Diabetes mellitus refers to any disease that is associated with how your body uses glucose (blood sugar). If you struggle with diabetes, it means that your body has too much glucose which can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, skin issues, Alzheimer’s disease, amputations and more.
While scientists aren’t sure of the exact cause of diabetes, they have narrowed down some of the risk factors that can determine if a person may end up with this disease. Family history, exposure to certain viral illnesses, presence of a specific type of autoantibody in your system, diet and geography can all contribute to the possibility of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Type 2 risk factors include being weight, lack of exercise, family history, race, age, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
It is also known that the chance of having type 2 diabetes increases with age and in certain ethnicities. Approximately 25.2% of Americans aged 65 years or older have diabetes and diabetes was found in higher ratios among Asians, non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics.
Type 1 diabetes usually occurs before the patient is 20 years old (which is why it was traditionally called “juvenile diabetes”). The pancreas, which secretes insulin, is harmed by autoantibodies which means that these patients are required to have injections or insulin pumps. This type of diabetes is found in approximately 10 to 15% of diabetics in the U.S.
Type 2 diabetes is usually found in adults over the age of 35. The cause of particular disease is due to “insulin resistance.” There is usually enough insulin in the body, but it just isn’t working correctly. Diet and exercise are usually enough to manage this condition, but medication may be prescribed if the disease progresses.
Invokana (canagliflozin) is a newer type of diabetes medication that works by blocking the glucose from re-entering the bloodstream when blood is filtered through the kidneys. It has been on the market since March 2013 and is made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is owned by Johnson & Johnson.
The complications associated with type 2 diabetes include heart disease, stroke, hypertension, eye problems, kidney disease, nervous system complications, amputations, dental disease and more. Invokana seems like a simple way to avoid these scary conditions, right? Unfortunately, Invokana has been linked to dangerous outcomes.
If you are taking or are considering taking Invokana, you should be aware that there are many hazards associated with this medication. In May 2017, the FDA required Invokana to put the strongest warning on their label informing patients of the increased risk of leg and foot amputation. One clinical trial showed that patients who took Invokana were twice as likely to suffer from having an amputated appendage compared to those who took the placebo.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your first line of defense should be to manage your glucose levels with diet and exercise as approved by your doctor. While this option may be more difficult than just taking a pill, it is definitely better than the pain and trauma of enduring an amputation.
