INTRODUCTION
Diabetes mellitus or DM refers to a group of diseases which are related to glucose levels in your blood.Diabetes mellitus affect the digestion and assimilation of glucose in one’s body. Diabetes is included in lifestyle diseases.
In case of diabetes mellitus,the amount of free glucose in blood increases above normal and thus leads to further complications.
GLUCOSE-Glucose is one of the main sources of energy in our body.It helps in making up of cells in our body,the energy taken from glucose breakdown is used by muscles and nervous system in our body,glucose also helps with development of brain and neurons.
GLUCOSE/CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN BODY
TYPES OF DIABETES MELLITUS
There are mainly 3 types of diabetes mellitus,called as
- Type 1 Diabetes mellitus-It was earlier called juvenile diabetes.Its a type of autoimmune disease and is detected earlier in age,hence the name. In this case,the body’s immune system destroys the insulin producing cells of pancreas,hence meddling with the glucose metabolism and increasing blood sugar levels.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-This is the most common type of diabetes seen worldwide.It was earlier called as adult onset diabetes,as it was detected during adulthood than in earlier years,hence the name. It is characterized by high blood sugar,decreased insulin levels and insulin resistance.
- Gestational diabetes- This kind of diabetes is exclusively seen in pregnant women,hence the name. It usually reverses after pregnancy,but in some cases it might lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus after pregnancy.
CAUSES OF DIABETES MELLITUS
The causes of diabetes mellitus can vary from genetic to lifestyle.Diabetes can be of short onset or long onset depending on the type.Here are some of the causes of diabetes mellitus.
- Hereditary factors
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Autoimmune diseases
- Pregnancy in case of gestational diabetes
- Obesity
- Insulin reduction
- Hormonal imbalance
- Insulin resistance
- Genetics
- Dietary factors
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Secondary causes such as pancreatitis,cystic fibrosis
- Surgery which includes partial or complete removal of pancreas.
- DNA mutations
- Micro and macro nutrient assimilation issues
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES MELLITUS
All the three types of diabetes mellitus have their own exclusive symptoms but here are few common symptoms seen in case of diabetes mellitus condition.
- Increased glucose levels
- Increased thirst
- General weakness of body
- Weight Loss
- Increased urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Skin issue
- Delayed wound healing
- Body weight issues
- Confusion
- Cognitive issues
DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes mellitus needs clinical as well as laboratory diagnosis.It is always better to go for periodic screening tests to identify the issue in early stages.
- Clinical diagnosis-The physician will ask for personal, family history and coordinate with your current signs and symptoms to clinically diagnose diabetes mellitus.
- Other than clinical diagnosis,the lab tests also confirm diagnosis of the diabetes mellitus
- Fasting glucose levels
- HBA1c tests
- Plasma glucose levels
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS
- Treatment of diabetes mellitus includes management of high blood sugar levels.
- Care must be taken not to go to hypoglycemia,low blood sugar levels
- Creating a better lifestyle
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- In case of decreased insulin levels,external insulin is given
- Symptomatic management of secondary complications arising from diabetes mellitus.
- Weight loss
- Obesity management
- Surgical methods
There is no permanent cure for diabetes mellitus.But with enough and constant lifestyle changes and positive choices one can reverse the effects of diabetes mellitus.
- Proper lifestyle can help in keeping the blood sugar levels at bay. As diabetes is a lifestyle disease,keeping a good healthy lifestyle can affect the diabetes in a positive way
- Diet management- A proper diet including more proteins and healthy fats and reducing the carbohydrate intake can help in reducing the blood sugar levels.It is better to manage your diet to reduce the carbohydrate intake to help you in the long run.
- Avoid fast food-Avoiding fast foods which are mostly loaded carbs will help in reversing the diabetes.Avoid over eating of sugary desserts,canned foods,soda,sugary juices
- Eat whole meals-Rather than going for sugary juices and canned food,always opt for whole fruits,whole foods and non processed food
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption-smoking and alcohol consumption can lead to increased complications with diabetes mellitus,so it’s better to avoid them for better health.
- Eat food on time- do not famish yourself,as it will lead to binge eating and high carbohydrate intake.It is always good to have food on time and not to let to go long hungry
- Proper exercise-Proper exercise and a active lifestyle will help in burning of fats and carbs in your body thus helping in keeping the sugar levels normal.A 25-40 minutes workout a day will help not only in diabetes but also proper functioning of body
- Proper screening and doctors visit- A proper screening of your health and periodic doctors visit will help you to keep your body in healthy condition and also to properly track your health.
SUMMARY
Diabetes mellitus or DM refers to a group of diseases which are related to glucose levels in your blood.Diabetes mellitus affect the digestion and assimilation of glucose in one’s body. Diabetes is included in lifestyle diseases. A healthy lifestyle can help in reversing diabetes mellitus.
