Diabetes Mellitus
What is it?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that occurs when the body cannot use glucose for energy, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.
Symptoms
Many people do not have symptoms. Those who do often experience:
Frequent Urination
The kidneys react to excess sugar by flushing it out of the blood, creating more urine.
Blurred Vision
The rapid changes in blood sugar levels can damage the capillaries in the eyes, putting a strain on the eye’s muscles. The eye muscles end up having to work harder to focus the lens of the eye, causing blurred vision.
Fatigue
The body uses glucose as a source of energy. When the body has excess sugar, it can't convert enough of it, leaving you tired.
Slowed Healing of Cuts and Wounds
Unusual amounts of glucose can damage the blood vessels and nerves, interfering with blood circulation.
Increased Hunger and Thirst
Since the body flushes glucose out through urination, this leaves the body hungry and dehydrated.
Unexplained Weight Loss
When the body cannot convert glucose to energy, it begins using fat and muscle as energy, resulting in weight loss.
Type 1 Diabetes
Description
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is commonly diagnosed in childhood, but can be developed at any age.
Causes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the pancreas not producing any insulin.
Risk Factors
People at risk for developing type 1 diabetes include those with a family history of diabetes, injury to the pancreas, physical stress, and/or the presence of autoantibodies.
Type 2
Diabetes
Description
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes sugar.
Causes
In type 2 diabetics, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't respond properly to the insulin it produces.
Risk Factors
People at risk for type 2 diabetes include those who have high blood pressure, unhealthy eating habits, and/or people over the age of 45.
Gestational Diabetes
Description
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects pregnant women.
Causes
Gestational diabetes is caused by a buildup of sugar in the blood due to hormones produced by the placenta.
Risk Factors
Women at risk for gestational diabetes include those who are overweight, over the age of 25, and/or have had a miscarriage.