Diabetes Mellitus and Its Symptoms
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most costly and burdensome chronic diseases of our time, and is a condition that is increasing in epidemic population in the whole world.
The complications resulting from the disease are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with failure of various organs such as the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Diabetics are also at a significantly higher risk for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke and they have a greater likelihood of having hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity.
Diabetes Mellitus is a serious disorder of the pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of your stomach. The pancreas makes the hormone insulin to control blood glucose and also makes enzymes and fluids for digestion.
What are the different types of diabetes?
The most common types of diabetes include:
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Type I (IDDM-Type I)
in which the body is unable to produce insulin
Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Type II (NIDDM-Type II)
in which the pancreas produces insulin, but it is insufficient for reducing the blood glucose to normal levels
Gestational Diabetes
which develops in some women when they are pregnant. (Most of the time, this type of diabetes goes away after the baby is born.)
Less common types of diabetes include:
Monogenic Diabetes
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which is an inherited form of diabetes
Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD)
What are symptoms of diabetes?
Some of the common symptoms of IDDM Type- I Diabetes are excessive Thirst Frequent urination Unexplained weight loss Irritability Weakness Fatigue
Some of the common symptoms of NIDDM Type- II Diabetes are loss of weight Numbness in hands or feet. Uncontrolled infections Pain in the limbs Inflammatory chest infections Dimness of vision, contrast Excessive thirst Body weakness
Gestational diabetes often has no symptoms, or they may be mild, such as being thirstier than normal or having to urinate more often. Gestational diabetes is sometimes related to the hormonal changes of pregnancy that make your body less able to use insulin. Genes and extra weight may also play a role.
Symptoms of NDM depend on gene mutations. Signs include frequent urination, rapid breathing, and dehydration. Lack of insulin may cause the body to produce chemicals called ketones, resulting in potentially life-threatening condition, diabetic ketoacidosis. Most fetuses with NDM do not grow well in the womb. Newborns with NDM are much smaller than those of the same gestational age, a condition called intrauterine growth restriction. Some infants fail to gain weight and grow as rapidly as other infants of the same age and sex.
Symtoms of MODY depend on gene mutations. Certain mutations may have slightly high blood sugar levels that remain stable throughout life, have mild or no symptoms of diabetes, and do not develop any long-term complications. High blood glucose levels may only be discovered during routine blood tests. Other mutations require specific treatment with either insulin or a type of oral diabetes medication called sulfonylureas.
People with CFRD may not experience any symptoms. Sometimes the diabetes symptoms are similar to other Cystic Fibrosis symptoms, and may go unrecognized. Thise with CFRD may not know they have CFRD until they are actually tested for diabetes. Some common symptoms, like increased thirst and urination, are caused by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Other symptoms of CFRD include excessive fatigue, weight loss, and unexplained decline in lung function.
What are the different tests for Diabetes?
Urine Test: Some chemicals are added to a few drops of urine. Colour change indicates presence of glucose in urine.
Blood Test: Blood is drawn to test the glucose level. This is more accurate test to confirm diabetes
Which parts of my body are affected by Diabetes?
Blood Vessels:
Higher level of glucose damage the blood vessels. As a result of this most of the diabetic complications occur in blood vessels.
Heart:
Diabetes affects the heart by: Increasing the amount of fat in blood and increasing the amount of homocysteine in blood.
Kidney:
In diabetes because of increased levels of glucose, kidneys have to do extra work to retain essential substances and separate waste products to produce urine. This affects the small blood vessels and their capacity to filter. After many years of work, it may lead to kidney failure.
Eyes:
Diabetes affects blood vessels of the eyes. Damage to these blood vessels leads to eye problems like: damage to retina, cataracts or total loss of vision
Feet:
Damage to blood vessels reduces blood flow to the feet and increases risk of developing foot ulcers and infections.
Nerves:
High glucose level for a long time damages nerves. Nerve damage reduces sensation in some parts of body which may lead to numbness and tingling, loss of sensation or pain.
With the help of your health care team, you can create a diabetes self-care plan to manage your diabetes.
Diabetes can affect almost every part of your body. Therefore, you will need to manage your blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar. Managing your blood glucose, as well as your blood pressure and cholesterol, can help prevent the health problems that can occur when you have diabetes.
You can manage your diabetes and live a long and healthy life by taking care of yourself each day.