Diabetes mellitus - a common metabolic disease
Diabetes mellitus (short: Diabetes) is a metabolic disorder in which the body has trouble keeping blood sugar levels within the normal range. Blood sugar is regulated by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas.
In diabetes mellitus, the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or the body's cells no longer respond adequately to the insulin that is produced.
There are two main types of diabetes mellitus:
- Type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer produces insulin because the immune system has destroyed the insulin-producing cells. This form of diabetes usually occurs in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy. - Type 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body's cells no longer respond adequately to the hormone, a condition known as insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is usually associated with an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity, but can also be influenced by genetic factors. Treatment can be through lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin.
Sensitive to insulin
When the body is sensitive to insulin, it means it is able to use insulin effectively to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels by signaling cells to take in sugar from the blood and use it as energy.
However, when the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, it is called insulin resistance. In this case, the pancreas produces more insulin to make the cells absorb sugar from the blood. If this is not enough to lower blood sugar levels, the sugar stays in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels. This is a major factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.
symptoms of diabetes mellitus
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
Frequent urination is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus because excess sugar in the blood can cause the kidneys to produce more urine. - Constant thirst
As the body loses more fluid, diabetes mellitus can lead to a constant feeling of thirst. - fatigue
A lack of sugar in the cells can cause the body to feel tired and weak. - blurred vision
Diabetes mellitus can cause the eye muscles to weaken and vision to become blurred. - weight loss
Untreated type 1 diabetes can cause sudden weight loss as the body begins to use fat and muscle as an energy source. - Dry skin
Diabetes mellitus can cause the skin to become dry and itchy. - Slow wound healing
Diabetes mellitus can impair blood circulation and slow wound healing.
Not all people with diabetes mellitus have symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, it is important to have regular blood sugar tests to detect diabetes mellitus early and initiate appropriate treatment to avoid complications.
diabetes mellitus early detection
A timely one Diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or minimize complications. There are various methods for early detection of diabetes mellitus:
- blood sugar tests
A fasting blood sugar test is usually recommended to diagnose diabetes mellitus. This test is usually done in the morning after the patient has not eaten anything for at least eight hours. If the blood sugar level is higher than 126 mg/dl, it may indicate diabetes mellitus. - HbA1c test
The HbA1c test is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. If the HbA1c level is above 6,5%, it may indicate diabetes mellitus. - Risk factors
There are certain risk factors that indicate a higher risk of diabetes mellitus, such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, older age and a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).
adult-onset diabetes
"Adult-onset diabetes" is a colloquial term for type 2 diabetes, which generally occurs in older people. However, this term is misleading because type 2 diabetes can also occur in younger people and does not occur exclusively due to age.
Older people are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes because their bodies become less sensitive to insulin due to the natural aging process. In addition, older people may also have other medical conditions and medications that can increase the risk of diabetes.
Blood sugar levels
Blood sugar level is the amount of glucose (a form of sugar) in the blood. Glucose is the body's main source of energy and is obtained from food. Blood sugar levels are affected by several factors, including the type and amount of food consumed, physical activity, insulin secretion by the pancreas, and other hormones.
Normally, fasting blood sugar levels (that is, after at least 8 hours without food) should be between 70 and 100 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). After a meal, blood sugar levels may temporarily rise before returning to normal levels. In people with diabetes mellitus, blood sugar levels are permanently elevated because either the body does not produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body produces insulin but cannot use it effectively (type 2 diabetes).
consequence of high blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels, also called hyperglycemia, can have long-term effects on the body, especially if left untreated for a long time. Here are some of the possible consequences of high blood sugar levels:
- nerve damage
- Augen problem
- kidney damage
- heart and vascular diseases
- Skin Problems
- organ damage
Ask your Doctor
Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus can help reduce the risk of complications, so it is important to regularly monitor blood sugar levels and receive treatment when needed to avoid these long-term consequences.