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Don't freak out, but you might have diabetes and not know it
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This isn't to scare you, but it happened to someone I love and you need to be aware. - photo by David Snell
David Snell
FamilyShare
Published: Feb 5, 2017, 4:40 AM
Her symptoms hit hard and fast. More than anything else, my girlfriend was thirsty all the time, dropping weight and went to the bathroom frequently.

The cause? Her blood sugar levels were off the charts.

Because? Her body stopped producing insulin, and is unable to absorb sugar.

What does that mean? She has Type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes is tricky, and knowing the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 is vital information to know. Here are the basic differences:

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile diabetes) usually appears during youth. It's cause is technically unknown, but genetics are a major factor. The onset begins when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in virtually zero insulin production. Type 1 diabetics must be given replacement insulin via frequent injections or insulin pumps.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults. It's often result of a poor diet and little exercise, but can be influenced by genetics. Cells become resistant to insulin due to constant high blood sugar levels. Type 2 can be regulated with medication because the pancreas still produces insulin, but not enough to meet the body's needs. Often, people live with Type 2 unknowingly for years because symptoms can be mild.

Symptoms to watch out for

My girlfriend's symptoms for Type 1 began suddenly, but they can also start slowly in some cases. According to the American Diabetes Association, symptoms may include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Small injuries heal more slowly than usual
  • Hunger / thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Tingling, painful or numb hands/feet (only for Type 2)
Don't freak out

If you notice symptoms, don't freak out. Statistically, you probably don't have diabetes, but visit with your doctor if you're worried. In 2014, 9.3 percent of the U.S. population had diabetes. Type one is less common, affecting only 5-10 percent of diabetics.

Diabetes is not the end of the world. If you are diagnosed, you can still lead a normal life. The first few months can be difficult as you adapt to checking your blood sugar levels and changing your diet. Over time, you will become a pro and your body and blood sugar will thank you for taking control.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.