Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the body due to high blood sugar. Glucose is vital for health, it nourishes cells with energy and makes the brain work. Sugar enters the cells from the blood due to insulin, a hormone for which the pancreas is responsible. When it is not enough, there is an excessive accumulation of glucose, which leads to serious consequences.
Diabetes can occur in several types or stages:
- Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar is higher than it should be, but not yet high enough to classify the disease.
- Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, when the placenta produces certain hormones that make the cells more resistant to insulin. As a rule, in this case, the pancreas increases its production in order to overcome this resistance. But sometimes it is still not enough, then too much glucose remains in the blood.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus, known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic disease in which the pancreas produces insulin in very small amounts or does not produce it at all. This is due to the fact that the immune system attacks and blocks insulin-producing cells. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adult or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) is a chronic disease in which the body either resists or does not produce enough insulin.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetes depend on how high blood sugar is. People with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes at the initial stage may not experience any ailments at all. Common signs of the disease include:
- increased thirst;
- a strong feeling of hunger;
- unexplained weight loss;
- the presence of ketones in the urine;
- fatigue;
- high blood pressure;
- blurred vision;
- frequent infections.
Diagnostics
To detect diabetes mellitus, a blood test for glycated hemoglobin is performed , showing what level (on average) of glucose in the blood has occurred over the past few months. However, an accurate diagnosis cannot be made based solely on the result of this test. After all, increased sugar may be the result of other reasons. For more specificity, a urine test, a blood test after a night's fasting, and other examinations may be required.
Treatment
Treatment may include insulin injections and various medications. But the most important therapy is to maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise.
What can I eat with diabetes? Contrary to popular belief, there is no special diet. You just need to eat healthy foods that are high in fiber and low in fat and calories (such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains), and also reduce the consumption of animal products, refined carbohydrates, and sweets. In addition, people with diabetes should do aerobic exercise every day to increase their sensitivity to insulin.