Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged periodsource Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hungersource If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or death.source Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, and damage to the eyes.
Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy.source
Types of diabetes
There are basically Three (3) types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin.
Type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood.
Gestational diabetes, This type affects females during pregnancy
Fast facts on diabetes
Here are some key points about diabetes.
Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels.
In 2013 it was estimated that over 382 million people throughout the world had diabetes (Williams textbook of endocrinology).
Type 1 Diabetes - the body does not produce insulin. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.
Type 2 Diabetes - the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type. source
Gestational Diabetes - this type affects females during pregnancy.
The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating plan, do adequate exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life. source
Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be physically active, and test their blood glucose. They may also need to take oral medication, and/or insulin to control blood glucose levels.
As the risk of cardiovascular disease is much higher for a diabetic, it is crucial that blood pressure and cholesterol levels are monitored regularly.
As smoking might have a serious effect on cardiovascular health, diabetics should stop smoking.
Hypoglycemia - low blood glucose - can have a bad effect on the patient. Hyperglycemia - when blood glucose is too high - can also have a bad effect on the patient. source
PREVENTION
There is absolutely no known preventive measure for type 1 diabetes but Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by maintaining a normal body weight, consuming a healthy diet engaging, and in physical activity. Higher levels of physical activity more than 80mins/day helps reduce the risk of diabetes by 30%. Dietary changes known to be effective in helping to prevent diabetes include maintaining a diet rich in whole grains and fiber, and choosing good fats, such as the polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, vegetable oils, and fish.source Limiting sugary beverages and eating less red meat and other sources of saturated fat can also help prevent diabetes. Avoid smoking Tobacco as it is also associated with an increased risk of diabetes, so stopping smoking can be an important preventive measure.
