Diabetes is a disorder that has an effect on how the body uses glucose, a kind of sugar, which is our primary source of energy. We obtain glucose from the food we eat and when it gets into our bloodstream, our pancreas releases a hormone known as insulin that helps the sugar to get inside our cells to be used as energy. However, if one has diabetes mellitus or DM, the body either cannot create adequate insulin, as in the case of type 1 diabetes, or the insulin no longer functions in the body as it should, which characterizes type 2 diabetes. In any case, the glucose is unable to enter the cells normally, and thus the the concentration of sugar in the blood goes up, which brings about several symptoms.
Diabetes causes
The cause of DM depends on the variant. Type 1 diabetes, for example is partly inherited, and then activated by particular infections, such as Coxsackie virus. The mechanism is unclear, nevertheless it's thought that after the infection, the body's own immune system damages the cells where insulin is manufactured. Type 2 diabetes mellitus on the other hand is caused mainly by lifestyle and genetics.
Some disorders and medications can also cause diabetes. Exocrine pancreatic problems and use of glucocorticoids, for example, can bring about diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients can go through the same symptoms. Disproportionate urination, disproportionate thirst, and excessive hunger are the three most common symptoms of diabetes. Unexplainable loss of weight is also seen in many, but not all cases. Prolonged high blood glucose can also result to microvascular changes that can lead to blurring of vision and delayed wound healing. Symptoms may develop drastically for type 1 diabetes patients, while they typically develop over a longer period of time among type 2 diabetic patients.
Can diabetes be treated?
Sadly, there is no cure for diabetes. Nevertheless, it can be managed to minimize its impact in your life. Treatment will involve insulin administration, oral hypoglycemics, lifestyle changes, and regular checkups. Left untreated or if poorly managed, complications along the lines of loss of vision, amputation, and multiple organ damage are possible.
Diabetes prevention
For type 1 DM, the answer is, unfortunately, no. For type 2 diabetes in contrast, being a lifestyle disorder, can be prevented by having a healthy weight. This will involve making healthier food choices, such as reducing intake of simple carbs, and ensuring that you get enough exercise. Steering clear of vices including smoking and drinking are also important since these activities can hasten the development of of complications.
Diabetes causes
The cause of DM depends on the variant. Type 1 diabetes, for example is partly inherited, and then activated by particular infections, such as Coxsackie virus. The mechanism is unclear, nevertheless it's thought that after the infection, the body's own immune system damages the cells where insulin is manufactured. Type 2 diabetes mellitus on the other hand is caused mainly by lifestyle and genetics.
Some disorders and medications can also cause diabetes. Exocrine pancreatic problems and use of glucocorticoids, for example, can bring about diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients can go through the same symptoms. Disproportionate urination, disproportionate thirst, and excessive hunger are the three most common symptoms of diabetes. Unexplainable loss of weight is also seen in many, but not all cases. Prolonged high blood glucose can also result to microvascular changes that can lead to blurring of vision and delayed wound healing. Symptoms may develop drastically for type 1 diabetes patients, while they typically develop over a longer period of time among type 2 diabetic patients.
Can diabetes be treated?
Sadly, there is no cure for diabetes. Nevertheless, it can be managed to minimize its impact in your life. Treatment will involve insulin administration, oral hypoglycemics, lifestyle changes, and regular checkups. Left untreated or if poorly managed, complications along the lines of loss of vision, amputation, and multiple organ damage are possible.
Diabetes prevention
For type 1 DM, the answer is, unfortunately, no. For type 2 diabetes in contrast, being a lifestyle disorder, can be prevented by having a healthy weight. This will involve making healthier food choices, such as reducing intake of simple carbs, and ensuring that you get enough exercise. Steering clear of vices including smoking and drinking are also important since these activities can hasten the development of of complications.
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Diabetes is a long-term disorder that impacts different aspects of your life. Knowing as much as you can about the disease will help you avoid this disorder or manage it properly to reduce its impact in your life. Go here to discover more about treatment of diabetes.
