Diabetes Mellitus
Causes and Treatment Options
by
Diana Mortenson
Diabetes mellitus - who hasn't heard of it?
Indeed, diabetes mellitus (DM) seems to be a universal language
for high blood sugar.
Millions of people are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, a fact
that is indeed getting a lot of attention from health care
experts all over the world. The complications of diabetes
mellitus can, after all, cause serious health problems leading
to death.
The General Classifications
Diabetes mellitus are generally of three
types:
-
type 1 diabetes which is insulin-dependent or
juvenile onset
-
type 2 diabetes which is non-insulin-dependent or
adult onset
-
gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy
The Signs and Symptoms
Knowing the tell-tale signs of diabetes
mellitus is important in order to be diagnosed and treated
early. For type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the presenting signs and
symptoms are basically the same:
-
increased urination
-
increased thirst
-
weight loss
-
feelings of hunger
-
blurred vision
-
nausea
-
fatigue
For gestational diabetes, though, it may be
difficult to conclude because all these signs and symptoms can
be easily mistaken as pregnancy-related. The best thing to find
out is to undergo an oral glucose tolerance test --- this is
the most definitive test for gestational diabetes It's usually
conducted on the fifth month of pregnancy.
The Treatment Options
 The
treatment options for diabetes mellitus include eating the
right diet, engaging in regular exercises, and
medications. In milder cases of diabetes mellitus, eating
the right foods and engaging in exercises are enough to
keep the blood sugar levels down, but in more serious
cases, diabetic medications have to be administered.
The right diet for diabetics includes starches in the form of
whole grains, bread, cereals; fresh fruits and vegetables, some
meat products, and just a little of fat and sweets. How much
you need to eat of these, though, may depend on your body
weight and other needs. It's always best to consult a dietician
to program a diabetic meal that is just right for you.
Exercise should be made part of any diabetic treatment plan.
Exercise helps you to lose weight and keeps you generally
healthy.
Type 1 diabetics most likely need insulin therapy, but type 2
diabetics may be able to manage their diabetes with oral
medications. Insulin needs to be injected into the body, the
reason why a lot of diabetics frown on the idea of insulin
therapy. Insulin may be rapid-acting, intermediate-acting or
long-acting.
Diabetic Emergencies and Complications
Managing diabetes mellitus is extremely
important in order to prevent complications such as:
At the same time, you may also want to prevent
the likelihood of medical emergencies such as:
diabetic ketoacidosis which can cause coma and
eventually death.
Intensive care is essential nonketotic
hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar coma.
Responsibilities of a Diabetic
As a diabetic you also need to do your share in
the treatment, that means:
-
making regular visits to your diabetologist
-
constant monitoring of your blood sugar levels
-
observing yourself for anything that indicates an
increase in your blood sugar levels and reporting
the matter to your doctor
eating the right diet
-
doing daily or regular exercises
-
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