Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes: diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is a rare metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the pituitary hormone, which is usually the result of damage to the pituitary gland. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by enormous amounts of urine that are produced by the body regardless of how much liquid is consumed. Diabetes mellitus results from the production of insufficient amounts of insulin by the pancreas. Without insulin the body cannot utilize glucose, thus creating a high level of glucose in the blood and a low level of glucose absorption by the tissues. Diabetes mellitus is generally divided into two categories: type I called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes and type II in which the onset of the diabetes occurs during adulthood.

The symptoms of the type I diabetic include irritability, frequent urination, abnormal thirst, nausea or vomiting, weakness, fatigue, and unusual hunger. This type of diabetes occurs mostly in children or young adults. The type I diabetic may have an insulin reaction in an instant, seeming perfectly normal one second and becoming unconscious the next. The early warning signs of this type of reaction are hunger, dizziness, sweating, confusion, palpitation, and numbness or tingling of the lips. If left untreated, the insulin-dependent diabetic may also experience double vision, trembling, and disorientation, may perform strange actions, and may eventually lose consciousness.

While experiencing any one of these symptoms, quick consumption of a piece of candy, some soda pop, or anything else that contains sugar will bring blood sugar levels back to normal.Recovery is more difficult for the diabetic whose insulin reaction is left untreated for a long period of time. An insulin reaction producing low blood sugar can be life threatening. Therefore, it is safer to "spill" small amounts of urine sugar when taking insulin.The second type of diabetes, often referred to as maturity-onset diabetes, is likely to occur in those with a family history of diabetes and is characterized by blurred vision, itching, unusual thirst, drowsiness, obesity, fatigue, skin infections, slow healing, and tingling or numbness in the feet. Onset of symptoms is usually later in life.Diet often controls this type and insulin is not usually required. Obesity is a major factor in type I...

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...esults in an elevation of blood sugar. It is important to get protein from a vegetable source. CONSIDERATIONSDo not take large doses of cysteine. It has the ability to break down the bonds of the hormone insulin.

Be careful not to take extremely large doses of vitamins B1 and C. Excessive amounts may inactivate insulin. They may, however, be taken in normal amounts. Type II diabetics should avoid large amounts of niacin, but niacinamide for type I diabetics slows down destruction of beta cells in the pancreas and enhances their regeneration, extending the remission time. The statements and products in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATIONFor more information on diabetes, contact the following organizations:<font size="1">American Diabetes Association1660 Duke StreetAlexandria, VA 22314(703) 549-1500International Diabetes Center5000 W. 39th StreetMinneapolis, MI 55416(612) 927-3393Joslin Diabetes FoundationOne Joslin PlaceBoston, MA 02215617) 732-2415Juvenile Diabetes Foundation60 Madison AvenueNew York, NY 10010-1550(212) 889-7575