Tag: Diabetes

diabetes mellitus

From Answers.com

A severe, chronic form of diabetes caused by insufficient production of insulin and resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The disease, which typically appears in childhood or adolescence, is characterized by increased sugar levels in the blood and urine, excessive thirst, frequent urination, acidosis, and wasting. Also called insulin-dependent diabetes, type 1 diabetes.

From an article at the National Institute of Health:

Type 1 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. About 18 regions of the genome have been linked to type 1 diabetes risk. The most well studied region is IDDM1, which contains the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes that encode immune response proteins. Specific variations in these genes predispose a person to the disease, but having them does not guarantee that someone will develop the disease. One or more external co-factors, such as a viral infection or component of the diet, appear to trigger immune cells’ misguided attack on beta cells in genetically susceptible people. Researchers are working to identify all the genes and environmental triggers that contribute to the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, and they have already learned a great deal about assessing an individual’s level of risk.

I am taking insulin 4 times a day. Three units of Novolog 10 minutes before each meal, three times daily. 8 units of lantus with a snack before bedtime.

From lantus.com

Prescription Lantus® is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require long-acting insulin for the control of high blood sugar.

NovoLog® is a rapid-acting insulin analog.

Thirst

On or about June 14th, 2006, I was diagnosed with _Diabetes Mellitus;_ Type 1 diabetes. The doctors called it sudden onset diabetes. Yep, it sure was sudden.

On or about June 14th, 2006, I was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus; Type 1 diabetes. The doctors called it sudden onset diabetes. Yep, it sure was sudden.

I had been taking an antibiotic to treat an upper respiratory infection. The antibiotic Levaquin has some side effects:

  • Drowsiness
  • Taste Problems
  • Dry Mouth

I was on Levaquin for 10 days, so my symptoms were expected. I also lost a little weight..actually looking back, it was a lot of weight, but I chalked that up to not eating. After all, my tongue had a bitter taste, and I was not eating much. I was also drinking a lot of water. At least 80 ounces a day and frequent (every 15 minutes) trips to the bathroom. My symptoms continued for another week before I finally decided to go see a doctor. Two days before that, I was scheduled to donate blood. So I made my donation, and after sucking down two glasses of apple juice and a bottle of Gatorade, I made it back to my desk. Fifteen minutes later, I felt woozy while finishing another trip to the men's room. I stumbled back to the nurses' station, where I was given another glass of sweet apple juice. Afterwards, I went home because I was feeling drained.

The next day, I woke up feeling much more tired. Too tired to even get dressed for work. I asked my wife to take me to the doctor that day and not wait.

As I said above: "On or about June 14th,2 006 I was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus; Type 1 diabetes. The doctors called it sudden onset diabetes. Yep, it sure was sudden."