Diabetes Mellitus Overview

Diabetes Mellitus

• A metabolic disease where the body's inability to produce enough insulin causes elevated glucose levels.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1: Usually diagnosed in children and young adults. The body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. Not preventable. Approximately 5% of all cases.
• Type 2: Most common form (about 90% of cases). Body produces insulin but does not use it properly. Glucose doesn't move into cells, causing a build-up in the bloodstream. Often preventable.
• Gestational diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy. Increased risk for type 2 diabetes later. 18 out of every 100 pregnant women get GDM.
• Prediabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. A higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Increased appetite and unusual weight loss or gain
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Frequent yeast or vaginal infections
• Slow-healing sores or cuts
• Skin itching, especially in groin or vaginal area
• Sudden weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Always hungry
• Wounds that won't heal
• Blirry vision
• Sexual problems
• Always thirsty
• Vaginal infections
• Numb or tingling hands or feet

Signs and Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

• Polyuria (frequent urination)
• Polydipsia (extreme thirst)
• Polyphagia (extreme hunger)
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Increased frequency of infections
• Rapid onset
• Insulin-dependent
• Early onset (often before age 20)

Type 2 Diabetes

• Most common type
• Body produces insulin but doesn't use it properly
• Glucose accumulates in the bloodstream
• Often preventable

Components of Type 2 Diabetes

• Insulin resistance
• Beta-cell dysfunction

Risk Factors

• Genetics
• Family history
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Irregular menses
• Race (African Americans, Hispanics, Asians > whites)
• Age (after age 45, but increasingly younger)
• Environmental factors
  • Inactivity
  • Weight gain

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

• Diabetes during pregnancy
• Family history of diabetes or being overweight before pregnancy
• Giving birth to a baby >9lbs
• 18 out of every 100 pregnant women get GDM
• High blood glucose in mother
• Baby gaining extra weight due to increased glucose in the mother

Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Blindness
• Nerve damage
• Amputation
• Wound that does not heal
• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Loss of circulation in arms and legs

Monitoring Diabetes

• Blood samples taken from a finger prick
• Strips are put into blood glucose meter
• Recording blood glucose levels allows for changes in treatment and lifestyle changes

Prevention of Diabetes

• Type 1: Currently not preventable. Research continues on preventing further beta cell destruction.
• Type 2: Primary prevention involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise). Secondary prevention involves checking HbA1c (average blood sugar over three months). Tertiary prevention involves ongoing exercise and proper diet.
• Gestational diabetes: Active lifestyle before and after pregnancy can reduce risk by about 70%. Higher fiber diets reduce the risk by 26%.

U.S. Prevalence of Diabetes

• 29.1 million people
• 1 out of every 11 people
• Undiagnosed cases still exist

Global Prevalence of Diabetes

• 387 million people worldwide
• Continued expected increase

Prediabetes

• 86 million people
• 9 out of 10 do not know they have it
• 15-30% may develop type 2 within 5 years

Diabetes Prevention Program (Type 2)

• Lifestyle intervention group vs. medicated group (with Metformin) vs placebo.
• Lifestyle intervention reduced diabetes by 58%.
• Metformin reduced diabetes by 31%.
• Effective for both sexes (25-44 years old) and BMI of 30+.

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

• Monotherapy: Usually begin with a healthy lifestyle change.
• Combination Therapy: Often added medication is needed to manage glucose
• Initial treatment depends on individual factors like age, obesity, genetics etc.
• Different drugs (oral/insulin) can be used in treatment

Websites

• Include links

Questions?

Explore the various types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. This quiz will test your knowledge on symptoms, risk factors, and the underlying metabolic issues associated with this condition. Gain a deeper understanding of diabetes management and prevention.