Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that affects the pancreas. In this, the body is unable to properly process the energy released from the food leading to high sugar levels. When this happens over a period, it causes organ damage and other serious complications. There are no apparent reasons why people get diabetes, but many factors in their genes and lifestyle increase their odds of suffering from this disease. Diabetes mellitus can occur because of two reasons. Either the pancreas does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin, a hormone essential for using sugar in the body (Type 1) or because the body develops resistance to the insulin coursing through the system (Type 2). A third kind is known as Gestational Diabetes which occurs when a pregnant woman without a previous history of diabetes develops high sugar levels.

Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus

• A family history of diabetes mellitus
• Being overweight
• Stress- physical (surgery or some illness) or mental
• Repeated use of certain medications like steroids or those for blood pressure
• Trauma to pancreas either through injury, infection, tumour or surgery
• High blood pressure
• Very high triglyceride levels
• Age
• Smoking
• Alcohol addiction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It may be due to impaired insulin secretion, resistance to peripheral actions of insulin, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia in synergy with the other metabolic aberrations in patients with diabetes mellitus can cause damage to various organ systems, leading to the development of disabling and life-threatening health complications, most prominent of which are microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) and macrovascular complications leading to a 2-fold to 4-fold increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Following are the most common symptoms:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Dryness
• Unexplained weight change
• Unexplained fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in the feet
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Slow healing of injuries-cuts and sores
• Recurrent yeast infections in women

If you have type 1 diabetes, you need insulin therapy to stay healthy. It replaces the insulin your body doesn’t make. If you have type 2 diabetes, insulin therapy might be part of your treatment. It’s needed when healthy lifestyle changes and other diabetes treatments don’t control your blood sugar well enough.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Treatment

Diabetes mellitus has no cure. It is a chronic disease that can be best managed by keeping the blood sugar levels under control. However, care must be taken that the sugar levels don’t get too low as that is more harmful and can even be fatal.

• Healthy Diet: following a healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and very low in processed food and junk food is recommended. Eat a lot of fibre and reduce hidden sugar consumption. Read more about the best foods for diabetics
• Exercise: This is another important aspect of diabetes management. Even thirty minutes of walk daily goes a long way in keeping the sugar levels in check. Yoga, dancing, swimming and aerobics are other good alternatives to walking.
• Weight Loss: One must lose weight to keep control over the disease. It also leads to better health of the organs, reduces cholesterol levels and less pressure on the system.
• Feet Care: One of the most vulnerable parts of a diabetics’ body is the feet. Since these receive less blood supply over a period due to degeneration of blood vessels, any injury caused to them takes very long to heal. In most cases, gangrene develops and many times amputation is the only way out. Read more about diabetes foot care tips.

Most importantly, this condition requires medical intervention, therefore, do not self-diagnose or take medications without proper consultation.People can live healthy lives with diabetes provided they keep their sugar levels in check. With a proper lifestyle and medications, many live long, quality lives.

Also Read: Desserts For Diabetics: An Expert’s Guide To Enjoying Sweet Treats Safely

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.