Diabetes: Definition, Symptoms, and Management

Study Notes

Definition and Classification

Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.
There are several types of diabetes:
1. Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune disease, body does not produce insulin.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: Most common type, body does not produce enough insulin or is resistant to insulin.
3. Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy, usually in the third trimester.
4. LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults): A form of type 1 diabetes that develops in adults.
5. MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young): A rare form of diabetes caused by genetic mutations.

Symptoms

Common symptoms:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Frequent infections
Symptoms may be absent or mild in people with type 2 diabetes.

Causes and Risk Factors

Type 1 Diabetes: Genetics, autoimmune response, environmental factors.
Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity, physical inactivity, genetics, age, ethnicity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.
Gestational Diabetes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, obesity, family history.

Diagnosis

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar levels after consuming a sugary drink.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Treatment and Management

Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin therapy, diet, exercise.
Type 2 Diabetes: Diet, exercise, oral medications, insulin therapy (if necessary).
Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss, stress management.
Medications: Oral medications, injectable medications, insulin therapy.
Monitoring: Regular blood sugar checks, HbA1c tests, monitoring for complications.

Complications

Microvascular Complications: Retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy.
Macrovascular Complications: Heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease.
Other Complications: Foot ulcers, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment.

Description

Test your knowledge of diabetes, including its definition, types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and complications. Learn about the different forms of diabetes and how to manage the condition.