Diabetes mellitus is the fifth largest killer disease in the world. Every year, diabetes kills thousands of people while others are incapacitated by complications arising from the disease including amputation of the limbs due to neuropathy. Diabetes is a condition that is mainly caused by inability of insulin hormone to function properly leading to problems in control of blood sugar. There are different types of diabetes including Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. The disease is caused by different factors including genetic and lifestyle factors. It can be managed through different ways including insulin injection, diet, and exercise. Diabetes was a major concern for the developed world but today, diabetes it is a public health concern all over the world with recorded rising cases of diabetes even in developing countries. Due to the threat posed by the disease, there have been several high level and local policy initiatives including promotion of healthy eating habits and regular exercises to mitigate the effects of the condition but little has been achieved. Diabetes is a public health concern and it will need individual efforts to curb the condition.
According to Mayo Clinic diabetes mellitus refers to "a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood glucose, commonly called blood sugar" (Mayoclinic.com). Diabetes is a condition that affects the ability of the body to produce or utilize insulin hormone. Insulin hormone is produced in the liver and it plays an important role in movement of the glucose from the blood to the cells. Glucose is the product of digestion of food and it sir taken to the blood from the liver. "Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose gets into your cells to give them energy" (Medline Plus). When insulin fails, there is inability of the body to control glucose leading to fluctuation of glucose levels in the body. There are three main types of diabetes which vary with age and causes of the condition. Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile onset diabetes affects young people. "With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin" (Medline Plus). Type 2 diabetes is referred to as late onset diabetes and it mainly affects older individuals above the age of 40 years. "With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well" (Medline Plus). The other type of diabetes is gestational diabetes which affects pregnant women. Gestation diabetes ends with delivery but in some cases, it may progress to full blown Type 2 diabetes. Individuals who suffer from Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin and hence this condition is managed through insulin injection. Type 2 diabetic individuals produce insulin but it may not be enough or the body fails to utilize it. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes without insulin injection.
There are many symptoms and signs of diabetes. According to Cook and Plotnick (2008) "the three classical symptoms of diabetes including polyura, polydespia, and polyphagia" (374). Polyuria refers to frequent urination. Polyphagia is frequent hunger, while polydipsia is increased thirst. Other signs and symptoms of diabetes include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, sores that do not heal, infections like skin infections or bladder infections. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms develop rapidly and may appear in weeks or in months especially in small children. However, they develop slowly in Type 2 diabetes and they may be subtle or completely absent. Type 1 diabetes also leads to rapid weight loss and mental fatigue despite individuals maintaining normal or increased diet. Significant difference in signs and symptoms between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is that weight loss may not be experienced in Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is caused by different factors. It can be caused by genetic predisposition and due to environmental factors. According to emedicinehealth (2010) "A predisposition to develop type 1 diabetes may run in families, but genetic causes (a positive family history) is much more common for type 2 diabetes." This means the risk of diabetes may increase for individuals whose families have a history of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes may also be caused by environmental factors like uncontrolled viral infections. Type 2 diabetes also runs in families. "Several genes have been identified and more are under study which may be related to causes of type 2 diabetes" (emedicinehealth).Other risk factors for development of Type 2 diabetes include high blood pressure, high fat levels, gestational diabetes, high fast diet, increased alcohol intake, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, ethnicity, and aging. On ethnicity, diabetes has been found more prevalent in some ethnic groups like African Americans, Japanese Americans, and others. The risks for development of Type 2 diabetes also increase with age. There is increased risk of Type 2 diabetes from the age of 45 and increase considerably after 65 years. Different lifestyle factors contribute to diabetes. In one study, it was identified that those who had higher levels of physical activity, healthy diet, did not smoke and consumed alcohol in moderation had 82% lower risk of developing diabetes (Cooke and Plotnick 382). Other environmental toxins like bisphenol A, which is a constituent of plastic products also increases the incidence of Type 2 diabetes.
Diagnoses of diabetes mainly take place through blood glucose test. Persistent high blood sugar or hyperglycemic condition is the main characteristics of diabetes mellitus (CDC). Diabetes is diagnosed through measuring fasting plasma glucose, plasma glucose, or through glycated hemoglobin. Type 1 diabetes may also be assessed through ketoacidosis. This means that Type 1 diabetes may be diagnosed through testing of ketone bodies in the blood. Diabetes may also be diagnosed during other medical procedures leading to detection of hyperglycemia. Diabetes screening is recommended for all people at different stages of life owing to the high risk in the general population.
Diabetes is mainly managed through diet and medication. Type 1 diabetes can only be managed through injection with insulin since individuals do not produce insulin. "Management of diabetes mainly entails keeping blood levels as close to normal as possible without increasing danger to the patient" (Cooke and Plotnick 382). Type 2 diabetes is managed though proper diet and oral medication. Appropriate diabetic diet is described as a disease rich in natural foods, low in fat, high in fibers, vegetables and fruits, and low in cholesterol. Individuals are advised to engage in physical exercises at least thrice per week. Weight regulation is considered an important factor in management of Type 2 diabetes.
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