The Effects of Type 2 Diabetes

Typically, patients with type 2 diabetes will suffer from one of two main effects. In some sufferers, their pancreas has stopped releasing enough insulin to process all of the sugar, or glucose, in their blood. In others, their cells or organs have become resistant to insulin.

In most healthy individuals, insulin is the hormone that allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose is then broken down and used as energy. Because diabetics are unable to process glucose, this sugar accumulates in their blood instead of being used as energy. Without adequate energy, a person’s body will have trouble carrying out basic functions. High blood sugar levels also leave the diabetic vulnerable to an increased risk of heart attacks, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Risk Factors Associated with Type 2 Diabetes

While experts have yet to determine the exact cause of diabetes, certain factors increase a person’s chances of developing this disease. One of the most important risk factors is weight. Obese individuals are more likely to develop diabetes, especially if they carry extra weight around their abdomen.

While this goes hand in hand with obesity, a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle also puts a person at risk. Fast foods, sugary treats, and starches, raise blood glucose levels, but offer little nutritional value. Additionally, alcohol consumption interferes with the body’s ability to maintain a healthy blood sugar level, and can decrease the effectiveness of insulin over time. Inactivity adds to insulin resistance, as well. A healthy diet that is low in carbohydrates can help regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. Additionally, exercise increases a person’s sensitivity to insulin and helps them reduce their blood sugar levels.

Age, race, sex, and a person’s family history may also indicate an increased risk of developing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes sufferers are typically over 45 years old and may have relatives that also suffer from diabetes. Women are at a higher risk, possibly because they have more body fat than men. African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, and Asians are more susceptible to diabetes than people of other backgrounds. Adults that have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, or unusually high blood sugar levels, may also develop actual diabetes unless they make an effort to lead a healthier lifestyle.

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Type 1

The first type of diabetes affects children and young adults. Also known as juvenile diabetes, this type has a number of symptoms that need addressing. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, people with type 1 diabetes can no longer produce their own insulin. Children with this type cannot function properly unless insulin is introduced into the body on a regular basis. The condition happens when the body attacks certain cells located within the pancreas that produce insulin. The symptoms of juvenile diabetes include:

• Excessive thirst
• Urine that smells sweet or fruity
• Frequent urination
• Exhaustion
• Weight loss

Type 2

As the most common diabetic disorder, type 2 diabetes forms when the body cannot convert sugar into energy. It also occurs when the body fails to recognize insulin, or when the pancreas produces an insufficient supply of insulin. When sugar builds up in the blood stream, it causes symptoms. These include:

• Eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
• Open sores and ulcers on the lower extremities, especially the feet.
• Skin infections.

Gestational

Although not as common as the other two types, gestational diabetes occurs in expectant mothers around the 24th week of pregnancy. The body cannot regulate or absorb glucose in the bloodstream due to hormonal changes that block insulin. This condition may cause problems with the baby if it is not properly controlled. Children born to mothers who did not manage their gestational diabetes may be very large, a condition known as macrosomia.

The symptoms of this diabetes are not as prevalent as type 1 or 2. Glucose tolerance testing is the main way to diagnose the condition; however, some women experience excessive thirst, blurred vision and the need to urinate more than they would during a normal pregnancy. Unlike the other types, gestational diabetes usually goes away once the mother gives birth.

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Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body handles blood sugar. When a person has diabetes, either he or she isn’t producing any insulin at all, or his or her blood is not responsive to the insulin his or her body produces. Roughly eight percent of the population in the United States has diabetes.  Only around five percent of all diabetes cases are classed as type one diabetes, which is when the body produces no insulin on its own.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, which is why it was formerly known as “juvenile diabetes.” It is the most uncommon type of diabetes and treatment is often different from type 2. The body of a type 1 diabetic does not produce it’s own insulin, so treatment involves the administering of insulin, without which the patient is likely to die. The process of insulin administration typically involves checking the patient’s blood sugar with a meter and injecting insulin directly into his or her body. Transplants of the pancreas, the organ which produces insulin, has been shown to be effective as a method of treatment – however, most physicians believe this option is too dangerous to make it practical.

Type Two Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, often called adult onset diabetes, is diagnosed later and makes up the highest percentage of diabetes cases in the United States. It is typically caused by a genetic combination and an unhealthy lifestyle. Those with type 2 diabetes are not always insulin-dependent. However, those who are not must work to improve their diet and lifestyle habits, and sometimes take medications to prevent from becoming insulin-dependent in the future. For those whose diabetes doesn’t respond to life-style changes or medication, insulin becomes necessary for treatment.

Gestational diabetes

Many pregnant women, between three and ten percent, find themselves with diabetes that mimics type 2. Often times this disease is undiagnosed due to few signs being shown during the pregnancy. The treatment for those who do find they have gestational diabetes is to monitor their blood sugar and use medication and/or insulin to keep it at normal levels.

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As of January 1, 2008, about 537,428 living persons in the United States had been diagnosed with cancer of the bladder within their lifetimes, with the overwhelming majority of them being men.

The prognosis for bladder cancer can be better if it’s diagnosed early, when the stage and the grade of the cancer are low. The stages of bladder cancer include the “T”, “N”, and “M” stages, which measure the effects of the cancer on various organs of the body. The T stage is determined by examining the tumor, and they range from T0, which means the pathologist can’t find a tumor, to T4, which means that the cancer has metastasized into the pelvic area or the abdomen. The node, or N, stage determines if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and they can range from N0, which means the lymph nodes aren’t involved, to N3, which means that there are large metastases in the lymph nodes. The M stage classifies whether or not the cancer has metastasized to remote areas of the body, with M0 meaning there’s no metastases, to M1, meaning the cancer has metastasized to remote areas of the body.

The grading of the cancer cells tells the pathologist how much the bladder cancer cells are different from the cells in a normal bladder. The bladder cancer grade is a number scale that ranges from one to three, with Grade 1 cells looking not that much different from normal cells to Grade 3 cells, which are distorted, and tend to be aggressive. The stage and grade of bladder cancer also lets the doctor know the best way to treat the disease.

There is a high survival rate for bladder cancer patients whose cancer is in a low stage and low grade, while the cancer is localized in the bladder. However, bladder cancer tends to recur and must be continually monitored. The survival rate for an inoperable tumor that has metastasized, multiple tumors, large tumors or a tumor that has been in the bladder for a long time is much lower, with most patients dying within three years. Chemotherapy at this point is typically only palliative. Medicines like cisplatin and vinblastine have some effect on metastatic bladder cancer, but they can have severe side effects.

This is an original article for ActosLawyer.com

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Genetics

No single gene is a catalyst; in fact, researchers have found up to 20 genes that are related in reference to type 1 diabetes, yet the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) region and the insulin gene are concentrated areas of interest. These areas account for roughly 50 percent of the inheritance risk factor. Dominant and recessive alleles can also augment or mitigate transmission as a cause, which is dependent upon genetic rolls of the dice.

Autoimmune Sensitivity

Autoimmune system lapses can allow certain antigens to overpower the body’s ability to protect the islet receptors of the pancreas; at this point, insulin production is either compromised or ceases to function altogether. As this can be seen as the most palpable mechanical cause, figuring out why this phenomenon takes place remains in the distance. Nevertheless, synthetic or rDNA origin insulin will take the place of naturally secreted insulin.

Environment

Double-blind scientific studies indicate that reducing the amount of time spent breastfeeding and/or an early introduction to cow’s milk proposes a slight risk factor increase of approximately 1.5 percent. Even through extensive meta-analysis, these findings are speculative and require more concrete evidence. Aside from this indication, only one other conditionally environmental factor enters the scenario.

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What is Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer begins when the body’s cells grow at an alarming rate. Unlike normal cells, abnormal cells grow out of control. Like other types of diseases and conditions that affect the body, diagnosing cancer early increases the person’s life-expectancy and treatment success.

Bladder cancer starts in the lining of the bladder. The lining consists of both flat cells (squamous) and flexible cells (transitional). The majority of bladder cancers develop in transitional cells. According to Biopsy.org, transitional cell cancer contributes to 90% of cancers found in the bladder.

What are the Causes and Types of Bladder Cancer?

Many factors influence bladder diseases. The factors include:

• Cigarette smoking.
• Long-term exposure to work-related chemicals and irritants.
• A family history of cancer.
• Personal history of chronic bladder infections.
• Birth defects received before or during birth.

Cancer of the bladder consists of several types:

• Transitional Cell Carcinoma: starts in the cells that make up the inner lining after long-term exposure to infections and inflammation.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: starts in the flat cells after long-term exposure to infection.
• Adenocarcinoma: starts in the glands after long-term exposure to inflammation.
• Small Cell Carcinoma: starts in cells similar to nerves.

What are the Treatment Options?

The treatment options available to patients with this cancer depend on what type of cancer they have and how far it has advanced. Doctors begin treatment after diagnosing the condition. This includes performing urine and blood tests, physical examinations or a cystoscopy.

At places like Cancer Treatment Centers of America, treatment options include:

• Surgery: to directly remove cancerous growths and tissue within the lining of the bladder.
• Chemotherapy: to stop cancerous cells with the use of drugs and chemical agents
• Immunotherapy: uses the body’s immune system to fight and kill cancer cells.

Information in this health guide is not medical advice and should not be used as such. Learn more about bladder cancer by speaking with a medical professional.

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The treatment of diabetes mellitus is complicated and involved. Dietary restrictions, regular doses of medication, and constant monitoring of blood sugar levels can be very time-consuming. The complications that can arise with the condition can be dangerous, or even life-threatening. However, it is entirely possible to live a long and healthy life with diabetes, especially if one is careful. Remaining physically fit and regularly monitoring one’s blood sugar are essential, but perhaps the most important thing that a diabetic can do to remain healthy is know which foods are the safest to eat and which ones should be avoided.

The Best Foods for Diabetics

When most people imagine a diabetic diet, they may imagine what foods they should avoid, particularly junk foods and foods high in carbohydrates and sugar. While it is true that most diabetics should be careful not to consume foods that could elevate their blood glucose level, a diabetic diet does not need to be as restrictive as many believe. Some substitutes may need to be made, and everything should be taken in compliance with the recommendation of a doctor, but with some creativity and careful planning a diabetic diet does not need to be all that different from a regular diet.

Some foods that are generally still acceptable for diabetics include:

• The American Diabetes Association admits thee is a debate over the healthiness of grains for diabetics. Whole grains are better than white flour bread, but still might need to be avoided by some.
• Grilled and steamed vegetables. Those that are high in starch such as potatoes should generally be avoided.
• Fruits
• Fresh, unsweetened fruit juice
• Chicken, particularly baked or grilled chicken as it is less fatty and oily

Just as there are some foods that will fit well into a diabetic diet, there are also foods that should be avoided. Some of these foods include:

• Anything starchy such as white bread, rice, potatos
• Fats
• Red meat
• Artificial sweeteners
• Canned fruit juice, as it tends to have a lot of artificial sweeteners and other preservatives

Still, in the end it becomes clear that diabetics may not need to change their diets or lifestyles drastically to live healthily. In fact, a typical healthy diet without a lot of junk food, carbohydrates, and fatty foods can be beneficial to anybody, whether or not they are diabetic.

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Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms

It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you develop or notice a persistent pattern of symptoms associated with Type 1 diabetes. These symptoms include the following:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision

Type 1 Diabetes: Risk Factors

A number of possible risk factors are associated with Type 1 diabetes. Included among them are the following:

• Family history: It is believed that the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes increases if a member of the immediate family has been previously diagnosed with the disorder.
• Location: Studies indicate that Type 1 diabetics tend to live far from the equator.
• Exposure to viruses: There are several viruses that may put a person at risk for developing Type 1 diabetes. These viruses include Epstein-Barr, coxsackievirus, mumps, or cytomegalovirus.
• Low levels of Vitamin D: Certain clinical studies reveal that Vitamin D may protect a person from developing Type 1 diabetes. However, it has also been reported that children who drink cow’s milk at too early an age may be at risk for developing Type 1 diabetes in the future.

While Type 1 diabetes may be life-changing in terms of the daily maintenance involved, the disease may be managed by receiving proper healthcare, and maintaining careful vigilance of glucose numbers.

The information contained herein is not meant in any way to diagnose a condition, disorder or disease, nor provide legal or medical advice

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Physiological Risk Factors

Physiological factors that increase a person’s risk for bladder cancer include:

• Age. Risk factors increase as a person ages. It is rarely diagnosed in people under 40.
• Gender. Men are up to four times likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
• Race. White people are more likely to develop bladder cancer in the U.S. than Hispanics or African-Americans. Races with the lowest diagnoses of bladder cancer include Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Asians.
• Family or personal history. A person is more at risk for developing bladder cancer if an immediate relative also has a history of the disease. Still, it is rare for bladder cancer to occur generationally. Additionally, a person is at risk if he or she had bladder cancer in the past.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions such as cystitis, a chronic bladder infection, and schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, can increase a person’s risk of developing bladder cancer. Additionally, previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment for ovarian or endometrial cancer can increase the risk, as well.

Repeated bladder infections, or inflammations, exposes a person to greater risk of getting bladder cancer. The long-term use of a catheter may contribute to this risk. Rarely found in North America, schistosomiasis, is linked to bladder cancer.

Other Risk Factors

Other risk factors for developing bladder cancer include:

• Smoking. Cigarettes, pipes or cigars can increase a person’s risk of bladder cancer. The harmful chemicals in these products are inhaled and can accumulate in the urine. Smoking can also damage the lining of the bladder, increasing susceptibility to bladder cancer.
• Toxic Chemicals. Exposure to chemicals often found in paints, textiles, inks, and dyes increases a person’s risk. This type of exposure may occur in a manufacturing plant, or other industrial settings. The level, type of chemical, and frequency of exposure plays a significant role. The kidneys filter harmful chemicals from the bloodstream into a person’s bladder. Over-exposure increases the risks. The risk is higher for smokers exposed to these chemicals.
• Diet. Eating excessive amounts of foods that are high in nitrates and fat may also increase a person’s risk for bladder cancer.

This is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal or medical advice.

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Non-Genetic Causes of Bladder Cancer

Smoking cigarettes is the biggest risk factor that people voluntarily take and one which may lead directly to bladder cancer. The act of smoking alone causes the risk to increase twofold.

The second leading cause of bladder cancer caused by environmental concerns is from people being exposed to harmful chemicals in their workplace, particularly organic chemicals known as aromatic amines. These chemicals are most often found in industries that use a large amount of dye and those that process leather and rubber. It is also common in manufacturing plants that make products for hair coloring, textiles, paints and printing products.

A third contributor to bladder cancer is a diet that is high in animal fat and fried foods. Finally, users of a dietary supplement known as aristolochia fangchi has been proven to display higher rates of bladder cancer.

Genetic Factors Leading to Bladder Cancer

White men and senior citizens have a greater risk of developing bladder cancer than the rest of the general population. The risk also increases for those who have had bladder cancer in the past, as well as people who deal with chronic bladder infections, kidney or bladder stones, or other issues within the urinary tract system. These conditions can irritate the lining of the bladder and leave it susceptible to developing cancer.

Birth defects affecting the bladder or its connecting tube are another common cause of bladder cancer that is caused by a genetic predisposition.

Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bladder_cancer/page2_em.html

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