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Diabetes

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by a relative insulin deficiency resulting in an abnormal fuel-hormone response, especially when challenged by the ingestion of food. This abnormal fuel-hormone response involves decreased storage and utilization of fuels and results in elevated blood levels of glucose, free fatty acids, and ketones. Diabetes results from a deficiency in the insulin-secretory mechanism of the beta cells of the pancreas, a faulty insulin receptor site on the cell surfaces of liver, adipose, and muscle tissue, and/or a metabolic defect in the cell itself.

Diabetes contributes to deaths worldwide. The premature mortality has been largely attributed to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular mortality accounts for about three-quarters of deaths in individuals with diabetes. Diabetes also contributes substantially to cardiovascular morbidity, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease by two to three times In addition to macro vascular complications, diabetes increases the risk of micro vascular diseases including nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in Western countries Diabetic retinopathy accounts for approximately 5% of the global prevalence of blindness.

Physiology of Diabetes

The body mainly uses two hormones to achieve stability in blood glucose levels. Insulin is released directly into the blood from the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It converts glucose in the blood into energy or stores it as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use. In response to lowering blood glucose levels, the pancreatic alpha ceils produce glucagon, which facilitates release of glucose from the glycogen stores.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Frequent urination (phenomenon of "wet bed" in children)

Unusual hunger

Excessive thirst

Weakness and fatigue

Weight loss

Irritability and mood swings

Feeling sick in the stomach and vomiting.

Frequent infections

Blurred vision

Cuts and scratches that do not heal, or heal very slowly

Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Recurring skin, gum or bladder

Are also high levels of sugar in the blood and urine?

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes there is beta-cell destruction and the individual needs insulin injections for life. This type of diabetes are called Insulin-dependent diabetics are usually under 20 years of age at the onset of the disease and constitute less than 10% of the diabetic population. Usually occur abruptly, and often regardless of family history there. It is caused by progressive destruction of pancreatic cells, which are those that produce insulin. It must be administered artificially from the beginning of the disease.

Their symptoms at the onset of diabetes are acute, coming speedily to a crisis: Metabolic ketoacidosis and insulin reactions are frequent, insulin production is decreased, the potential for developing maximal sports performance capacity is reduced, and hyperglycemia usually results from the marked reductions in glucose storage and utilization. Particular symptoms are increasing the need to drink and the amount of urine, tiredness and weight loss. Symptoms develop rapidly, with hospital admission the norm. Although mostly diagnosed when young, it can develop at any age.

Insulin-dependent diabetes treatment requires insulin replacement therapy, which must be appropriately balanced with the dietary intake ...