Diabetes Mellitus: Important Must-Knows

Diabetes Mellitus: Important Must-Knows

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of the endocrine system. The main problem in this disease is the body’s inability to metabolize or breakdown into smaller and useful components the carbohydrate, fat, and protein taken in by a person. This metabolic disorder is characterized by an imbalance between the supply and demand of the hormone insulin. Lack of insulin leads to the accumulation of sugar in the blood, hence causing complications.

Diabetes mellitus is divided into two types: type 1 diabetes mellitus or the insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus or the non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Type 1 DM results when the body stops making insulin. The body’s inability to produce insulin is associated with the destruction of the beta cells of the Islet of Langerhans, the part of the pancreas responsible for manufacturing insulin. On the other hand, Type 2 DM is the most common type of diabetes and results when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin right away.

Factors such as weight, activity level, and familial history affect the contraction of this disease. Type 1 DM is commonly hereditary, meaning the disease runs in the family.  However, there are people who acquire this but have no family history of it. Type 2 DM, on the other hand, have a high risk of affecting individuals who are overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle, or those with little or no exercise at all. A bad eating habit and the lack of physical activity put one at higher risk of acquiring the common Type 2 diabetes.

Initial symptoms of diabetes mellitus are manifested as frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), and excessive hunger (polyphagia). These symptoms are commonly known as the triad of DM. Other signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus are weight loss and blurring of vision. Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed by a battery of blood tests to ascertain blood sugar (glucose) levels through the finger stick method. Some tests require fasting, like the FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar), while others entail the introduction of a specific amount of sugar, like the OGTT or the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

Sadly, there is no cure for the Type 1 DM. However, this is not a debilitating disease if its is controlled and complications are prevented. The focus of treatment for people with Type 1 DM is to control and maintain the blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. This can be achieved by lifetime insulin injections, balanced diet, and a regular exercise regimen.

On the contrary, Type 2 DM treatment includes a healthy and balanced diet, weight loss for overweight persons, and a regular exercise program. Taking in oral anti-diabetic agents may also be helpful. A regular blood glucose check should be made to make sure that the blood glucose level is under control.

December 21, 2009   Posted in: Chronic Medical Conditions

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