Untreated Diabetes Exposes Patients to Future Complications

Between 5% and 10% of the more than 16 million Americans who suffer from diabetes have Type 1 or juvenile-onset diabetes. The other 90-95% have Type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, about half of all diabetics in the U.S. are unaware they have diabetes and are not receiving treatment for the disease.

Type 2 diabetes typically develops after age 40, and it is most common in adults over 55. Approximately 80 percent of Type 2 sufferers are overweight.

In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly. Because of ineffective insulin use, the body cannot move blood sugar into cells, and there is an unhealthy buildup of glucose or sugar in the bloodstream. The built-up glucose overflows into the urine and is passed from the body. Consequently, the body is not able to use glucose, its main source of fuel. This is one of the reasons many people with an elevated level of sugar in their blood often feel tired and run-down.

Although the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes develop slowly and may not be noticed immediately, diabetes cannot be ignored because the complications affect almost every major part of the body. The disease contributes to stroke, blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, amputation, and nerve damage. A vicious disease if untreated, diabetes can be brought under control with the help of medical experts and personal discipline.

Research has shown that proper care significantly lowers the risk of complications. In order to prevent complications, diabetes care revolves around keeping blood sugar levels as close to the "normal" (non-diabetic) range as possible. A mix of diet, exercise, and personal blood testing are the basic elements of sound diabetes management. In addition, some individuals with Type 2 diabetes require oral drugs or insulin injections to lower their blood sugar levels.

Many new treatments for Type 2 diabetes are making it easier for patients to stay within the "normal" blood sugar range. Recent studies have shown that an inhalant-type of insulin, much like an asthma inhaler, shows promise for the treatment of diabetes.

Another advance in diabetes treatment comes in the form of diabetes medication. Several oral medications perform a variety of duties such as helping the body to release more insulin, lower the production of sugar, and reduce sugar absorption. These medications are not a cure for Type 2 diabetes, but their use, in conjunction with diet and exercise, may help to control blood sugar levels.

Current research focuses on ways of preventing Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be inherited, but in many cases it needs another factor to bring on the disease. Very often this factor is obesity. By identifying those at risk and encouraging a healthy diet and weight loss, it may be possible to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes or bring the disease under control.

The at-risk population is typically overweight or of African-American, Hispanic, or Native American descent. Perhaps due to a sedentary lifestyle and the rise in childhood obesity, there has been a significant increase in the number of children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. By identifying those at risk at an early age, steps can be taken to avoid the disease.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.