This web site was created by:

Special thanks to Tama Morris, MSN, RNC and Mary Curran, RN, PhD, CS, FNPfor advising us on the creation of this site.
                     What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease where the body does not make enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin it produces. Insulin, a hormone manufactured by the islet cells in the pancreas, helps blood glucose get to the cells in the body. Type I, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), occurs when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the body. In Type II, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), the pancreas makes insulin, but the body is not able to use the insulin effectively.

Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss (IDDM), unexpected weight gain (NIDDM), extreme hunger, vision changes, feeling very tired, sores that will not heal, and frequent infections. If diabetes is not kept under "tight control" using proper diet, physical activity, home blood glucose testing, and in some cases oral medication and/or multiple insulin injections, complications may occur. Some complications may include heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, lower-extremity amputations, and sometimes death. For more information about diabetes, see www.cdc.gov/diabetes/faqs.htm.

With the new age of technology, researchers are searching for new and improved ways to monitor home blood glucose levels, deliver insulin to the body without multiple insulin infections, and find a possible "cure" by transplantation. The following articles will present further information about the new technology for the new millennium.

Links:
*  Lasette/Laser Lancet
*  Insulin Pen
*  Insulin Pump
*  Inhaled Insulin
*  Transplants