Diabetes Mellitus Overview

Definition and Types

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose levels.
• This occurs either due to insufficient insulin production by the body or due to the body's cells not responding adequately to insulin (insulin resistance).
• Several types of DM exist, including type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and other specific types.

Type 1 Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
• This results in a lack of insulin production, requiring daily insulin injections to manage blood glucose levels.
• Typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, although it can develop at any age.
• Often associated with other autoimmune diseases.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, marked by insulin resistance coupled with insufficient insulin secretion from the pancreas.
• Over time, body cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher blood glucose.
• Risk factors include obesity, family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, and certain ethnicities.
• While typically diagnosed in adulthood, cases in younger individuals are increasing.

Gestational Diabetes

• Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy.
• It is characterized by glucose intolerance that develops or is first detected during pregnancy.
• Usually resolves after pregnancy, but women with gestational diabetes face a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Other Specific Types of Diabetes

• Other, less prevalent types include monogenic diabetes, diabetes induced by specific drugs or chemical exposure, and diabetes associated with specific syndromes or conditions.

Pathophysiology

• Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates the uptake of glucose by cells.
• Impairment of insulin function in DM elevates blood glucose levels.
• Persistent high blood glucose damages various organs and tissues, leading to complications.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and recurrent infections.
• Early-stage symptoms may be subtle or absent.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis involves measuring blood glucose levels using fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and random plasma glucose (RPG) tests.
• A diagnosis is typically confirmed by combining test results.

Management

• DM management centers on maintaining optimal blood glucose levels while addressing associated risk factors.
• Lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and weight management are crucial.
• Medications like insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, and others may be necessary to control blood glucose.
• Regular monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is vital.

Complications

• Long-term DM complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, nephropathy (kidney disease), neuropathy (nerve damage), retinopathy (eye disease), and foot ulcers.
• These complications can significantly decrease quality of life and result in disability or death.

Prevention

• Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, adopting a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking are key to preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes.
• Early diagnosis and management are critical for preventing long-term complications.

This quiz explores the definition and types of diabetes mellitus, including type 1 and type 2. It highlights the causes, symptoms, and management strategies related to these chronic metabolic disorders. Test your knowledge on diabetes and its impact on health.