What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition in which he the most widely
recognised problem is the body's inability to regulate the level
of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the main form of sugar in the
body. The body breaks down food into glucose and uses it as a
source of energy. In healthy people insulin helps to regulate the
glucose (sugar) levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the
pancreas (a long, thin organ located behind the stomach against
the back).
In diabetics, the body does not produce enough insulin or does not
use the produced insulin effectively. This results in a high level
of glucose in the blood ("hyperglycaemia").
There are four main types of diabetes mellitus:
a) Type 1, earlier known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
or juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus. People with this type of
diabetes make little or no insulin in their body, and need regular
insulin injections for survival and management of diabetes. It
usually starts in childhood, but can occur at any age.
b) Type 2 (DM2), earlier known as non-insulin dependent diabetes
mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. This is the most common
form of diabetes, and is strongly associated with genetic tendency
and obesity. The body produces normal or even high levels of
insulin, but certain factors make its utilization ineffective
("insulin resistance"). Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary
patterns, and the consequent obesity are common causes. It usually
starts in adulthood, but is beginning to be seen in obese
adolescents also.
c) Gestational diabetes mellitus, or pregnancy-induced diabetes.
d) Secondary diabetes mellitus, caused by genetic conditions,
pancreatic diseases (e.g. inflammation, surgery or malignancy of
the pancreas, etc.), drugs (e.g. steroids like prednisolone,
pentamidine, excess thyroid hormone, etc.) or other medical
conditions (acromegaly, Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma,
hyperthyroidism, congenital rubella, etc). Medications such as
thiazide diuretics or oral contraceptives can precipitate diabetes
in a person predisposed to get it later.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms depend on the type and duration of diabetes. Some of the
signs and symptoms are related to the high blood sugar levels.
These include:
* Increased urination
* Increased thirst
* Hunger
Other common symptoms:
* Fatigue
* Blurred vision
* Urinary and vaginal infections
* Skin infections, especially fungal or more serious bacterial
infections
* Frequently upset stomach, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting
There may be weight loss, especially if the amount of insulin made
by the body is decreasing. If insulin deficiency is marked, the
person can become drowsy and then go into coma. This is called
Ketoacidosis, and usually occurs in DM1. Rarely, if the diabetes
is completely out of control, it can also occur in DM2. Other
symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
* Deep rapid breathing, sometimes with a fruity odour to the
breath
* Pain in the stomach, with nausea and vomiting
What is the diagnosis?
Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed based on a high level of glucose or
sugar in the blood. The doctor may suspect diabetes mellitus after
taking the medical history and doing a physical examination. There
are several blood sugar tests used for diagnosis:
1. Fasting plasma glucose test: In this test, a person is asked to
fast overnight, at least 8 hours, and the level of glucose in the
blood is then checked. Normal fasting plasma glucose levels are
less than 110 mg/dl. A fasting plasma glucose level of more than
126 mg/dl usually indicates diabetes mellitus. A level of 110-125
mg/dl is called "impaired fasting glucose".
2. Post prandial (PP) plasma glucose: This is tested two hours
after having a meal, which serves as a challenge for the body to
regulate the blood sugar. Normal PP levels are <140 mg/dl; a
glucose level of more than 200 mg/dl indicates diabetes mellitus,
while a level between 140-199 mg/ dl is called "impaired glucose
tolerance".
3. Random plasma glucose test: is that which is done at any other
time. A level of 200 mg/dl or higher generally indicates the
presence of diabetes.
4. Oral glucose challenge test (oGTT): The blood glucose is tested
2 hours after giving 75 gm glucose by mouth. This is useful for
detecting borderline diabetes and a condition called "impaired
glucose tolerance".
5. Oral glucose tolerance test: is the preferred way to diagnose
pregnancy-induced diabetes. Ideally all pregnant women in India
should have a blood glucose test done 30 minutes after taking 50
gm gluocse (screening test). If this is abnormal, the lady should
undergo an oGTT: with 100 gm glucose (not the conventional 75 gm).
Blood samples are then drawn at intervals of one hour upto 3 hours
(ie at 1, 2 and 3 hours post-glucose).
What is the treatment?
The treatment of diabetes depends on the type of diabetes. It is
aimed to decrease symptoms and prevent complications such as low
blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), eye problems, kidney disease,
and nerve damage.
DM1 needs treatment with insulin injections to replace the insulin
that is not produced in the body. There are several types of
insulin available. The most commonly used are the genetically
engineered that are similar to human insulin. The difference in
the various types of insulin is the times at which they "peak" or
are most effective. Insulin schedule depends upon the meal pattern
of the individual. This is required to avoid low blood glucose
levels, causing hypoglycaemia. Insulin is administered with a
syringe, and newer devices such as insulin pens and insulin pumps.
The latter devices control diabetes more efficiently.
DM2 (earlier called NIDDM) is initially treated with weight
reduction, diet control and regular exercises. When these measures
fail to control the blood sugar levels, oral medicines are used.
Sulphonylureas are a group of drugs that stimulate the release of
insulin from the pancreas. Metformin reduces insulin resistance,
and the production of glucose by the liver. Thiazolidenediones
also increase insulin efficiency and sensitivity. Acarbose delays
the absorption of glucose by the intestines. When the action of
oral drugs is insufficient, insulin injections are added.
Exercise: It is an important component of diabetes therapy.
Exercise utilizes blood sugar and makes the body more sensitive to
insulin. It also reduces high blood pressure and high lipid
levels, which are often associated with diabetes.
Diet: There is no such thing as a "diabetic diet". Persons with
diabetes should eat a normal, balanced diet, which is designed to
meet their nutritional requirements, maintain normal blood sugar
levels and at the same time to help in achieving appropriate
weight (i.e. reduction in case of obese persons, regain in case of
very lean persons). It is also important to eat meals at regular
time intervals, especially if insulin is used.
SELF-TESTING
If you have diabetes, your doctor may tell you to regularly check
your blood sugar levels at home. There are a number of devices
available, and they use only a drop of blood. Self-monitoring
tells you how well diet, medication, and exercise are working
together to control your diabetes. It can help your doctor prevent
complications.
The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping blood sugar
levels in a range based on your age. Discuss these goals with your
doctor and diabetes educator.
Before meals:
• 70 - 130 mg/dL for adults
• 100 - 180 mg/dL for children under age 6
• 90 - 180 mg/dL for children 6 - 12 years old
• 90 - 130 mg/dL for children 13 - 19 years old
At bedtime:
• Less than 180 mg/dL for adults
• 110 - 200 mg/dL for children under age 6
• 100 - 180 mg/dL for children 6 - 12 years old
• 90 - 150 mg/dL for children 13 - 19 years old
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