Diabetes Mellitus

What is it?

The mechanism: Insulin transports glucose into the cells for use as energy and storage as glycogen. It also stimulates protein synthesis and free fatty acid storage in the fat deposits. When a person lacks sufficient insulin, body tissues have less access to essential nutrients for fuel and storage. Therefore the unused glucose accumulate in blood and urine causing excessive urination and thirst.

There are two main forms of diabetes mellitus: Type I or insulin-de-pendent, and the more prevalent Type II or non-insulin-dependent.

Type I usually occurs before age 30, although it may strike at any age. The person with this type is usually thin and needs insulin injections and dietary modifications to control his or her blood sugar level.

Type II usually occurs in obese adults over age 40. It's most often treated with diet and exercise (possibly in combination with drugs that lower the blood sugar level), although treatment sometimes includes insulin therapy.

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Who is Affected?

• The incidence of diabetes mellitus is equal in men and women and rises with age.
• Sometimes it is due to heredity.
• Type I is more common in childhood and adolescence, whereas Type II is more common among people over 40, especially those who are obese.
• Other forms of diabetes, called secondary diabetes, may be caused by pregnancy, physical or emotional stress, or the use of certain medications

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What are the complications?

• The disease increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and peripheral blood vessel disease.
• It’s a major cause of blindness in adults.
• It weakens the immune system and increases the susceptibility to infections such as cystitis.
• Poorly controlled or untreated Type I may lead to ketoacidosis, a condition that causes nausea, abdominal pain, and acetone smell in breath. It occurs if the several doses of insulin injection are missed. If untreated it can cause seizures and unconsciousness.

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What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms include:

• Excessive urination
• Thirst and dry mouth
• Insufficient sleep because of the urge to urinate at night.
• Lack of energy
• Blurry vision

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What are the Causes?

In Type II diabetes, the cells in the pancreas are still able to produce insulin, but not enough to meet the body’s needs. People with this type of diabetes are usually obese.

Other forms of diabetes, called secondary diabetes, may be caused by pregnancy, physical or emotional stress, or the use of certain medications.

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How Is This Condition Diagnosed?

An eye examination may show retinal abnormalities. Other diagnostic and monitoring tests include urinalysis and additional blood tests.

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What can I do?

• Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.
• Insulin injections should be taken regularly if and as prescribed by the doctor.
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure.
• Quit smoking and make sure that if you drink, it is in moderate limits.
• Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and blood pressure. If you have insulin dependent diabetes, you may need to monitor your blood glucose during and after exercise to check how the activity affects your requirements for insulin and food.
• Diabetes can increase the risk of skin infection. Foot care includes, washing and drying your feet and applying of moisturiser if your skin is dry.

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