Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Management, And Tips To Keep It At Bay

Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body makes use of glucose, a form of sugar, which is our major source of energy. We acquire glucose from the food we eat and when it gets into our bloodstream, our pancreas generates a hormone known as insulin that assists the sugar to get inside our cells for use as energy. However, if one has diabetes mellitus, the body either cannot create sufficient insulin, which is the cause of type 1 diabetes, or the insulin no longer works as expected because the cells are no longer sensitive to it, which typifies type 2 diabetes. Either way, the glucose is unable to enter the cells normally, and thus the concentration of sugar in the blood increases, which brings about several symptoms.

Causes of diabetes

The cause of diabetes depends on the type. Type 1 diabetes mellitus, for instance is genetic in nature, and then set off by particular infections, just like Coxsackie virus. The mechanism is unclear, however it is thought that after the infection, the body's own immune system damages the cells where insulin is made. Type 2 DM on the contrary is caused primarily by lifestyle and genetic factors.

Some health conditions and medicines can also trigger diabetes. Exocrine pancreatic disorders and use of glucocorticoids, for instance, can bring about diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients can go through the same symptoms. Disproportionate urination, disproportionate thirst, and excessive hunger are the three basic symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Loss of weight may also be present. Sustained high blood glucose can also result to microvascular changes that can lead to blurring of vision and prolonged wound healing. Symptoms may develop quickly for type 1 diabetics, while they typically develop slowly among type 2 diabetes patients.

Treatment of diabetes

Unfortunately, diabetes mellitus cannot be cured. Nevertheless, it can be managed to minimize its effects in your life. Treatment involves insulin injections, oral hypoglycemics, changes in lifestyle, and annual or regular checkups. Left untreated or if poorly managed, complications like loss of vision, amputation, and multiple organ injury may happen sooner than hoped.

Can diabetes be prevented?

For type 1 DM, the answer is, unfortunately, no. For type 2 diabetes mellitus however, being a disease of affluence, can be averted by keeping a healthy weight. This will entail making healthier food choices, like reducing intake of simple sugars, and making sure that you get ample exercise. Staying away from vices including smoking and drinking are also crucial since these activities can speed up the development of of complications.

About the Author

Diabetes is a long-term disorder that impacts different aspects of your life. Knowing as much as you can about the disease will help you avoid this disorder or manage it properly to reduce its impact in your life. For more information about symptoms of diabetes type 2 click on this link: http://www.symptomsofdiabetesinfo.com/symptoms-of-type-2-diabetes/ [http://symptomsofdiabetesinfo.com/symptoms-of-type-2-diabetes]