Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Absence or insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes.

Pancreas
These glands are associated with the digestive system of the human body. They secrete digestive enzymes and two important hormones insulin and glucagon. These hormones work together to maintain the level of glucose in the blood.

What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone, produced by the pancreas, which is central to regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body. The role of insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used as fuel. Their pancreas does not make enough insulin Their cells do not respond to insulin normally

Types of Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

Type 1 (Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus - IDDM / children's and juvenile's diabetes) Type 2 (Non-Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus - NIDDM / adultonset diabetes mellitus AODM)

TYPE 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The pancreas undergoes an autoimmune attack by the body itself, and is rendered incapable of making insulin. Abnormal antibodies have been found in the majority of patients with type 1 diabetes. Antibodies are proteins in the blood that are part of the body's immune system. It always requires lifelong insulin treatment.
Some adults can have type 1 diabetes as well.

Symptoms
Increased thirst and frequent urination (polydipsia and polyuria) Extreme hunger (polyphagia) Weight loss Fatigue Blurred vision

Cause

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown.

Treatment
Treatment for type 1 diabetes is a lifelong commitment to: Taking insulin (injection options and sometimes Oral medications) Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight Eating healthy foods (Fruits, Vegetables and Whole grains) Monitoring blood sugar

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

In type 2 diabetes, patients can still produce insulin, but do so relatively inadequately for their body's needs. Insulin resistance - is a physiological condition where the natural hormone insulin becomes less effective at lowering blood sugars.

Symptoms

The early symptoms of diabetes may include: Bladder, kidney, skin, or other infections that are more frequent or heal slowly Fatigue Hunger Increased thirst Increased urination The first symptom may also be: Blurred vision Erectile dysfunction Pain or numbness in the feet or hands TYPE 2 DM are sometimes asymptomatic

Three Cardinal Signs of DM

Polyuria (The need to urinate frequently) Polydipsia (Increased thirst & fluid intake) Polyphagia (Increased appetite)

Cause
Combined influence of genetic susceptibility and influence of environmental factors, the best known being obesity, age, and physical inactivity, resulting in insulin resistance in cells requiring insulin for glucose absorption. Type 2 diabetes is strongly inherited.

Exams and Tests

Fasting blood glucose level -- diabetes is diagnosed if it is higher than 126 mg/dL two times Hemoglobin A1c test
Normal: Less than 5.7% Pre-diabetes: 5.7% - 6.4% Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

Oral glucose tolerance test -- diabetes is diagnosed if glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours

Treatment
The main treatment for type 2 diabetes is exercise and diet. Managing blood sugar Diet and weight control - The diet most often recommended is high in dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber, but low in fat (especially saturated fat) Regular physical activity Oral Medication Foot care

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