Understanding Diabetes Mellitus

A comprehensive guide to managing and preventing diabetes through education, lifestyle changes, and medical care

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Global Diabetes Statistics

Understanding the scope of the diabetes epidemic worldwide

463M
People living with diabetes
Worldwide (2019)
90%
Type 2 Diabetes cases
Of all diabetes diagnoses
70%
Preventable cases
Through lifestyle changes
6.7M
Deaths annually
Related to diabetes

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. When the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.

Key Fact:

Over time, high blood glucose levels can lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Normal vs Diabetic Pancreas
Insulin Production Comparison

Types of Diabetes

Understanding the different classifications of diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

  • Typically diagnosed in children and young adults
  • Requires insulin therapy for survival
  • Accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes cases
  • Symptoms appear suddenly and are severe

Type 2 Diabetes

A metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive insulin deficiency.

  • Most common form (90-95% of cases)
  • Often associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyle
  • Symptoms may be mild or absent
  • Can often be managed with lifestyle changes

Gestational Diabetes

Develops during pregnancy when blood glucose levels rise above normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Usually resolves after childbirth but increases future diabetes risk.

Other Specific Types

Include diabetes caused by genetic defects, medications, infections, pancreatic diseases, and other endocrine disorders. These account for 1-5% of all diabetes cases.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the warning signs and diagnostic methods

Common Symptoms

Polyuria

Frequent urination

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst

Polyphagia

Increased hunger

Weight Loss

Unintended weight loss

Fatigue

Persistent tiredness

Diagnostic Tests

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)

Normal: < 100 mg/dL

Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL

Diabetes: ≥ 126 mg/dL

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Normal: < 140 mg/dL (2-hour)

Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL

Diabetes: ≥ 200 mg/dL

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)

Normal: < 5.7%

Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%

Diabetes: ≥ 6.5%

Important:

Diagnosis should be confirmed by repeating the test on a different day unless there are clear symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Complications

Understanding the potential long-term effects of uncontrolled diabetes

Diabetes Complications Overview

Eye Damage

Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Kidney Damage

Diabetic nephropathy can progress to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Nerve Damage

Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities.

Heart Disease

Increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and hypertension.

Other Complications

Diabetic Foot

Nerve damage and poor circulation can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and amputations.

Infections

Increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections due to impaired immune function.

Skin Conditions

Various skin problems including bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching.

Dental Disease

Gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss due to poor blood sugar control.

Diabetes Management

A comprehensive approach to controlling diabetes and preventing complications

Modern Diabetes Management Plan

Medical Management

Insulin Therapy

Required for all Type 1 diabetes patients and many Type 2 patients. Available in various types and delivery methods.

  • • Rapid-acting insulin
  • • Short-acting insulin
  • • Intermediate-acting insulin
  • • Long-acting insulin

Oral Medications

Used primarily for Type 2 diabetes to improve insulin sensitivity or secretion.

  • • Metformin (first-line therapy)
  • • Sulfonylureas
  • • DPP-4 inhibitors
  • • SGLT2 inhibitors
  • • GLP-1 receptor agonists

Regular Monitoring

Blood Glucose
Daily testing
HbA1c
Every 3-6 months

Lifestyle Management

Healthy Diet

Healthy Eating

  • Balanced diet with complex carbohydrates
  • Regular meal times and portion control
  • Limit added sugars and refined foods
  • Increase fiber intake from fruits and vegetables
Exercise

Regular Exercise

Aerobic
150 min/week
Strength
2x/week

Weight Management

5-7%
Weight loss can prevent Type 2 diabetes
For overweight individuals at risk

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Target Blood Sugar Levels

Fasting (before meals) 80-130 mg/dL
2 hours after meals < 180 mg/dL
Bedtime 100-140 mg/dL

Monitoring Tips:

Check blood sugar regularly, keep a log, and share results with your healthcare provider to adjust treatment plans.

Diabetes Prevention

Proactive steps to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Guide

Healthy Diet

  • Choose whole grains and high-fiber foods
  • Increase fruit and vegetable intake
  • Select lean protein sources
  • Limit sugary drinks and snacks
  • Control portion sizes

Regular Exercise

  • 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly
  • Include strength training twice weekly
  • Take walking breaks during the day
  • Choose activities you enjoy
  • Stay consistent with your routine

Weight Management

  • Maintain a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9)
  • Lose weight if overweight or obese
  • Focus on sustainable weight loss
  • Monitor waist circumference
  • Avoid crash diets

Know Your Risk Factors

Modifiable Risk Factors

Overweight or obesity
Physical inactivity
Unhealthy diet
Excessive alcohol consumption

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

Age (45 years or older)
Family history of diabetes
History of gestational diabetes
Certain ethnic backgrounds

Living with Diabetes

Tips for maintaining a high quality of life with diabetes

Emotional Well-being

  • • Seek support from family and friends
  • • Join diabetes support groups
  • • Practice stress management techniques
  • • Maintain a positive attitude
  • • Consider counseling if needed

Travel Tips

  • • Carry extra medication and supplies
  • • Wear a medical ID bracelet
  • • Plan meals and snacks in advance
  • • Stay hydrated and monitor blood sugar
  • • Know local healthcare resources

Sick Day Management

  • • Monitor blood sugar more frequently
  • • Stay hydrated with sugar-free fluids
  • • Continue taking medications as prescribed
  • • Eat small, frequent meals if possible
  • • Know when to seek emergency care

Take Control of Your Health Today

Early detection and proper management are key to preventing diabetes complications and living a healthy life.

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