Type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus (DM), is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, or persistently elevated blood glucose levels. The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically worldwide in recent decades, coinciding with rapid economic development, urbanization, and adoption of modern lifestyles. The prevalence of diabetes among men and women was estimated to be 9.6% and 9.0%, respectively in 2019. As of 2019, 463 million adults aged 20-79 years had diabetes, accounting for 9.3% of the world's adult population; this number is expected to rise to 578 million by 2030 (10.2%) and 700 million by 2045 (10.9%).
This disorder presents as long-term dysfunctions in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and is caused by abnormalities in insulin action, secretion, or both. Diabetes develops in a complicated and diverse way that impacts several organs due to its metabolic problems. The main cause of these disturbances is the harmful impact of hyperglycemia on the body's micro- and macrovasculature, which can result in complications that harm, impede, or even cause organ failure in the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and kidneys.
While kidney problems can result in nephropathy and possibly renal failure, eye complications frequently cause retinopathy, which can progress to blindness. Coronary heart disease and hypertension are examples of cardiovascular complications. Neuropathy, or damage to the nerves, can be peripheral or autonomic. It can cause problems with the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and genitourinary systems as well as severe infections in the feet that may need to be amputated. Diabetes-related health outcomes are significantly influenced by atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, which are common in the diabetic population and include coronary heart, peripheral artery, and cerebrovascular diseases.
Let’s learn about symptoms of diabetes to recognise this disorder as early as possible and prevent the associated complications.
Also Read: Diabetes Control: Self-Care Tips And Best Practices
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than a specific value. When your pancreas fails to make enough insulin, insulin secretion is completely stopped, or when your body cells are not responding to the effects of insulin appropriately. People of all ages may suffer from diabetes. With medication and/or lifestyle modifications, diabetes can be managed in all of its forms. Diabetes is generally a chronic (lifelong) condition. Carbohydrates found in food and beverages are the primary source of glucose, or sugar. Your body uses it as its primary energy source. Every cell in your body uses glucose, which is carried by your blood, as energy.What are the Types of Diabetes Mellitus?
Following are various types of diabetes mellitus:- Prediabetes: When your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough for a doctor to diagnose diabetes, it is called prediabetes.
- Type 1 Diabetes: Another name for type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent diabetes. Because it usually begins in childhood, it used to be known as juvenile-onset diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when your body initiates an antibody-fueled attack on your pancreas. Insulin production is impaired by damage to the organ. This kind of diabetes may run in your family. It may also occur due to issues with the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes were previously used for type 2 diabetes. Your pancreas typically produces a little insulin when you have type 2 diabetes. However, it's either insufficient or your body doesn't utilize it properly. Fat, liver, and muscle cells are the primary sites of insulin resistance, which is the inability of your cells to respond to insulin.
- Gestational Diabetes: Insulin resistance may occur during pregnancy due to hormonal imbalance. It is referred to as gestational diabetes. In the middle or late stages of pregnancy, doctors often detect it. Controlling gestational diabetes is crucial to preserving the baby's growth and development because a woman's blood sugars pass through the placenta to the unborn child. Gestational diabetes is reported in about 2% to 10% of pregnancies.
What are Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus?
Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include:- Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Dry mouth
- Excessive fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
- Frequent yeast infections on skin and/or in vagina
- Slow-healing sores or cuts.
What are the Risk Factors of Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes risk factors vary depending on the kind of diabetes. A factor in all kinds of cases may be family history. Geographical location and environmental factors can increase one's risk of type 1 diabetes. Family members of individuals with type 1 diabetes should undergo testing to detect diabetes immune system cells, also known as autoantibodies. You run a higher risk of type 1 diabetes if you have these autoantibodies. Yet not all individuals with these autoantibodies go on to acquire diabetes. The prevalence of gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes is higher in those who are overweight or obese.What are the Causes of Diabetes Mellitus?
Following are the common causes of diabetes mellitus:- Insulin resistance
- Autoimmune disease
- Hormonal imbalances
- Pancreatic damage
- Genetic mutations
What are the Complications of Diabetes Mellitus?
- Short-term complications
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
- Diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Long-term complications
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Atherosclerosis
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Nephropathy
- Retinopathy
- Diabetes-related foot conditions
- Skin infections
- Amputations
- Sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
- Gastroparesis
- Hearing loss
- Oral health issues, such as gum diseases
Also Read: Blood Sugar Level Chart by Age: A Simple Guide to Normal RangesTreatment of Diabetes Mellitus
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Oral diabetes medications
- Insulin
- Meal planning and choosing a healthy diet
- Physical activity for increasing insulin sensitivity
- Healthy weight
- Normal blood pressure
- Normal blood cholesterol levels
Conclusion
A diagnosis of diabetes can feel life-altering, but it doesn't mean the end of a fulfilling, healthy life. Effective diabetes management takes commitment, but it becomes more manageable with time. Regular doctor visits, healthy lifestyle choices, and a strong support system can help you lead a balanced life.Choose Asian Heart Institute for prompt, expert care in managing diabetes. Book your appointment today.
FAQs
Q1: Is it possible for diabetes to strike suddenly?A: Type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear within a few weeks of developing. Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be so mild that you may not even notice them, and they often appear gradually over several years.
Q2: Can diabetes result from consuming too much sugar?
A: Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can raise your chance of getting type 2 diabetes, but it does not cause it directly.
