Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders in which there is high blood sugar over a prolonged period.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Its main function is to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.
Symptoms
The classic symptoms of DM are:
- weight loss
- polyuria (increased urination)
- polydipsia (increased thirst)
- polyphagia (increased hunger)
Several other signs and symptoms can mark the onset of diabetes although they are not specific to the disease. In addition to the known ones above, they include:
- blurry vision
- headache
- fatigue
- slow healing of wounds
- itchy skin
- skin rashes
Predisposing Factors
DM is due to lifestyle factors and genetics. A number of factors are important to the development of DM, including:
- positive family history
- obesity (BMI greater than 30)
- high waist–hip ratio
- lack of physical activity
- poor diet
- eating excess sugar/simple carbs
- consumption of saturated & trans fats
- tobacco use
- stress
- urbanization
Prevention
Diabetes risk can be reduced by:
- maintaining a healthy diet
- regular physical exercise
- maintaining a normal body weight
- avoiding use of tobacco
Dietary changes known to be effective in helping to prevent diabetes include:
- a diet rich in whole grains and fiber
- choosing good fats, such as those found in nuts, vegetable oils, and fish
- limiting sugary beverages
- eating less red meat and other
- sources of saturated & trans fats
Diagnosis
Diabetes is diagnosed by testing the amount of sugar in the blood:
- Normal fasting blood sugar is less than 100mg/dl
- Prediabetes – fasting blood sugar of 101 – 125 mg/dl
- Diabetes – fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dl or greater on two or more occasions
Other diagnostic tests include:
- Glucose tolerance test
- Glycated hemoglobin test
Management
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, for which there is no known cure except in very specific situations. Management concentrates on keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal, without causing low blood sugar. This can usually be accomplished with:
- healthy diet
- exercise
- weight loss
- blood sugar monitoring
- use of appropriate medications &/or insulin
Complications
Acute complications can include:
- hyperglycemic coma
- death
Serious long-term complications include:
- cardiovascular disease
- stroke
- chronic kidney disease
- foot ulcers (can lead to amputation)
- gradual vision loss/blindness
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