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Diabetes, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits

For more information on: Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.

Diabetes, clinically named diabetes mellitus, is a disease that happens when the cells within the pancreas, known as the beta cells, aren’t able to produce adequate insulin. This causes hyperglycemia, high levels of glucose in the blood. The most common symptoms are blurred vision, lethargy, extreme thirst, excessive urine production and in type 1, unexplained weight loss.

There are three different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 and type 2 are chronic conditions.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that results in the permanent destruction of the pancreas beta cells. This type of diabetes accounts for the majority of childhood cases and can be fatal if not treated with insulin injections or an insulin pump, along with close monitoring of blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be genetic and usually triggered by an environmental factor, such as an infection. If type 1 diabetes is not treated and managed properly it can result in coma or death. Treatment for type 1 diabetes is a lifelong affair.

Type 2 diabetes is due to insulin resistance, which means that insulin is present, but the cells do not respond correctly to it. It can also be due to reduced insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin secretion. This happens when the beta cells cannot meet the demand of insulin the body requires. Most often regular exercise and a healthy diet can manage this type of diabetes, though insulin tablets, injections and tablets can be a part of management, depending upon the body’s needs. Type 2 diabetes must also be monitored and treated or many complications can ensue.

Gestational diabetes is very similar to type 2 diabetes, though it is only developed during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes did not have diabetes before becoming pregnant and this type of diabetes usually resolves after delivery. It occurs in about 5 percent or less of all pregnancies. It is treatable and must be watched carefully throughout pregnancy or damage can happen to mother and unborn child. Around 20 to 50 percent of all women who experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy develop type 2 diabetes eventually.

Both type 1 and 2 can be due to genetics, though it is most likely in type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is also linked to obesity, poor eating habits and lack of exercise, which is why it can usually be managed with weight loss, exercise and a healthy diet. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, but type 2 has been cured by gastric bypass surgery for some patients. This cure is reserved for morbidly overweight patients and is due to the surgery processes and not simply the weight loss.