Diabetes mellitus, often called diabetes, is a condition that makes it hard for the body to control the level of glucose in the blood. This means it is hard for the body to convert food into the energy that the body needs to work. Glucose is the main form of sugar in the body.
The pancreas, a long, thin organ located behind the stomach, makes insulin. In most people, the pancreas makes extra insulin when they eat. It is then released into the bloodstream. Insulin helps move glucose that is in the bloodstream to the inside of cells in the body. Glucose is a key source of energy for the body. In a person with diabetes, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep up with the body's demand. So glucose cannot be moved into the cells and used. In some types of diabetes, the body cells resist the insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood. And that leads to a high blood glucose level, called hyperglycemia.
Type 1 diabetes. This type used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM, or juvenile-onset diabetes (childhood). A person with this type makes little or no insulin. So he or she needs to take insulin shots each day.
Type 2 diabetes. This type used to be known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, NIDDM, or adult-onset diabetes. This is by far the most common type of diabetes. Someone with type 2 diabetes might make healthy or even high levels of insulin. But obesity makes his or her body resistant to its effect. Type 2 diabetes used to be rare in children. But with the increase in obesity in children, doctors are now finding that as many as 1 out of each 20 children who have diabetes has type 2 diabetes. Of these children, 85% are obese.
Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced diabetes. This type of diabetes develops in a pregnant woman. In most cases, this type of diabetes goes away after the woman's child is born.
There are other types of diabetes that are less common. This category includes diabetes caused by a genetic defect or pancreatic diseases. Other types of diabetes are caused by hormonal problems or from being exposed to certain drugs or chemicals.
Genetics may play a part in all types of diabetes mellitus. Other causes and risks vary. They depend on the type of diabetes involved.
Type 1 diabetes does not always have a known cause. Experts believe it might be caused by an autoimmune disorder, in which the body makes antibodies that destroy pancreatic cells. It is more common in whites.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells in the body are resistant to insulin. As a result, the body cannot use blood glucose as well as it should. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
Obesity.
Lack of physical exercise.
High blood pressure.
Low HDL, High triglycerides are considered as unhealthy.
Symptoms partly depend on the type of diabetes a person has and how long it has been untreated. Many patients with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all. Any signs and symptoms are mostly related to high blood glucose levels and include:
Bladder infections.
Extreme hunger.
Extreme thirst.
Fatigue and weakness.
Frequent urination in increased amounts.
Nausea and vomiting.
Skin infections, especially fungal or more serious bacterial infections.
Visual problems, such as blurred vision
Weight loss despite increased hunger and thirst
A condition called ketoacidosis may occur in a person with type 1 diabetes if the person goes without enough insulin for too long. This is a severe complication and requires medical attention right away. Symptoms include:
Deep rapid breathing, sometimes with a fruity odor to the breath.
There are several types of blood tests which can be done to diagnose diabetes, including:
Fasting blood sugar test, which is the most common method to diagnose most cases of diabetes. In this test, a person is asked to fast overnight for at least 8 hours. In the morning, the level of glucose in the blood is then checked. Healthy fasting plasma glucose levels are less than 110 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL. A fasting plasma glucose level of more than 126 mg/dL usually suggests diabetes. Levels between 110 and 126 mg/dL are seen in pre-diabetes.
Postprandial blood sugar test measures blood glucose exactly 2 hours after you eat a normal meal. This test is generally performed after Fasting blood sugar test. 140mg/dl is considered to be normal sugar level.
Oral glucose tolerance test, which is the preferred way to diagnose gestational diabetes. It can also be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. In this test, a person is asked to drink a sweet liquid. Blood samples are then drawn at timed intervals. If a person does not have diabetes, the glucose levels will rise and then fall quickly after drinking the sweet liquid. When a person has diabetes, glucose levels will rise higher and fail to come down as fast as those in a person without diabetes. If the blood glucose level is 140 to 199 mg/dL 2 hours after drinking the liquid, a diagnosis of pre-diabetes can be made.
Random blood sugar test, which can be done without fasting and is used as a screening tool. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes. If the level is above 200 mg/dL, a fasting blood sugar test, postprandial blood sugar or oral glucose tolerance test can be done to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes.
There are other types of diabetes that are less common. This category includes diabetes caused by a genetic defect or pancreatic diseases. Other types of diabetes are caused by hormonal problems or from being exposed to certain drugs or chemicals.
There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. But it may be possible to prevent type 2 diabetes in many cases! This is especially true once pre-diabetes is known. Even modest lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of diabetes. This is why it is very important to recognize pre-diabetes. The key is to:
Over time, high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels, nerves, and other internal structures. Long-term effects of diabetes may include:
Retinopathy, a disease in the retina of the eye that can cause blindness.
Diabetic nephropathy, which is a disease of the kidneys. This disease can progress to a form of kidney failure known as chronic renal failure. Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic renal failure.
Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. Artherosclerosis can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It can also cause poor circulation in the legs and feet.
Diabetic neuropathy, which means damage to nerves in the arms and legs. This damage can cause numbness and pain in the hands and feet. When combined with poor circulation, neuropathy can result in diabetic foot ulcers and leg infections that may require amputation.
Autonomic neuropathy, which is a disorder that affects certain nerves. It may cause problems with digestion, diarrhea, erectile dysfunction, a rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Some of these long-term effects may begin even at the moderate-high levels of blood glucose seen in pre-diabetes. This is why it is important to eat a healthy diet, exercise 30 minutes a day, and keep body weight within a healthy range. All of these actions can keep blood glucose within healthy levels. People with diabetes risk factors should also be screened for pre-diabetes on a regular basis.
A person with diabetes should keep all of his or her appointments with his or her primary doctor, as well as other scheduled specialists. Physical exams, blood tests, urine tests, foot and skin care, routine eye exams, and routine dental care are all part of basic care for a person with diabetes. The main goal of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels as close to a healthy range as is safely possible. In general, ideal ranges of blood glucose levels are 80 to 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) before meals and 100 to 140 mg/dL at bedtime.
