Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong disorder characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood. It has two kinds, namely, type 1 diabetes because of the absence of insulin-generating cells in the pancreas, which in turn results in insulin deficiency, and type 2 diabetes that results from insulin resistance or cellular inability to use up insulin. The number of cases of diabetes is increasing quickly worldwide, but most significantly in developed countries. As of 2010, it is estimated that 285 million males and females around the world have diabetes, with Type 2 DM making up 9 out of 10 of these cases. It is predicted that by 2030, this number will be more than doubled.
Diabetes causes
Type 1 diabetes
This variant of diabetes is partially hereditary, and it often is triggered after an infection. In type 1 DM, the immune system attacks and eliminates insulin-producing cells, leaving the body devoid of or with only negligible amounts of insulin. This type of diabetes is not brought about by lifestyle, and it can appear earlier or in life, in many instances, during childhood.
Type 2 diabetes
This form of diabetes is a lifestyle disease, and it is strongly linked with obesity, although not all type 2 DM affected individuals are obese. Genetics can also predispose you to have type 2 diabetes, and environmental factors triggers this predisposition. Certain disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome for example, and several medicines, just like glucocorticoids, can increase the risk for diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms
Both forms of diabetes can demonstrate the same signs and symptoms. Diabetics often experience excessive thirst and subsequently frequent trips to the comfort room, extreme hunger and fatigue due to cellular starvation, and frequent infections. Unusual weight loss may also be seen, but not everytime. Inadequately managed diabetes can also lead to microvascular changes, which can cause vision changes, slow-healing wounds especially in the legs, and reduced sensation in the hands and feet, which increases their chance of being wounded without them knowing.
Treatment
There is no cure for diabetes, but disease management is possible by means of medications, like insulin and oral hypoglycemics, and lifestyle changes, specifically healthy eating and raising physical activity. Daily checking of blood sugar and routine check-ups with a physician are also necessary to monitor the effectiveness of disease management as well as the progression of the disease. For diabetes that is difficult to control, a pancreas transplant is also a solution, but only utilized as a final resort. It is also crucial that you give up smoking and reduce alcohol consumption because these can accelerate the development of complications.
Diabetes causes
Type 1 diabetes
This variant of diabetes is partially hereditary, and it often is triggered after an infection. In type 1 DM, the immune system attacks and eliminates insulin-producing cells, leaving the body devoid of or with only negligible amounts of insulin. This type of diabetes is not brought about by lifestyle, and it can appear earlier or in life, in many instances, during childhood.
Type 2 diabetes
This form of diabetes is a lifestyle disease, and it is strongly linked with obesity, although not all type 2 DM affected individuals are obese. Genetics can also predispose you to have type 2 diabetes, and environmental factors triggers this predisposition. Certain disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome for example, and several medicines, just like glucocorticoids, can increase the risk for diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms
Both forms of diabetes can demonstrate the same signs and symptoms. Diabetics often experience excessive thirst and subsequently frequent trips to the comfort room, extreme hunger and fatigue due to cellular starvation, and frequent infections. Unusual weight loss may also be seen, but not everytime. Inadequately managed diabetes can also lead to microvascular changes, which can cause vision changes, slow-healing wounds especially in the legs, and reduced sensation in the hands and feet, which increases their chance of being wounded without them knowing.
Treatment
There is no cure for diabetes, but disease management is possible by means of medications, like insulin and oral hypoglycemics, and lifestyle changes, specifically healthy eating and raising physical activity. Daily checking of blood sugar and routine check-ups with a physician are also necessary to monitor the effectiveness of disease management as well as the progression of the disease. For diabetes that is difficult to control, a pancreas transplant is also a solution, but only utilized as a final resort. It is also crucial that you give up smoking and reduce alcohol consumption because these can accelerate the development of complications.
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The incidence of diabetes is rapidly growing across the globe, and the first step to slowing down this trend is by educating ourselves about this disease. To know more about Diabetes, visit this link.
