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Diagnosis Prevention
Pathology/Pathophysiology Pregnancy
Overview
Definition
Diabetes mellitus results from the body's failure to regulate blood glucose levels adequately. It
is a common endocrine disease, with more than 600,000 new cases diagnosed in the United
States each year. It affects men and women of all ages, races, and income levels. Among
those over 40, it affects 1:15 Caucasians and 1:10 to 1:8 African-Americans and Hispanics.
Among those over 65, 1 of every 5 persons has diabetes and up to 50% of patients are
undiagnosed. There is a strong familial susceptibility to the condition. Two major forms are
seen:
Type I (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]): usually occurs before age 30,
most likely between ages 11 and 13; accounts for about 10% of cases.
Type II (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]): usually occurs in those
over age 40; accounts for about 90% of cases; 30% to 40% need insulin.
Gestational diabetes (GDM) can occur in pregnant women. Diabetes can be secondary to
pancreatic disease, the use of chemicals or drugs, various genetic syndromes (Turner's
syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, or Prader-Willi syndrome), rare abnormalities in the cellular
receptor for insulin, or an autosomal dominant inherited disorder.
Etiology
Unknown, but most likely a combination of genetic predisposition, viral infection, lifestyle,
nutrition and diet, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to toxic agents. Type I
probably results when pancreatic beta cells are attacked and destroyed by an autoimmune
process triggered by a viral infection in a genetically susceptible individual. Type II develops in
older, overweight individuals whose insulin production is insufficient to meet body needs or
whose response to insulin is diminished by a loss of insulin receptors on the surface
membranes of target cells.
Risk Factors
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Type I:
Type II:
Differential Diagnosis
Polydipsia—medication side effect, psychogenic factors, diabetes insipidus
Polyuria—hypercalcemia, medication side effect, renal wasting, urologic or prostate
conditions
Blurred vision—myopia, presbyopia
Fatigue or weakness—thyroid disorder, anemia, adrenal insufficiency, depression
Pruritus—allergy, renal failure
Cushing's disease
Corticosteroid use
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Patient may present with fatigue, lethargy, poor concentration, and atypical thirst for liquids.
Laboratory Tests
Two or more fasting plasma glucose levels over 140 mg/dL or one level over 200
mg/dL plus other signs and symptoms.
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Oral glucose tolerance test values 120 to 140 mg/dL
Glycosylated hemoglobin test showing consistently elevated values.
Glycosylated hemoglobin is used to track treatment efficacy, not to diagnose DM.
Pathology/Pathophysiology
Elevated blood sugar levels with weight loss, decreased blood pressure, nonhealing wounds
(especially on the extremities), recurrent cutaneous infections, decreased extremity
sensation, retinal abnormalities or cataract formation, carotid bruits, abdominal tenderness,
dry skin, and hair loss over lower leg and foot.
Treatment Options
Treatment Strategy
Control blood sugar levels; helps reduce complications.
Requires patients to be self-disciplined, able to concentrate, able to maintain a
positive attitude, and honest with self and physician.
Components are diet, exercise, blood glucose self-monitoring, oral hypoglycemic
agents (Type II), and insulin (Type I).
Because diabetes affects so many body systems, treatment planning must include a
whole-body approach.
Drug Therapies
Insulin (used for Type I and occasionally Type II [30% to 40%]). Taken subcutaneously, with
dose and type individualized to the patient's condition. Possible treatment regimens:
Three-injections/day, doses adjusted to variations in control
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Long-acting and short-acting preparations taken at meals for stable background
levels
External insulin pump for tight control
Single injection/day for those with some pancreatic function
Sulfonylureas (Type II only). Oral hypoglycemic agents used when diet and exercise are
ineffective or in conjunction with diet and exercise. Doses individualized to the patient's
condition. Side effects include hypoglycemia, nausea, heartburn, stomach fullness;
intolerance and allergy (<2% of patients). Use with caution in persons with liver or kidney
impairment and those with sulfa allergy. Approved agents:
Treatments stabilize blood sugars. Also, alternative therapies have an important role in
preventing vascular damage and some of the serious complications that may be involved with
DM. A combination of herbs and nutrition, along with lifestyle changes, can be quite helpful.
Regular exercise is extrememly important. Ten minutes/day of exercise has been shown to
have an effect on glucose tolerance, although a minimum of 30 minutes three times/week is
required to see significant changes. Extended exercise is desired. Short bursts of activity may
actually increase glucose levels.
Nutrition
Diet: the classic diet for DM is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber. Some people,
however, achieve better glucose control with a high-protein diet with very few
carbohydrates. If the classic diet does not stabilize blood sugar, a trial of high-protein
diet may be indicated.
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Essential fatty acids: anti-inflammatory, decrease insulin resistance, and prevent
cardiovascular and neurological complications of DM. Evening primrose oil (2,000 mg
bid) or fish oil (1,200 mg bid) rather than flax or borage may be required, since a
greater percentage of diabetics are lacking enzymes required for utilization of flax
and/or borage oil.
OPCs (oligomeric procyanidins) such as pycnogenol or grape seed extracts help to
support vascular health and prevent oxidation side effects associated with diabetes
B-complex: biotin (300 mcg), B1 (50 to 100 mg), B2 (50 mg), B3 (100 mg), B6 (50 to
100 mg), B12 (100 to 1,000 mcg), folate (400 mcg/day) help prevent neuropathy,
control glucose levels, and prevent nephropathy
Vitamin C (2 to 3 g/day) may prevent microangiopathy and hypertriglyceridemia
Vitamin E (400 IU/day) may reduce insulin requirements so should start at 100 IU and
gradually increase the dose; enhances healing of ulcers, and is a cardioprotective
antioxidant
Brewer's yeast: contains chromium, which may improve glucose tolerance, and
glutathione, an antioxidant (9 g or 3 tbsp. brewer's yeast/day and/or 200 mcg
chromium)
Magnesium: (400 mg/day) low in diabetics, may help prevent the calcium deposition
in arterial walls
Manganese: (500 to 1,000 mcg) low in diabetics, may help stabilize glucose levels
Zinc: (30 mg/day) may decrease fasting glucose levels and help prevent fatty acid
oxidation
Coenzyme Q10: (50 to 100 mg bid) depleted by oral hypoglycemic agents, prevents
fatty acid oxidation
Vanadium: (5 to 10 mg/day) to normalize serum cholesterol and triglycerides
Some feel that chromium picolinate (200 mcg) helps normalize sugar metabolism.
Herbs
Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. Ascertain a
diagnosis before pursuing treatment. Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules,
powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless
otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered
5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups/day.
Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted.
Garlic (Allium sativum) increases fibrolysis, inhibits platelet aggregation, lowers lipids
Onion (Allium cepa) lowers lipids and blood pressure, inhibits thrombocyte
aggregation
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a flavonoid, historic use in DM, especially to prevent
diabetic retinopathy
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) historically used to stabilize blood sugar
Garlic and onions should be consumed liberally in the diet; bilberry and fenugreek,
equal parts, can be used as 1 cup tea tid or 30 to 60 drops tincture tid
Cayenne (Capsicum annum): 0.075% capsaicin cream topically, decreases pain in
peripheral neuropathy after two to four weeks of use
Homeopathy
An experienced homeopath should assess individual constitutional types and severity of
disease to select the correct remedy and potency. Constitutional homeopathy may be helpful.
Acupuncture
May be helpful in both symptomatic relief and increasing overall vitality.
Massage
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May be helpful in relieving stress, which decreases cortisol and stabilizes blood sugar, and for
maintaining healthy circulation in the extremities.
Patient Monitoring
Patients taking insulin—daily fingerstick to measure blood sugar levels, weight, and
skin evaluation (redness indicating allergy to insulin, edema, or cellulitis)
Electrocardiogram at initial visit
Thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid antibody screening for high-risk patients at
initial visit and then as indicated by antibody tests and physical examination
Lipid profile four to six weeks after beginning therapy and three months later
Every three months: glycosylated hemoglobin or hemoglobin A, urine dipstick, LFT
Yearly: 24-hour urine collection to measure microalbumin, protein, creatinine
clearance rate; electrolytes, BUN, dilated funduscopic examination
Yearly: opthalmology exam, foot exam
Other Considerations
Prevention
Avoid weight gain and obesity. Maintain regular physical activity.
Complications/Sequelae
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hyperosmolar coma
Arteriosclerosis—cardiac, peripheral vascular, or cerebrovascular disease
Diabetic eye disease—glaucoma, cataracts, blindness
Diabetic kidney disease—nephropathy, failure
Diabetic neuropathy—peripheral symmetrical polyneuropathy, autonomic
neuropathies, mononeuropathies
Foot ulcers/infections
Skin changes—bruising, hypertrophy, or lipoatrophy at injection site, dryness, fungal
infections, vitiligo, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, pruritus, alopecia, scleroderma
adultorum, xanthomas, xanthelasma, acanthosis nigricans, gangrene, skin ulcers
Musculoskeletal problems—stiff joints, tendon contractures of the hands, bursitis
Prognosis
Prevent and/or slow development of complications by maintaining blood glucose averages
around 155 mg/dL. Complications usually begin 10 to 20 years after onset of disease.
Pregnancy
Women of child-bearing age with diabetes should consult an endocrinologist about the
benefits of tight glucose control before attempting conception. Target blood glucose
concentrations are:
Fasting: 60 to 90 mg/dL (3.3 to 5 mmol/L)
Preprandial: 60 to 105 mg/dL (3.3 to 5.8 mmol/L)
Two hours postprandial: 90 to 120 mg/dL (5 to 6.7 mmol/L)
Women with gestational diabetes should be treated to normalize glucose levels and reduce
the risk of complications (developmental malformations, perinatal morbidity/mortality). Modify
diet to improve glucose values. If this fails, use insulin therapy; oral hypoglycemic agents are
contraindicated during pregnancy. Subsequent pregnancies can be affected, and risk of
developing type II diabetes is increased. If maternal glucose levels uncontrolled, infant can
suffer CNS defects, macrosomia, organomegaly, cardiac or renal anomalies, situs inversus,
stillbirth, asphyxia, respiratory distress, increased blood volume, hyperviscosity, congestive
heart failure, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypoglycemia, or hyperbilirubinemia.