DIABETES

DIABETES

Definition of Diabetes Mellitus:- This is a disease in which the body's ability to produce or respond to the hormone 'insulin' is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated glucose in the blood.

It is due to either the pancreas is not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.

There are three main types of Diabetes Mellitus

* Type I DM: Results from the pancreas failure to produce enough insulin or 'Juvenile Diabetes'. The cause is unknown

* Type II DM: Begins with insulin resistance,a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses, the lack of insulin may also develop. This form was previously referred to as "none insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or an adult-onset diabetes". The most common cause is excessive body weight and lack of exercise.

* Gestational Diabetes: It is the third main form and it occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of Diabetes develop high blood sugar level.

              SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF                 DIABETES MELLITUS(DM)

Some of the signs of Type I or II DM are:

* Increased thirst

* Frequent Urination

* Extreme hunger

* Unexplained weight loss

* Fatigue or tiredness

* Irritability

* Blurred Vision

* Slow healing sores

* Frequent infections such as gum and skin infections

* Presence of Ketone in urines

  Although type I Diabetes can develop at any age, it typically appears during childhood or adolescence.

Type II Diabetes, the more common type can develop at any age, though it's more common in the older than forty

CAUSES OF DIABETES TYPE I

Exact cause here is unknown(idiopathic) what is known is that your immune system - which normally fights harmful bacteria or virus-attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This leaves you with little or no insulin. Instead of being transported into your cells, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. Type I is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic viruses and environmental factors, though exactly what many of those factors are, are still unclear

CAUSES OF PRE-DIABETES AND TYPE II DM

In pre-diabetes - which can lead to type II Diabetes, and in type II DM, your cells become resistant to the action of insulin and your pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to overcome this resistance. Instead of moving into your cells where it is needed for energy, sugar builds up in your bloodstream.

Exactly why this happens is uncertain, although it is believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development type II DM. Being overweight is strongly linked to the development of type II DM, but not everyone with type II is over weighed.

CAUSES OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES

During pregnancy, the placental produces hormones to sustain your pregnancy. These hormones make your cells more resistant to Insulin. Normally, your pancreas responds by producing enough extra insult overcome this resistance, but sometimes, your pancreas can't keep up. When this happens, too much sugar stays in your blood, resulting in gestational diabetes. Usually, when the baby is born, the problem is solved.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:

* If you suspect you or your child may have diabetes. If you notice any possible diabetes symptoms, contact your doctor. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.

* If you've already been diagnosed with Diabetes; you will need close medical follow-up until your blood sugar level stabilizes

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Many studies show that lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating healthy and increasing physical activities can dramatically reduce the progression of type II DM and are important to controlling type I Diabetes.

Medication- as prescribed by your doctor

Self monitoring blood sugar to determine if the blood sugar is under control

Lifestyle change: Patients with DM are advised to reduce their consumption of refined carbohydrate and adhere to high-fibre, low-calorie diet. Daily aerobic exercise is recommended because exercise naturally lowers blood sugar and helps control the disease.

SIMPLE STEPS TO PREVENTING DIABETES

* Control your weight

* Get moving, avoid sedentary life, turn off that television

* Eat well balanced diet and avoid processed food.

* Keep medical appointment

* Avoid smoking or quit smoking.

May God help us to keep healthy and restore health to the ill. Amen.

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