Many people are faced with a diagnosis of decompensated diabetes. What it is? How dangerous is this form of the disease? Are there effective treatments? Is it possible to prevent the onset of decompensation? Answers to these questions are important to many.
Compensated and decompensated diabetes: what is the difference?
To begin with, it’s worth understanding the basic information. Today, many people are faced with a problem such as decompensated diabetes. What it is?
If we are talking about a compensated form of the disease, then this implies that the glucose level in the patient’s blood is quite normal. This indicator can be maintained with the help of medications (including insulin), a proper diet, a regimen of rest and sleep.
But for one reason or another, the disease can be complicated. Most often, decompensated type 2 diabetes is registered, although a similar course is possible with an insulin-dependent form of the disease (type 1).
What indicators are important for determining the degree of compensation?
In the process of diagnosing this disease, several factors are taken into account.
- Blood sugar is the most important indicator. Blood is taken on an empty stomach for examination. Normally, the result should range from 3.3 to 3.5 mmol / L.
- A blood test for glucose tolerance is also carried out. Two hours before the blood test, the patient takes a glucose solution. Normally, this indicator should not exceed 7.7 mmol / L.
- It is important to determine the amount of glycated hemoglobin. During the analysis, you can determine the ratio of hemoglobin molecules that have already joined with glucose to the total amount of hemoglobin. In healthy people, this indicator ranges from 3-6%.
- A urine test for sugar is performed. Normally, glucose is not excreted in the urine. The permissible limit for diabetics is 8.9 mmol / L.
- It is important to determine the amount of low density cholesterol. In healthy people, this figure does not exceed 4 mmol / L.
- In the process of diagnosis, blood pressure is also measured, because diabetes primarily affects the state of the vessels. As the decompensation processes worsen, blood pressure rises. It is worth recalling that, normally, this indicator should not exceed 140/90 mm Hg. Art.
- Determine the level of triglycerides in the blood, you can calculate the likelihood of developing vascular complications in the patient.
- An important part of the diagnosis is the determination of the mass index, which normally should not exceed 24-25. Patients with diabetes mellitus (especially when it comes to a disease of the second type) often suffer from some degree of obesity.
The main causes of decompensation
You already know what factors pay attention when diagnosing decompensated diabetes mellitus and what it is. But what can trigger the onset of decompensation?
According to reviews, the reasons are individual in each case. Doctors identify the following risk factors:
- improper diet, overeating, eating foods prohibited for diabetes;
- incorrectly drawn up treatment plan, unauthorized use of dietary supplements by the patient instead of prescribed medications;
- selection of the wrong dose of insulin;
- refusal of insulin treatment;
- infectious diseases that are accompanied by dehydration;
- constant stress, emotional overstrain.
Uncompensated diabetes: symptoms
Unfortunately, many people face a similar diagnosis. What does decompensated diabetes mean? What symptoms are accompanied by this pathological process? The clinical picture has a number of features:
- sharp weight loss is observed;
- patients complain of rapid fatigue, constant weakness and drowsiness;
- urination to urinate becomes more frequent;
- a characteristic sign of diabetes is dry mouth and intense thirst;
- violation of the functions of visual analyzers is sometimes possible.
If such symptoms occur, do not hesitate - you need to see an endocrinologist. Extremely important in this situation is the constant monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Possible complications of acute decompensation
How dangerous is decompensated diabetes? Complications are possible, and their list is quite large. The acute form of decompensation is dangerous, as it develops at lightning speed - complications develop within a few hours, and sometimes even minutes.
- Hypoglycemia . This condition is accompanied by a sharp decrease in blood sugar. Patients feel very weak. There is a feeling of severe hunger.
- Hyperglycemia. A sharp increase in glucose, which is very dangerous, as it can lead to the development of a coma.
- Ketoacidosis . This condition is accompanied by a sharp increase in sugar concentration. Metabolic disorders leads to the formation of ketone bodies, which are toxic to the body.
- Glycosuria . Glucose begins to be excreted along with urine.
- Diabetic coma . During diabetes, insulin levels decrease along with rising sugar levels. Nevertheless, tissues, in particular, structures of the nervous system, are not able to utilize glucose. The result is a coma.
The consequences of chronic decompensated diabetes
Chronic decompensated diabetes is extremely dangerous. A constant increase in blood glucose negatively affects the state of blood vessels, nerve endings and organs of vision. There are a number of dangerous complications that the chronic decompensation process can lead to.
- Nephropathy is a pathological damage to the kidneys, which is associated with increased pressure inside the organs and constant hyperglycemia. According to reviews, in most cases this disease leads to disability.
- Microangiopathy - accompanied by damage to small blood vessels.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a severe form of microangiopathy. The disease is associated with damage to the small vessels of the retina, which often leads to complete loss of vision.
- Disorders of the heart and blood vessels , including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and coronary heart disease.
What to do? Is there an effective treatment?
The decompensated form of diabetes is extremely dangerous. Insulin levels and blood glucose levels are almost impossible to control with medication. Therefore, therapy in this case is reduced to the elimination of symptoms and complications. The patient needs constant monitoring. It is important to monitor the work of the heart, the level of sugar in the body, the functioning of the kidneys, etc.
Preventive actions
You already know why decompensated diabetes develops, what it is and what complications it can lead to. Of course, such a condition is dangerous and far from always amenable to medical correction. That is why it is much easier to prevent the development of the decompensation stage. You just have to follow a few simple rules.
- Diabetic patients are advised to refuse spicy, floury and salty foods, as well as foods containing glucose.
- Do not introduce fried foods into the diet. Doctors advise to cook food for a couple or in the oven - so it is much more useful.
- It is worth paying attention to the diet - it is better to eat often, but in small portions.
- You need to monitor the balance of consumed and consumed calories.
- An important part of the life of a patient with diabetes is physical activity. Of course, we are talking about feasible activities, whether it's morning running, swimming or just a walk in the park.
- Experts recommend observing the correct mode of work and rest, as overwork affects the hormonal background and blood sugar level.
- You should think about yoga and meditation, as it helps to cope with stress easier.
Of course, diabetics should independently monitor their blood sugar. If any changes and well-being appear, you should consult your doctor. The sooner the decompensation stage is noticed, the more chances there are to prevent the development of various complications.