Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is the condition that develops when problems with the hormone insulin occur which is produced by the pancreas. This develops when the body is unable to produce sufficient quantity of insulin, cannot effectively use it or both. Insulin is required by the body to convert food into energy. As the result of the problem with the insulin, the glucose in the bloodstream cannot be used by the cells for energy causing the high levels of sugar in the blood.
Types of diabetes
Type 1 – this develops when the cells that are responsible for the production of insulin are damaged. Individuals affected with this type of diabetes usually require insulin shots to regulate their blood glucose. It is estimated that around 10% of the diabetic cases are of this type which commonly affects individuals under the age of 20 – 30. The exact cause of this type is not known and is believed to be the result of a problem with the immune system which attacks the healthy cells of the pancreas.
Type 2 – this develops when sufficient amount of insulin is not produced or not effectively used. This can usually be controlled by diet and weight management but some cases may require glucose lowering medications. This commonly develops in people over the age of 40 who are overweight. This can occur when the cells become resistant to the insulin and hence the glucose accumulates in the blood. Various genetic and environmental factors are also associated to contribute to developing this type of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes – this can occur in women when certain hormonal changes affect the action of insulin causing high blood glucose. In most cases, the blood glucose returns to normal after delivering the baby. However, these women are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the amount of glucose level in the blood. The type 1 appears to develop symptoms quickly which can become severe. Some of the common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, feeling thirsty, hunger, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin, dry mouth, blurred vision, sores not healing well and ketones in the urine.
Diagnosis
The random blood sugar test measures the level of glucose regardless of time or when the individual last consumed food. The blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter – 11.1 millimoles per liter or higher is an indication of diabetes. Other tests can include fasting blood sugar test where the level higher than 126mg/dl is considered as diabetes and oral glucose tolerance test when individual consumes sugary liquid as their sugar levels are tested for the next two hours. The glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test determines the average level of blood sugar in the past two or three months. This test measures the amount of blood sugar attached to the hemoglobin in the blood. The level higher than 6.5 percent is an indication of diabetes.
Treatment
There is no cure for diabetes but the condition can be managed with medications, physical activity and healthy eating. Individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes may require insulin therapy that is available as rapid-acting insulin, intermediate options and long-lasting insulin. These are administered based on the needs of the individual. Depending on the cause of diabetes, medications may be given to stimulate the pancreas to produce more quantity of insulin. In some cases, the pancreas transplant can be optional.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/basics/treatment/con-20033091
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/suppl_1/s5
