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Diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association, there are over 20.8 million people in the United States who have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease caused by the body not properly using or producing the hormone insulin. Insulin is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy that can be used by the body’s cells. Although there is still a lot unknown about how people develop diabetes, there are several factors that play a role such as genetics, obesity and lack of exercise. Type-1 diabetes is caused by the body’s failure to produce insulin. Type-2 diabetes is caused by the body failing to properly use insulin. Some symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger, weight loss, fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. Unless treated, diabetes can lead to poor circulation by causing blood vessels to narrow. This may lead to several vascular diseases that can cause pain (especially in the legs), foot ulcers, the need for amputation of a limb, failure of an organ and may eventually cause a heart attack or stroke. Because high blood glucose levels make it hard to fight infection, good diabetes control is very important.
Current Clinical Research Studies for Diabetics
Inhaled Insulin To treat diabetes, insulin has traditionally been given by subcutaneous injection. However, there is a new method being studied which allows patients to inhale it and has recently been approved by the FDA. Benefits of inhaling insulin include convenience and decreased or no injections.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers Diabetic foot ulcers most often occur on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe. It is important to seek medical attention immediately, if not properly treated, diabetic foot ulcers can result in infection and lead to loss of the foot or limb.
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RECRUITMENT HOTLINE: (757) 627-6798
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Revised: 06/07/07. Copyright © 2006 Clinical Research Associates of Tidewater. All rights reserved. |
