Exploring Diabetes Mellitus: What are its Types, Causes, and Treatment Options?

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes, technically called Diabetes Mellitus, is a chronic metabolic disorder (last throughout the life) that results in increased blood glucose levels caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin insufficiency, or both. A blood glucose level < 140 mg/dl is normal. A reading of > 200 mg/dl after 2 hours of your meal indicates that you likely have diabetes. A reading of 140-199 mg/dl is considered a prediabetic stage.

What are the major types of diabetes Mellitus?

There are four significant types of Diabetes mellitus, which are as follows:

1. Type 1 diabetes

This type is an autoimmune condition where the body cells attack itself, which stops your body from producing insulin.

2. Type 2 diabetes

This is the most common type, with 90-95% prevalence. It is due to insulin resistance that develops over time, resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels. 

3. Gestational Diabetes

This develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. It usually subsides on its own after pregnancy. 

4. Maturity onset diabetes of the Young (MODY)

This is also called monogenic diabetes, and it is caused by an inherited genetic condition that affects insulin secretion and its action in the body.

What causes diabetes?

The causes of diabetes vary for each type.

1. Type 1 diabetes may occur at any age, and the symptoms often develop quickly.
2. Type 2 diabetes develops over many years, mainly in adults, due to unhealthy lifestyle changes. You may not notice any symptoms until you get yourself tested with a blood sugar test.
3. Gestational diabetes goes away after pregnancy, and there is an increased risk of you and your baby developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
4. MODY is due to inherited genetic mutation and is commonly inherited within families.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Here are the most common symptoms of diabetes generally seen among patients.1. Increased thirst (polydypsia)2. Frequent urination (polyurea)3. Delayed healing of wounds due to increase blood sugar levels4. Fatigue and general weakness5. Blurred vision due to accumulation of glucose 6. Unexplained weight loss (5 to 10 kg loss within in 1-2 months)

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Physicians diagnose diabetes by checking your blood sugar level in a blood test.There are three blood tests to detect your blood sugar level:

1. Fasting blood glucose test
   1. Standard Range: <100 mg/dl
   2. Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dl
   3. Diabetes: =>126 mg/dl
2. Random blood glucose test: 200 or higher is considered a diabetic
3. HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin test provides your average blood glucose level for the past 2-3 months. It is advisable for all adults and diabetic patients to get routine checks with this test.
4. Standard Range: <5.7% mg/dl
5. Prediabets: 5.7-6.4% mg/dl
6. Diabetes: 6.5% mg/dl or higher

How is diabetes managed?

Managing diabetes involves a few main things:

1. Checking Sugar Levels: Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. You can do this with a unique device that pricks your finger or a small gadget that continuously checks your sugar levels.
2. Taking Pills or Insulin: Some people with diabetes take antidiabetic medicines or pills to control their blood sugar. Metformin is the most common oral diabetic medication. Others may need to inject insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. People with type 1 and some people with type 2 diabetes may require insulin. The four main ways to take insulin are injectable insulins with a syringe (such as Ryzodeg 100IU Injection), insulin pens, insulin pumps, and rapid-acting inhaled insulins. Consult with your doctor to determine the best diabetic medicine for you.
3. Eating Well: Pay attention to what you eat. Having a healthy diet is crucial for managing diabetes. This means choosing foods that won't cause your blood sugar to spike too high.
4. Staying Active: Exercise is essential for everyone, especially those with diabetes. It helps your body use insulin better and checks your blood sugar levels.
5. Keeping Healthy: Because diabetes can raise your risk of heart problems, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. This can reduce the chances of complications.