Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) also known as simply diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period This high blood sugar produces the symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger.diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period.

This high blood sugar produces the symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst, and This high blood sugar produces the symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst, and This high blood sugar produces the symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger.untreated diabetes can cause many complications such as kidney failure and kidney stones , heart disease and damage to the eyes.

Why does it occur.

It is due due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.

Signs and Symptoms

Classic symptom of untreated diabetes is weight loss, frequent urination , increased thrust and increased hunger. Other symptoms that can also occur are blurry vision, headache, fatigue, slow healing of cuts, and itchy skin

Types of Diabetes

There are three different types of diabetes i.e.

Type 1 - known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes caused by body’s failure to produce enough insulin.

Type 2 - caused when cells fails to respond to insulin properly and is known as non insulin dependant diabetes or adult onset diabetes caused due to excessive body weight

Gestational Diabetes – occurs in pregnant women with no previous history of diabetes.

Prevention and treatment -

• This involves healthy diet , physical exercise , no use of tobacco and being in normal body weight.
• Blood pressure should be kept under control for people with the disease.
• Type 1 diabetes is managed with insulin injections whereas
• Type 2 is treated with medication with or without insulin Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the birth of the baby.