There are 3 major planes, that divide our body and are showed in the picture below.

The human body also has cavities. Dorsal is in the back, and ventral is in the front. The cranial cavity is where the brain is located, in the thoracic cavity the heart, lungs, esophagous, and trachea are located. Some organs that are in the abdominal cavity are the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and the intestines. The bladder and the internal reproductive organs are located in the pelvic cavity.

Hope that with this information you understand where some organs are located better, and so, diabetes.

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Key Concepts (Some vocabulary for you to understand better!)

DIABETES TYPE 2: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which there are high levels of glucose in the blood. It is the most common form of diabetes.

OBESITY: A condition characterized by the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body.

OVERWEIGHT: Weight over and above what is required or allowed.

PREVENTION: A hindrance, obstacle, or impediment.

HEALTH: The condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit;especially : freedom from physical disease or pain

HEALTHY: Enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit

DIET: A regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight.

EXERCISE: The act of bringing into play or realizing in action,

STRESS-FREE: When a person is relaxed.

FAT: Notable for having an unusual amount of fat

BODY MASS INDEX: A measure of body fat that is the ratio of the weight of the body in kilograms to the square of its height in meters.

HIP-WAIST: The 'waist' is the narrowing part between the hips and the ribs. The 'hip' is below the waist and it is the lateral projection of the pelvis from the waist to the thigh.

FOOD: A material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy; also : such food together with supplementary substances.

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Obesity and Diabetes Graphics

This is how diabetes caused by obesity has been growing with time. It's extremely important to fully understand these grafics, the obesity levels have been going up lately, especially this past few years Don't join these numbers! Stay on the healthy side and try to prevent junk foods at all time. 

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It's Better to Prevent!

On December 31 of 2012 you could see people wishing things. All over the world, maybe a car, maybe the love of their life, but for most of us was to get rid of the extra-pounds we carry. Yet as ironic as it is, most of us just wait to lose weight, as if miraculously we could just wake up one day and be skinnier. We wait, but then, all of a sudden diabetes comes and we’re afraid. We’re afraid because apart from having diabetes on its own there are many consequences of having diabetes.

Should we keep waiting for a miracle? Or should we do something about it? I’m not saying that it’s easy; I’m saying it’s worth it; your health is worth it. That is why in the following paragraphs we’ll explain how to prevent diabetes caused by overweight.

Follow a healthy meal plan

Healthy would be to eat proper food types and take a look on the portion size.

Choose healthy fats and sugar

Eat unsaturated fats found in plants and fish, also avocadoes come very useful when treating inflammations, brain problems and heart health.

Get plenty of fiber

Why is fiber important?

Insoluble fiber keeps your digestive tract working well.

Soluble fiber can help lower your cholesterol level and improve blood glucose control if eaten in large amounts.

Go for whole grains

These help maintain the blood glucose levels.

Get more exercise

When you exercise you have a much better of the sugar in your blood and it creates some type of immune system with people that have type 2 diabetes.

150 minutes of aerobic exercise and movement per week it improves your physical and mental health. Also it helps with straitening of the cardiovascular system.

Go to the doctor

Have regular checkups with the doctor, you could even go to a dieter to get a specialized diet.

Get the Hemoglobin Avc1 test, a dilated eye exam and a foot test. 

Be consistent!

It’s important to stick to this plan in order to prevent future diabetes.

Also say NO to smoking!

Do autocatalysis’ to yourself before each meal, this way you can monitor what ’ to yourself before each meal, this way you can monitor what you are doing and see if it is right or wrong for your health. This is also a preventive way, checking your sugar levels now and then might help you know before it’s too late.

There is also another very important point. Get to know what you are dealing with. There are too main types of diabetes, type 1 and 2. Type 1 is where there is no insulin available because there are no pancreatic cells available. This type of diabetes usually starts or gets noticed in the infancy and in adolescence, in some cases in early adulthood. Type 2 diabetes, in the other hand, is when there is a malfunction in the insulin and its production when the glucose doesn’t pass to the cells, tissues and other organs in the correct way and it stays in the blood pathways. It happens mainly in adults and the causes for it can be genetics, OBESITY, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels.

As you saw this are just easy things that you can do in order to prevent diabetes and to achieve your 2013 goal. Cheers for this and many other goals to accomplish, make that grape count.

“Diabetes and Exercise”. Exercise for Diabetics. Diabetes.co.uk. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.

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Integumentary System

When the blood sugar level rises, the body loses fluids, including from the surface of the skin. This causes dryness, skin rashes, itchy skin, and bacterial and fungal infections. It can also cause ulcerations that lead to the complete loss of sensation. One example is the diabetic foot, which if not treated it has to be amputated.

Vitiligo is a skin condition that affects coloration. Special cells that make pigment are destroyed, leaving patches of discolored skin.

Acanthosis nigricans is a condition due to insulin resistance, which results especially in skin creases darkening and thickening of certain areas. It normally looks like a small wart, and it is common in very overweight people.

Eruptive xanthomatosis may occur when triglycerides rise exceedingly high, and there is reduced blood supply to the skin. Resistance to insulin makes it harder for fat to be cleared out of the blood. Eruptive xanthomatosis consists of firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements each circled by red skin that may itch.

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Muscular System

There are very few cases of diabetic muscle infraction which causes suffering acute pain and swelling for days or weeks in the affected muscle. Mostly thigh or calf and you may feel some tenderness.

When someone is dealing with diabetes, thanks to the insulin resistance your body will start to have a muscle mass loss. This will also affect the way blood glucose is controlled, it will decrease the regulation of it when you exercise. When this happens your lack of ability to manage your blood glucose levels may cause a bigger insulin resistance that will later lead to a type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients also lose weight because of the loss of glycogen, water and triglycerides. There is also loss of potassium and overall catabolism of muscle protein, which causes weakness.

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Skeletal system

Diabetes may cause complications in hands, shoulders, muscles, and feet.

Hands: Diabetic cheiroarthropathy which this is also known as diabetic stiff hand syndrome or limited joint mobility syndrome is found in 8–50% of all patients with type 1 diabetes and is also seen in type 2 diabetic patients.

Shoulders: Frozen shoulder or adhesive capulitis which is shoulder stiffness, along with decreased range of motion.

Feet: Diabetic osteoarthopathy which is also called Charcot or neuropathic antropathy and it’s a severe destructive form of arthritis which ends in the sensation of loss in some joints. It appears because of neuropathy, which deteriorates the joint since of the nerve damage.

Skeleton: There is a condition where the there is calcification in the spinal ligaments and the thoracic spine is the most affected and it’s called Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

There are factors that can contribute why diabetic patients are more susceptible to joint and bone disorder, such as diabetic neuropathy, arterial disease and obesity. Even though, it isn’t exactly clear. Pacients with diabetes repeatedly experience low bone density. This is related with a bigger risk of bone fracture and tardy fracture repair. Diabetes 1 is related to low bone density, reasons aren’t sure. A hypothesis is that insulin may promote the bones’ growth and strength. Diabetes can also lead to lower bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. 

In the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the Boston University School of Medicine Dr. Dana Graves and colleagues studied bone repair in a mouse model of diabetes. They detected that the animals lost cartilage rapidly in the healing bones because of increased numbers of osteoclast, or cells that remove bone and cartilage.

Another reason why diabetic patients are at higher risk to break a bone is because of the lack of energy, failure in vision and nerves that may cause them to fall more frequently.

Neuropathy, the series of nerve disorders in diabetics because of the level of blood glucose, metabolism and possibly low levels of insulin cause joints to deteriorate and to don’t work properly. 

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Digestive system

Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric empting, is a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Diabetes is the first cause of a slowly functioning gut. The digestion is an unconscious process, controlled by the vagus nerve. With the sudden change of glucose levels in the blood in diabetic pacients, nerves are damaged. The vagus nerve makes muscles function and regulates the digestive system, without it, food is not processed and pumped though the small and large intestine.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This condition affects the liver, and can cause inflammation or scarring. This is because fat builds up.

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