Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar is impaired. When the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it does produce, glucose builds up in the blood.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss what diabetes mellitus is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a long-term condition where blood glucose levels are high. This is because the body either can’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps move glucose into cells where it can be used for energy. If insulin is not enough or not working properly, blood sugar levels rise and cause problems.
There are several types of diabetes, each with its own characteristics and treatment.
The main types are Type 1, Type 2, gestational, and prediabetes, which is a condition that can turn into full diabetes.
Now that you know the types, let’s start with Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is when the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin.
As a result, there is little or no insulin, and glucose can’t enter the cells for energy. So people with Type 1 need to take insulin regularly to control their blood sugar.
Type 1 is a rare form of diabetes, less than 10% of the cases. It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning it can’t be prevented.
Managing Type 1 involves a strict routine of insulin injections, regular blood sugar checks, and understanding how diet and exercise affect blood glucose levels.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is when the body can’t respond properly to insulin and can’t produce enough insulin.
Unlike Type 1, where there is almost no insulin production, people with Type 2 diabetes have reduced insulin sensitivity, and their pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels.
This type accounts for about 90% of all diagnosed cases worldwide.
The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes develop gradually, and many are not diagnosed until they have routine health checks or complications.
Although it can happen at any age, it mostly affects older adults.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Gestational diabetes mellitus is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy and has many characteristics of type 2 diabetes. This condition is caused by insulin resistance, which leads to high blood sugar levels that can affect both the mother and the child.
Sometimes what’s labeled as gestational diabetes might actually be undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes that emerges during pregnancy.
If left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause complications fo the baby, such as excessive birth weight, heart development issues, and respiratory distress syndrome.
Mothers with this condition are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on. So managing blood sugar through dietary changes, regular monitoring, and sometimes insulin therapy is important.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after childbirth, but it’s an indication of a higher risk of future Type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes
Next one is prediabetes. It’s an intermediate state where blood sugar levels are high but not yet at the threshold of Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
This is a warning sign that you’re at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if not intervened. As of 2019, about 96 million American adults have prediabetes; that’s how common it is and how early detection is needed.
Persons with prediabetes have high blood sugar levels that are not yet at the threshold of diabetes diagnosis.
Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms
You have to know the symptoms of diabetes mellitus to detect and treat early, right?
Symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst, and unexplained weight loss happen when the body tries to remove excess glucose through urine and fails to use glucose for energy.
Also, diabetics may experience other symptoms like increased appetite, blurred vision, fatigue, dry skin, and slow healing of sores. These symptoms will affect your daily living and overall health. You have to know them early, right?
If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor and get tested immediately.
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Slow-healing sores.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Several tests are used to diagnose diabetes, and a second test is usually done the next day to confirm the results.
One common test is the random plasma glucose test, which confirms diabetes when blood sugar level reaches 200 mg/dL or higher regardless of the last meal.
This test is used in emergencies or when symptoms of high blood sugar are present.
The A1C test also helps diagnose diabetes by showing average glucose control for 2-3 months and gives a general idea of long-term glucose trends.
Fasting plasma glucose tests require patients not to eat or drink anything except water for at least 8 hours before measuring glucose levels.
The oral glucose tolerance test helps diagnose impaired glucose tolerance by comparing pre- and post-sugar drink consumption measurements—necessary to confirm a diabetes diagnosis.
In this case, in addition to clinical symptom assessment, these tests are needed to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Diabetes Mellitus Causes
According to WHO, as of 2022, over 800 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, a substantial increase from 7% in 1990 to 14% in 2022. So it’s a totally dangerous disease.
Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The most common causes are:
- Genetics: The most common cause of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is family history. If you have a parent or sibling with it, you’re at high risk.
- Autoimmune Response: Type 1 is caused by an autoimmune response where immune cells attack and destroy the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin, resulting in little to no insulin production.
- Insulin Resistance: The main cause of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, where body cells fail to respond to insulin and the pancreas has to work harder and potentially produce less of this hormone.
- Obesity: Being severely overweight is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes as it contributes to insulin resistance.
- Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity and reduces the sensitivity of body tissues to existing insulin levels, making you more prone to Type 2.
- Diet: Unhealthy eating habits such as regular consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks can lead to obesity and other health conditions.
- Age: People 45 years old and above are more at risk than younger people.
- Ethnic Groups: Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans and those of South Asian descent, are more at risk.
- Prenatal Health Instances: Women who developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at higher risk during their childbearing years.
- Prediabetic State: Elevated glucose levels that don’t meet the diagnostic threshold can progress to more severe forms if not addressed.
You should know these to control and prevent diabetes in existing and new cases.
Risk Factors for Diabetes
Many factors can increase your risk of getting diabetes, especially Type 2.
Risk is higher if you are overweight or obese, sedentary, or have relatives with it. Age and ethnic background also play a big role in your chances of getting the disease.
You should know these risk determinants to take proactive measures and make informed lifestyle choices. To elaborate, here are specific risk indicators that correspond to higher risk.
1. Family History
Having diabetes in your family history is a major risk factor, right? If you have an immediate family member, like a parent or sibling, with it, your risk increases.
This hereditary predisposition means you should monitor your blood glucose levels and take preventive measures seriously.
2. Obesity and Physical Inactivity
Being overweight is the number one risk factor for Type 2 and increases your chances of getting the disease.
Excess weight, especially around the midsection, leads to insulin resistance and hampers insulin’s effectiveness in the body. When obesity is combined with physical inactivity, the risk of diabetes escalates big time.
Making lifestyle changes that address both obesity and physical inactivity can reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
3. Age and Ethnicity
As you age, especially 45 years old and above, the risk of getting type 2 diabetes increases. This risk is more pronounced in older adults and gets higher with age. It’s important for these individuals to monitor their blood glucose levels and take preventive measures.
Ethnicity also plays a big role in getting Type 2 diabetes: African Americans and South Asians are more at risk than Caucasians.
Read Now : NIDDM: What is Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Management
Diabetes management is not just about medication; it’s about lifestyle management and blood glucose monitoring. Isn’t it? This will prevent complications and overall health.
The key to management is a healthy diet, exercise, medication or insulin, and glucose monitoring. Let’s break it down one by one.
1. Healthy Diet and Nutrition
Glucose monitoring is a big factor in diabetes management, and cooking at home is helpful in healthy eating and glucose monitoring.
Losing 7% of your body weight will reduce your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, can’t it?
To reduce the risk of Type 2, you must and very much include fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
And much include healthy fats from fatty fish and nuts in your diet.
2. Exercise
Exercise is a big factor in diabetes management and reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Inactivity is a risk factor for obesity and independently increases the risk of diabetes by reducing insulin sensitivity.
So you must and much do at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise per week to prevent it.
3. Medications and Insulin Therapy
For Type 1, glucose monitoring is crucial because they need to inject insulin to control their glucose levels.
For type 2 diabetes, medications that increase insulin sensitivity or production may be prescribed.
To achieve better management and better health outcomes, a combination of medication and lifestyle changes is often recommended.
4. Glucose Monitoring
Glucose monitoring is a big factor in diabetes management. By testing at home, you can see how different diets, exercises, and medications affect your glucose levels.
The frequency of testing depends on the type of diabetes and your treatment plan.
5. Lifestyle Changes for Better Diabetes Management
Diabetes management requires big lifestyle changes. Let’s break it down:
- Stress management techniques
- Adequate sleep
- Quit tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages guidelines
So you must and much do these habit changes to better diabetes management and quality of life, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Read Now: NIDDM: What is Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Complications Associated with Diabetes
If diabetes is not managed well, it can lead to severe and chronic complications affecting multiple organs and systems. These complications are:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Diabetic retinopathy
These can be life-threatening and can affect quality of life.
Diabetes-related macroangiopathy can cause strokes and coronary artery disease. In fact, more than half of dialysis patients in the US have diabetic nephropathy due to poorly managed diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness or tingling in hands and feet, making individuals more prone to other health problems.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among diabetics. Medical emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis need immediate attention, like hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state emergencies.
People with diabetes are also prone to infections, which can lead to foot ulcers or “diabetic foot.”.
10 Ways to Prevent Diabetes Mellitus Complications
According to IHME, the number of people with diabetes is expected to rise to 1.3 billion by 2050, indicating a continuous upward trend.
It’s personal and much committed to a personalized care plan. So you must follow these 10 ways to prevent diabetes complications.
- Eat Well
A well-balanced diet is for blood sugar control and prevention of complications.
- Exercise Regularly
You must and very much do 150 minutes of physical activity per week to prevent diabetes-related health problems.
- Monitor ABCs
You must monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose to prevent health problems.
- Lose Weight
Also lose excess weight to reduce complications.
- Take medication as directed.
- Get Regular Check-ups
Never forget to visit your healthcare provider often to detect complications early and act fast.
- Don’t Smoke
Also avoid tobacco to reduce heart disease risk for people with it.
- Foot Care
Take good foot care to prevent serious consequences from nerve or vascular damage due to high glucose levels.
By doing so, you are taking care of yourself while managing diabetes.
Wrap Up
To know diabetes mellitus well, you must know the types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes.
Each type of diabetes has a different management plan, isn’t it? Early detection and accurate diagnosis are very important for treatment and prevention of diseases.
You can manage it by adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication if necessary.
Moreover, you must make lifestyle changes. Use this information to manage your health. After all, it’s your health.
