Diabetes »
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases
characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels,
that
result from defects in insulin secretion, or action, or both. Diabetes mellitus,
commonly referred to as diabetes (as it will be in this article) was first
identified as a disease associated with "sweet urine," and excessive muscle loss
in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the
term sweet urine.
Normally, blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by
insulin, a hormone produced by the
pancreas. Insulin lowers the blood glucose level. When the blood glucose
elevates (for example, after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas
to normalize the glucose level. In patients with diabetes, the absence or
insufficient production of insulin causes hyperglycemia. Diabetes is a chronic
medical condition, meaning that alt...
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I have been fairly near-sighted since childhood. I got a floater a couple of months ago, which I ignored because I've had many. I also then got a flashing in my right eye. I was due into the eye doctor and was going to mention this, having no idea this was an important sign of a possible tear. More education would be really great, and I plan to mention this to everyone I know. About three weeks ago, I started seeing a half moon at the lower part of the eye, and within about three to four days, my vision was half blocked by this moon. So I went to the ER, and then a retinal specialist, followed by surgery the next day for what the specialist called a "complicated" retinal detachment. I had everything done: fluid removed, gas bubble and the band. I've been feeling terrible that I didn't catch this when it was likely just a tear. It is healing well, and we are ahead of schedule. My vision is pretty off right now and the lid is still a little droopy, but each week it improves. I was praised for following the head positioning instructions, and even though it is a hassle, I strongly urge everyone with the bubble to follow these instructions most religiously. I even found a way to sleep with my head down. I also just rested a lot, no reading and all physical movements slow and careful. I think my behavior during the first week was critical in the fact that things (for the moment anyway) are healing fairly well. Don't try to be a hero ... this is your vision. I also think going directly to a retinal specialist is well worth the money. Published: December 15 ::