The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long term damage,
dysfunction and failure of
various organs; especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. The risk of heart disease and
stroke is 2-4 times greater in patients with
diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, accounting for 12,000-24,000 new cases yearly. Sixty
percent of non-traumatic amputations are seen
in patients with diabetes mellitus. Forty three percent of kidney disease is related to diabetes mellitus.
Prolonged periods of hyperglycemia may cause a
decrease in chemotaxis, the ability to phagocytize, which results in decreased intracellular destruction of
bacteria.
Dr. Robbins reviews the Types of diabetes. Type 1 (pancreas
produces little or no insulin), Type 2
(ineffective insulin production), Gestational diabetes and a new classification, "prediabetes". Management
principles and goals of therapy are discussed
with careful adherence to ADA guidelines. Dr. Robbins also cites changes in the new ADA guidelines.
Oral medications for diabetes help control blood glucose
levels in people whose bodies still produce
insulin. Dr. Robbins discusses the oral medications that are available and their mechanisms of action. Type 1
diabetes patients always need insulin. The
various types of insulin are reviewed, with particular attention to their speed of action and length of their
activity.