Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a serious chronic medical condition that has caused millions of death around the world. In fact, diabetes is considered to be the sixth leading cause of death in 2007. It is classified as a metabolism disorder that is characterized by an abnormally high level of sugar or glucose in the blood.

The World Health Organization claims that over 346 million people around the globe are suffering from diabetes mellitus excluding those who have not been diagnosed and those who have not receive medical treatment. More than 80% of these cases occurred in low-income and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization predicts that from 2005 to 2030, the mortality rate associated with diabetes will be doubled. In 2008, 36 millions deaths were directly linked to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Contrary to a common belief, adults are not just the susceptible victims of this disorder. Clinical and scientific studies revealed that children are at increasing risk of suffering from Type 2 diabetes. In fact, there has been a global rise in incidence of diabetes among children and adolescents. Also, this medical condition does not just affect men. In fact, men and women are equally susceptible in suffering from this chronic and serious medical condition.

by AJC1 under CC BY-SA  with wpseopix.com

Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms

.

In second century AD, the condition is originally termed as diabetes which means “siphon” in Greek because patients suffering from this condition tend to urinate more often like a siphon.  However, 1675, Thomas Wills renamed the condition into diabetes mellitus because people who have been diagnosed with diabetes contain excessive amount of glucose in their blood and urine. Also, Mel means honey in Latin and glucose tastes sweet just like honey. Diabetes mellitus literally mean ‘siphoning of sweet water’. In China, diabetes mellitus is referred to as the “Sweet Urine Disease” because people from China observed that the ants are attracted to the sweetness of the urine.

Basically, when the food enters the digestive system, it is converted into glucose which provides ample amount of energy and triggers the growth of an individual. However, the glucose needs to enter the bloodstream first in order to be of use. Insulin plays an important role in the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. Without insulin, glucose can never enter the bloodstream. Meanwhile, insulin is produced by the pancreas. After eating, the pancreas produces sufficient amount of insulin to help the glucose move through the bloodstream.

by colros under CC BY  with wpseopix.com

Diabetes Mellitus Graph

.

People who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus suffer from a condition known as hyperglycemia which is characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood. This usually happens when the pancreas does not release adequate amount of insulin or when the pancreas is no longer capable of producing insulin. It can also be triggered by the over production of glucose.

How many types of diabetes are out there?

There are actually three types of diabetes. Diabetes Type 1 refers to a condition where an individual does not produce any insulin at all. Diabetes Type 2 is characterized by a minimum production of insulin. These types of diabetes are chronic and persistent. Meanwhile, the third type of diabetes is known as gestational diabetes, where the condition only occurs during pregnancy. This type of diabetes usually disappears after giving of birth.

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are still incurable until now but treatment for Type 1 diabetes usually involves insulin injection, exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. Since people who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can still produce insulin but only in minimal amount, insulin tablets will do, however there are cases where insulin injection may become necessary. A special diet and regular exercise is also required to alleviate the symptoms of this medical condition.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

The most common signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include loss of vision, fatigue, weight loss, constant hunger, frequent thirst and excessive urine excretion. Meanwhile, the signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are almost the same with the Type 1 signs and symptoms however they are less remarkable and symptoms may begin to occur after a couple of years or once the complications have arise.

The main goal of a diabetes management is to bring the level of blood sugar or glucose into a normal and safe level. This can be achieved by controlling the level of cholesterol and blood pressure, maintaining a physical activity and oral medications. Controlling the stress level and weight can also help in treating diabetes mellitus.

People who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes require multiple insulin injections everyday. In fact, they are considered as insulin-dependent patients. However, insulin pump can also be alternative. The pump delivers the insulin through a catheter which is usually placed in the abdomen. For Type 2 diabetes, oral medications can be prescribed to patients because they are considered as non-insulin dependents. More often than not, the medications are specially designed to reduce the production of glucose, prevent the absorption of blood sugar and increase the production of insulin.

Diabetes mellitus requires immediate treatment because when left untreated, it can lead to a number of serious and life threatening complications such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, retinal damage, nerve damage, amputation, gangrene on the feet, erectile dysfunction and poor and slow healing of wounds.

by GDS Infographics under CC BY  with wpseopix.com

Diabetes In US

.

People who are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are at risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases. In fact, 50% of the people who have diabetes die because of heart diseases such as stroke. The risk of dying for people who have diabetes is twice compared to those who are not suffering from this chronic medical condition.

People who have family history of diabetes are more likely to acquire the disease as they get old. Furthermore, women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes have 50% chance of suffering from diabetes mellitus two decades after they gave birth. People who do not engage in physical activity regularly and those who maintain a sedentary lifestyle are most likely to suffer from Type 2 diabetes in the future. Furthermore, obesity can trigger the development of diabetes mellitus.

Recent scientific studies revealed that diabetes mellitus can be prevented by keeping a healthy diet and engaging in exercise regularly. Maintaining a normal weight level and avoidance from tobacco can significantly help in preventing the development of diabetes mellitus. Engaging in moderate activities for at least 30 minutes in a day and daily intake of 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables can significantly help in reducing the burden of diabetes.

Couple of videos on Diabetes Mellitus …

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that is considered as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Type I diabetes is not reversible because patients suffering from this condition is completely insulin dependent.

Of the three types of diabetes, only Type II diabetes is reversible. Type II diabetes normally roots from the failure of the victim to observe a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise. Obese individuals are the most susceptible victims of Type II diabetes.

High levels of fats found in their tissues actually trigger an imbalance in the level of insulin in the body. Observing a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective natural means to reverse Type II diabetes. A healthy lifestyle includes proper diet, weight loss and regular exercise. Through these strategies, the level of sugar or glucose in the blood can certainly return back to normal, thus diabetes is reversed.

Many cases of Type II diabetes involve people who are observing a sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical exercise. Performing exercise regularly is actually one of the most effective ways on how to reverse diabetes. Regular exercise can help the victim shed off significant amount of fat from the body. In the long run, exercise also helps in burning sugar in the blood and in reducing the amount of insulin in the bloodstream.

Exercise burns glucose in the blood which results to a reduced need for insulin. Exercise also causes an individual to sweat which helps in getting rid of uric acid out of the body.

Inappropriate choice of food is considered as one of the major factors that trigger the onset of Type II diabetes. Scientific studies show that excessive intake of carbohydrates can significantly contribute in the development of Type II diabetes. Carbohydrates actually stimulate the body to produce excessive amount of insulin.

In the long run, the level of unutilized insulin in the body arises until it reaches a diabetic level. Regular exercise and herb therapy can also help in boosting the body’s natural ability to use its own insulin.

Diabetic individuals should also refrain themselves from taking alcohol and fatty foods because these types of foods can aggravate the condition. Intake of foods rich in protein should also be reduced because they contain high levels of uric acid that can trigger renal failure. Failure of the kidney to function normally can trigger the onset of diabetes.

Reversing Type II diabetes also involves the process of increasing the body’s natural capacity to utilize insulin. This can be achieved through an increased intake of high vitamin and high fiber foods but reduced intake of sugar and fatty foods. High fiber foods are scientifically proven to be effective in lowering the level of blood sugar in the body. Foods such as lentils, beans, millet, brown rice and quinoa are rich sources of fiber that can help in reversing diabetes.

When symptoms of diabetes occur, it would be best to seek for immediate treatment to prevent adverse health complications. Unlike other life threatening diseases, Type II diabetes can be reversed through a number of natural methods such as proper diet, regular exercise and weight lose.

In the course of our daily lives, we suffer from illnesses which are against our will. Some of them are usually serious diseases which if not given attention may cause serious health effects. However, if the existence of the disease is realized at the right time, early treatment can be given which can be helpful. One disease that if detected early can possible make treatment easier is diabetes and this is can possible if people are able to understand how is diabetes diagnosed and managed.

 
Diabetes is a disease caused when the blood glucose is very high. Early signs of the disease include frequent thirst and urination due to the difference in body concentration causing the kidney to draw more water from the body, craving for food most of the time due to lack of insulin that may help glucose to move in to the cells. This means that there is very little energy available for the body to function properly.

Other symptoms include fatigue and tiredness, slow wound healing due to the poor circulation caused by high sugar levels and this limits the amount of oxygen and nutrients that aids in healing the wound.

 
In order to diagnose the disease, several tests are done a fasting blood sugar and oral glucose tolerance diagnosis. The fasting test is applied to non-pregnant women and children and involves 126 milligrams in a deciliter of blood sugar level or it can be higher following 8-hour fast.

 
The glucose tolerance involves a 200 milligram per deciliter following an intake of 75grams glucose solution. A random test can be done when the glucose level is 200 milligrams per deciliter and these tests once done can be confirmed by a second test conducted the next day.

 
During the glucose tolerance, gestation type of diabetes test is done prior to a woman taking a glucose drink and is monitored later after 1, 2, and 3 hours. Presence of two blood glucose equating or exceeding a 95mg/dL fasting glucose, 180mg/dL in 1hour or 155mg/dL in 2hours or a 140mg/dL in 3hours confirms presence of gestational diabetes.

 
Any person diagnosed with the diabetes1 has to take a balanced diet, insulin and exercise. They must ensure that the insulin equals the food consumed and daily exercises. One must also monitor the blood sugar levels by regularly checking. Sometimes injectable prescription may be given by the doctor.

For those with diabetes 2 will need diabetes medicines like insulin, pills plus injectable medicine to help control their blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes must seek medical attention as soon as possible to have a specialist examine how their controlling their diabetes and offer more information on how to manage the disease.

 
Around 65% of diabetics usually die from stroke or heart attack; therefore people suffering from the disease need not only to know how diabetes is diagnosed but how to manage it. Apart from managing the blood sugar levels, it is also essential for one to control cholesterol and blood pressure levels by eating healthy foods, use of right medication and physical activity. Managing to successfully control diabetes can significantly reduce any associated health risk.

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases that have been attributed to changes in lifestyle. In the US about 25.8 million people or 8.3 % of the population have the disease (source: American Diabetes Association). The sad thing about this statistic is that 7.0 million of the 25.8 million are yet to be diagnosed. About 80.1% of diabetes case are diagnosed between ages 21 and 40. Only 1 in 400 children are diagnosed before age 10. So, how does diabetes affect the body? While diabetes has different effects on different parts of the body, it hurts the body primarily because blood glucose levels are not controlled.

The good news about diabetes is that it is possible for you to lead a normal life with it. However, the quality of life with this disease is dependent on early diagnosis and your ability to follow the doctor’s instructions. For one, about 75% of new cases of diabetes are found among people who are overweight. Consequently, losing fat is a must for you to live long with the disease. You see, being overweight puts pressure on the body to produce more insulin that can serve the extra weight.  However, most of the times, it is not possible for the body to do this. Furthermore, ‘big bodies’ are known to produce anti-insulin properties thus high blood sugar.

Since the body is not able to metabolize sugars, diet has to change. Generally, the body finds it harder to deal with unnatural or refined sugars; consequently, they should be avoided. Depending on the type of diabetes you have, the doctor may advise you to use insulin. Additionally, you may be required to regularly test your own glucose levels.

The high sugar levels in your blood make the nerves of your feet to be hard. As a result, you will feel little or no pain. Now, if by any chance you get a blister or a cut on your foot,the resulting infection may spread rapidly before you notice. In addition, the blood vessels are also affected; consequently, oxygen and other nutrients rarely reach feet. For these two reasons, about 60% of all non-traumatic amputations are due to this disease. Read more about Diabetes Mellitus here…

Undiagnosed diabetes hardens the fibers of the kidney pores that help in cleaning blood. With time, these pores become smaller and are not able to filter unwanted materials from blood. This clogging leads to the many cases of diabetes related kidney failure.

Atherosclerosis is hardening of blood vessels. Hard blood vessels are decreased in size. Since the diameter of blood vessels is compromised, high blood pressure is inevitable. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, hypertension and high blood pressure are twice as common in diabetes, than in the general population.

Diabetes affects all parts of the body that are supplied by blood vessels and nerves. In other words, the diseases affect all parts of the body. The nerves of eyes, genitalia, fingers, brain, nose, and tongue are all affected leading to lowered sensitivity.

From the above information, it is clear that diabetes is a serious condition. Consequently, you need to get your blood sugar levels checked regularly. Moreover, you need to see your doctor to advice you on how you can avoid the disease.

Diabetes is a serious medical condition which is mainly characterized by an excessive amount of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is classified by the World Health Organization as one of the leading causes of death in the globe today. At the age of 10, an individual can already acquire diabetes. Obese and overweight people are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. There are actually three kinds of diabetes. Type I and Type II diabetes are considered as chronic diabetes while gestational diabetes refers to a kind of diabetes which occurs only during pregnancy. Type I and Type II diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) can be experienced by anyone at any age.

Diabetes is actually triggered by an insufficient amount of insulin which is required to regulate blood sugar. Basically, glucose serves as an important source of fuel in the body. It enters the bloodstream however it needs to be transported to the fats, muscles and liver cells in order to be used as energy. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, plays a major role in moving the glucose from the bloodstream to these areas. The failure of the pancreas to produce sufficient amount of insulin is considered as one of the major reasons why diabetes develops.

How Do I Know if I Have Diabetes?

The most common symptoms of diabetes include blurred vision, unexplainable hunger, weight loss and frequent urination. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes also suffer from excess thirst and fatigue. Victims of this condition can also notice that their wounds, bruises, cuts and sores are healing very slowly. Diabetic patients may suffer from mild high blood pressure and frequent occurrence of infections such as bladder, skin, gum and vaginal infections. Itchy and dry skin can also be experienced by people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Tingling sensation in the legs, hands and feet are more likely to be experienced by millions of people who have been identified with diabetes.

Administering an urine test is one of the most effective ways to determine if an individual suffers from diabetes. A urine analysis can determine if the blood contains excessive amount of sugar or glucose. Results of blood tests also help in determining the presence of diabetes. People who have been found out to have a fasting blood glucose level of more than 126mg/dL are confirmed to have diabetes. People who have 100-120mg/dL blood glucose level are suffering from pre-diabetes and are prone to suffer from type II diabetes.

If an individual has a glucose level of more than 200mg/dL based on the result of a random blood sugar test, he can be diagnosed with diabetes. A hemoglobin A1c test can also determine if an individual suffers from diabetes. A minimum of 6.5% of hemoglobin A1c test is already enough to diagnose a person with diabetes.

Until today, there is no cure for diabetes. Treatments for diabetes are specially designed to reduce and prevent the occurrence of diabetes symptoms. Maintaining an optimum weight level and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are just some of the most effective ways to alleviate the symptoms of the condition. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes should immediately seek for treatment because when left untreated, diabetes can lead to a number of serious health complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage and blindness.