Diabetes is a disease that involves insulin resistance or insulin deficiency, which results in the body not properly processing glucose. Glucose, which is a type of sugar, is an energy source for the body. Diabetes Mellitus is the number one cause of new blindness, plays a role in about three quarters of kidney failures, and half of all myocardial infractions. If left untreated, diabetes can have some very serious complications.

One of the most dangerous and common complications of diabetes is cardiovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus can restrict the blood vessels, both large and small, causing a number of heart problems and conditions. The restriction of blood vessels also have a big impact on the eyes and kidneys.

In the US, approximately 6% of the population has diabetes, but half of them are undiagnosed. It is much more common among women and the risk of diabetes increases with age. Properly diagnosing diabetes, usually begins with the patient noticing the symptoms of diabetes and going to see a doctor.

Some symptoms of diabetes include weight loss, thirst, and a higher than normal level of urination. Type II Diabetes, which is when the body becomes resistant to insulin, is much more common among those over the age of forty. This is in part because the body naturally develops insulin resistance with age, as the body is slower to metabolize insulin. Seniors thirst mechanism also often does not function as well, so the elderly will sometimes not report that they are thirsty, preventing diagnosis.

Often, toxic chemicals will build up in the bloodstream as the body turns to processing fat, instead of sugar. This buildup can be very dangerous and is called ketoacidosis. The most common chemical to build up is acetone, which often makes the breath smell like nail polish remover or similar to the smell of juicy fruit gum.

Once an individual reports the symptoms of diabetes to their doctor, there are several tests that can be preformed. Most of the tests revolve around glucose monitoring, which measures the blood sugar level of the individual.

A fasting glucose level is obtained by measuring the glucose level of an individual after eight hours without any caloric intake. An plasma glucose level can be obtained by testing an individuals glucose level 2 hours after an intake of at least 200 milligrams of glucose. The figures obtained by these measurements are then compared to those of a healthy individual.

If an individual exhibits any of the symptoms of diabetes, they should be immediately tested. Those over the age of 45 years of age should be tested every 3 years, even if they do not exhibit any symptoms of diabetes. Those who are at high risk, such as those who are obese, have diabetes that runs in their family, or have already experienced gestational diabetes, should be tested much more frequently.

With careful monitoring of ones blood sugar level and carefully reacting to high or low blood sugar, many people with diabetes will lead a normal life. However, there are a number of complications that can arise.

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