Diabetes Mellitus

Table of Contents

• What is Diabetes Mellitus?
• Diabetes Mellitus Condition
• The two classes of Diabetes Mellitus
• Main symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
• Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
• Necessary treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition or a disease that affects the body’s ability to use the energy found in food. It is referred to as Diabetes. It is the condition where the pancreas gland does not generate enough insulin required by the body to regulate glucose metabolism.

The body breaks down carbohydrates and sugar present in food and then converts them into a special sugar called glucose. This glucose is used to fuel up the body. Excess glucose present in the blood is converted into glycogen as an energy reserve. This process requires insulin. Diabetes mellitus is a condition during which the body does not produce sufficient insulin, which leads to high blood glucose levels. This condition is usually related to the pancreas, an organ which is involved in producing insulin.

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus – It is one of the Diabetes where the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin in the body. It is called insulin-dependent diabetes.  This process involves injecting insulin through the skin.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – Also called insulin-independent diabetes, this type of diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces some insulin in the body. But the produced insulin is not sufficient as per the body’s requirements, and the cells are resistant to it. This condition is called Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes – It is a type of diabetes which usually occurs when a pregnant woman develops high blood sugar levels without a previous history of diabetes.

The common symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus are given below-
The above diagram shows the areas affected and the symptoms of Diabetes. The main common symptoms associated with Diabetes are below-

• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Increased urination
• Hunger due to starvation of cells
• Fatigue
• Slow healing of wounds
• Yeast infections
• Tingling sensation in the feet or the toes

The smallest blood vessels of the body are damaged due to the production of high blood sugar levels. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the blood flow level in the body resulting in the death of tissues. This condition also affects the other parts of the body such as the heart, kidneys, nervous system etc. Hence it has a large effect on the immune system of the body by completely damaging it.

• Frequently test your blood sugar levels.
• By planning your meals accordingly.
• Performing exercises regularly.
• Injecting insulin and other medications when required.

Hence by proper treatment and care, this disease can be considerably reduced to merely good extents.

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