Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases faced by people from different parts of the world, and age does not matter much.
According to statistics, there are around 250 million people with one form or another of the disease.The real number of patients exceeds official numbers, as many are unaware of existing violations.
Children in particular suffer from a disease whose manifestations cannot always be detected in a timely manner due to mild symptoms.
Due to negligence, patients do not seek out an endocrinologist who can identify the problem and make a diagnosis.
To avoid an unpleasant situation, it is necessary to study in detail what is meant by diabetes mellitus, what factors predispose to its development, symptoms and treatment methods.
What is diabetes mellitus?
This pathology is characterized by insufficient levels of insulin in the body, a peptide hormone concentrated in the cells of the pancreas.Diabetes mellitus presents itself in the form of a large number of diseases associated with damage to the endocrine system.There is an active production of glucose in the blood, which also increases in the urine, and destabilization of metabolic processes also occurs.
If we consider the deviations that occur in the body, we find:
- The internal organs are fed with glucose, and if it is not supplied in sufficient quantities, starvation will occur.This happens due to the low amount or absence of insulin, which is produced by pancreatic cells.When the movement of accumulated sugar in the blood ceases, subsequent metabolic development does not occur;
- the cells responsible for transporting the hormone and assimilating glucose at some point become immune and do not react in any way to a substance that has managed to remain unchanged;
- sugar is not converted into nutrients, which causes the body to starve, while too much glucose enters the blood, which negatively affects cells;
- the degree of damage to the endocrine system depends on the severity of the disease and timely treatment;
- It is easier to deal with the problem early, but many patients arrive at the clinic much later, which makes the implementation of therapeutic measures worse.
Many doctors talk about diabetes not as a disease, they agree about the cause of the problem and it is an incorrect lifestyle.
You will be able to protect yourself from negative consequences if you adjust your work and rest schedule, follow your doctor's recommendations and monitor your well-being and blood sugar levels.
When no measures are taken, there is a risk of damage to all organs.In advanced cases, the patient is exposed to the risk of falling into a coma due to serious complications.It is important, even if there are small deviations, to make a doctor's appointment on time.
Types of diabetes 1 and 2
There is a classification of the disease that allows us to distinguish between the types, each with specific characteristics.
We are talking about varieties such as:
- first type, called juvenile, detected in patients in adolescence and old age.It is mainly transmitted to children of close relatives.Beta cells undergo changes that negatively affect their structure.Insulin is produced in tiny amounts, insufficient for the victim's normal life.Around 10% face a problem that is largely autoimmune in origin.Sometimes the cause of the pathology is an attack of pancreatitis or pancreatic necrosis, while the person survives, but the pancreas ultimately loses its original properties.The situation does not change over time, it remains until the end of life;
- second type– due to the deterioration of metabolism, the hormone is no longer produced in the necessary volumes, which causes a relative lack of insulin.Beta cells stop working stably;Due to pathological processes, they are unable to perform the functions specified by the body - producing the necessary substance and lowering blood glucose.
Gestational diabetes in women occurs in pregnant women with serum glucose levels that exceed normal levels.You cannot ignore the detected deviations, as inaction leads to a negative impact on the fetus.It is possible to get rid of the disease after childbirth, but disturbances in the absorption of this organic compound can also be found in women who do not initially complain of health problems.
There are other types in which the situation develops negatively due to the use of medications, destabilization of the endocrine system, pancreatic dysfunction and so on.
Symptoms of type 1 and 2 diabetes
The first type has a chronic form, is transient and quickly passes from the initial stage to a more serious one, which occurs against the background of the adverse effects of various factors.
Distinctive features include:
- sudden weight loss;
- nocturnal urinary incontinence, more common in children;
- deterioration of the visual apparatus;
- the skin and mucous membranes dry out;
- lack of moisture in the oral cavity even if water balance is maintained;
- thirst causes drinking water in large quantities, exceeding 10 liters;
- itching and purulent formations on the skin;
- frequency of urination, large amounts of urine;
- uncontrolled contraction of the muscles of the lower extremities;
- vomiting and nausea - the relief that appears after emptying the stomach is temporary;
- irritability;
- loss of strength, inability to work for a long time;
- increased appetite;
- an incessant desire to eat after a short period of time.
One complication is hyperglycemia - an increase in glucose levels, which can be fatal.The worsening of the condition cannot be ruled out, which manifests itself in the minimal amount or absence of hair on the legs.
The appearance of benign yellowish formations is observed on the tendons, on the mucous membranes of internal organs and on the skin.Inflammation can be seen on the surfaces of the genital organs in both men and women.Bones become brittle and are easily susceptible to negative external influences.As for immunity, it practically loses its protective properties.
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus of the second type have some similarities, however, there are manifestations that make it possible to determine which type it is.The following signs are identified:
- wounds take a long time to heal;
- infection of the epidermis;
- feeling of thirst;
- frequent urination, forcing you to go to the bathroom day and night;
- exhaustion, slow reaction, sleep disturbances;
- mucous membranes are dry;
- numbness, tingling in the limbs;
- increased appetite resulting from leptin synthesis pathology;
- dry mouth, you need to drink about 3-5 liters per day;
- itching in the groin area - confusion occurs, prompting you to see a gynecologist or dermatologist instead of an endocrinologist;
- hunger after 1-2 hours of eating;
- swelling in the face and lower legs;
- infantile enuresis, manifested at night;
- high blood pressure;
- headaches and dizziness.
Symptoms occur when glucose levels exceed levels, which can be easily determined by the appearance of sugar in the urine.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Factors provoking the occurrence of diabetes mellitus have been identified.Among them are:
- heredity – the risk of the first type of disease appearing in a child increases if both parents have the same diagnosis;
- Excess weight – 80-90% of patients suffer from excess body weight as adipose tissue cannot utilize insulin as intended.Newborns should weigh 2.5-3.5 kg;if the indicators increase, the endocrinologist needs to carry out an examination;
- viruses - cause abnormalities in the pancreas, therefore, due to rubella, measles, chickenpox, already suffered by a child, they can lead to the death of cells in the digestive system;
- age-related changes;
- regular stressful situations;
- unhealthy lifestyle and improper diet - a body mass index of more than 30 complicates the situation that leads to insulin resistance, the probability of this increases by 2 times.Indicators of 35 or more indicate a 100% probability of diabetes;
- fat deposits around the abdomen;
- disturbance of the pancreas for various reasons, including damage to the organ;
- pathological processes in the endocrine system that occurred due to acromegaly, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome and so on.
The main factors causing deterioration of the condition are listed;they can have a unique impact, thus increasing the threat.Absolutely healthy people are at risk and it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Sugar levels before and after meals
On an empty stomach, there is a low glucose level, which is normally in the range of 3.4-5.5 mmol/l.In diabetics, the indicators exceed the specified value and are calculated as follows:
- first type – up to 9.3 mmol/l;
- second type – 8.5 mmol/l.
After eating, metabolism is activated, resulting in the release of glucose.How much the level of an organic compound will increase depends on the ability to assimilate it.In practice, the exam is not performed on a full stomach.The most accurate information will be that obtained 1-3 hours after the meal.
The normal blood sugar level for diabetes in women, men and children over 12 years of age is:
- after 1 hour – up to 8.6-8.9;
- after 2 hours – up to 7.0-7.2;
- after 3 hours – up to 5.8-5.9.
For type 1 diabetics with the same time period:
- up to 11;
- up to 10-10.3;
- up to 7.5.
If you have type 2 diabetes:
- 9.0;
- 8.7;
- 7.5.
After three or more hours, the glucose level continues to decrease until it returns to normal.
What are the stages of diabetes?
The classification is based on the degree of development of carbohydrate metabolism pathologies, hence the distribution into the following phases:
- compensation– managed to achieve the glucose content according to natural indicators;
- undercompensation– sometimes the volume of the substance increases;
- decompensation– lack of response to insulin, therapy is difficult to implement.
The disease is classified according to the severity of its course;three forms are known.Among them are:
- light– the improvement of the condition occurs due to the choice of the correct diet and regime.The positive effect is evident when following a diet, while the use of a hypoglycemic agent will bring double benefits.The probability of transition from one stage to another is minimized;
- average– You cannot do without medications that lower sugar levels.They are used continuously, but are not able to protect against vascular pathologies;
- heavy– the use of hypoglycemic drugs and insulin, which is sometimes used without combination with other medications, should not be interrupted.There is a threat of developing encephalopathy, neuropathy and vascular angiopathy.
Differences between types 1 and 2 diabetes
In addition to type 2 diabetes mellitus having the ICD-10 code E11, and type 1 diabetes mellitus having E10, it is important to familiarize yourself with the other distinctive features of these varieties in order to have an idea of each of them and be able to determine the type of disease based on its characteristics.
| Features | First type | Second type |
|---|---|---|
| Period | Autumn, winter, spring | Not noted |
| Cases (%) | 10-20% | 80-90% |
| Gender | More often men | More often women |
| Age | Up to 40 years | Children, adults over 40 |
| Weight | Standard or reduced | Extra kilos |
| Development | Transitional | Slow, doesn't show up brightly |
| Vascular abnormalities | Mostly small | Mostly big |
| Cellular sensitivity to insulin | Yes | Low |
| Antibodies to insulin and beta cells | Yes | No |
| Therapy | Insulin | Diet, glucose-lowering medications, insulin (at a later stage) |
Diagnosis of the disease
Before learning how to treat diabetes, a blood glucose test is performed, which is the main way to calculate current and daily glucose levels.
Additional diagnostic measures include polyuria, polygraphy, excess body weight or significant weight loss.The following also applies:
- Ultrasound;
- determination of pathological insulin;
- electrocardiography – study of the heart’s electrical fields;
- Rehberg test - assessment of kidney condition;
- biochemical blood test;
- study of the bottom.
Based on the information received, a clinical picture emerges, after which a therapeutic technique is proposed.
Type 1 medications
The main medicine is insulin, but in addition to it, the doctor prescribes pills that help combat glucose metabolism disorders, which are combined with obesity, which worsens the condition.
We are talking about drugs from the biguanide group, which reduce the acute need for insulin and also alleviate the patient's condition.
lispro insulin
An insulin analogue produced in the human body has rapid action – 15 minutes after injection.Glucose metabolism is controlled and anti-catabolic and anabolic effects appear on tissues.
The medicine turned out to be the best in the list of similar medicines;per day, sugar concentration decreases by 22% and blood glucose data improves.
Insulin glulisine
A substitute for human insulin, which takes effect faster, but the results do not last long.
Used on an empty stomach or after a meal, the substance enters the body via injection.The duration of the course and dose are set taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
Insulin aspart
Latest generation hypoglycemic agent, whose action aims to correct glucose levels.There are small differences in relation to the human hormone, which allows results to appear more quickly.After use, you can start eatingand, as there is no need to take a break.
At night, hypoglycemia occurs much more easily, glucose levels return to normal.Due to the strong effect, it is possible to avoid increasing the dose.
Medicines for the second type
The species is not as rare as the first type, which is why many other medications have been developed to eliminate the problem.
Biguanide
It has a hypoglycemic effect, reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood and does not cause the production of insulin.
Weight loss, cholesterol, lipoprotein and triglyceride levels decrease.In the first stages of therapy, 2-3 tablets are prescribed per day, designed for 2-3 doses, otherwise indigestion will occur.
The maximum quantity is 6 tablets taken in three doses.The dose is increased gradually if there are no complications.Children over 10 years of age and adolescents will need 1 tablet per day, after two weeks the dosage changes.It is not allowed to exceed the course, which involves the daily use of 4 tablets, distributed three times.
Exenatide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist
It is administered using a syringe intended for carrying out procedures at home.
There is a hormone similar to the one produced in the digestive tract, which releases a substance when food enters it.
Insulin begins to be actively produced, as it has a beneficial effect on the pancreas, which is responsible for the formation of this substance.
Liraglutide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist
A formula was invented to prolong the effect.
Course – once a day, 1 hour before a meal.
It is necessary to do the procedure at the same time, this will ensure the activity of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract.
Sitagliptin-based DPP-4 inhibitor
The tablets are used before or after meals, you just need to respect a certain time.
You will need 100 mg for 1 daily dose.
It is possible to use a separate medicine or in combination with other medicines.
Saxagliptin-based DPP-4 inhibitor
Included in the category of DPP-4 inhibitors, suitable for combination therapy and monotherapy.
Type 1 diabetes becomes a complication that requires insulin administration after meals.
Vildagliptin-based DPP-4 inhibitor
It is necessary once a day, the required dose is 50 mg, regardless of the meal time.
The result remains throughout the day, while the negative impact of the drug decreases.
How to monitor your glucose levels
The patient must independently monitor the sugar concentration.To do this, it is advisable to keep a diary where you need to make important notes.You will need to regularly check your glucose level using a glucometer;you should not eat before observations;you should measure it in the morning, before and after meals.Based on the data obtained, nutrition and lifestyle are adjusted to normalize the indicators.However, you will still have to take tests at an outpatient clinic, where more reliable information is provided.
Documents for prescribing medicines
A system has been developed that allows those in need to receive insulin for free.The doctor writes a prescription to the patient, before receiving it the following list of documents must be presented:
- ID card;
- medical insurance;
- individual insurance policy;
- document indicating disability;
- document proving that the patient does not refuse the social package.
Diet for diabetes
An approximate diet for a week has been compiled, which will alleviate the patient's condition.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, what you can eat is shown in the table where the diet for the week is outlined.
| Breakfast | Second breakfast | Lunch | Afternoon snack | To have lunch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Buckwheat, cottage cheese, milk 1% fat | Glass of milk | Cabbage soup, boiled meat, fruit jelly | Two apples | Cabbage schnitzel, boiled fish, tea |
| Day 2 | Barley porridge, boiled egg, cabbage salad | Glass of milk | Mashed potatoes, pickles, boiled beef liver, dried fruit compote | Fruit jelly | A piece of boiled chicken, boiled cabbage, tea.Kefir before bed |
| Day 3 | Cottage cheese with milk, oatmeal, coffee | Kissel | Meatless borscht, boiled chicken, buckwheat porridge | Two pears | Vinaigrette, egg, tea.Yogurt before bed |
| 4 days | Buckwheat, cottage cheese, coffee | Kefir | Cabbage soup, boiled lean meat, compote | 1-2 pears | Schnitzel, boiled fish, tea |
| 5 days | Potato-free vinaigrette with 1 tsp.vegetable oil, egg, coffee, slice of rye bread with butter | Two apples | Sauerkraut with stewed meat, pea soup | Fresh fruit | Boiled chicken, vegetable pudding, tea.Yogurt before bed |
| Day 6 | Stewed meat, corn porridge, coffee | Wheat bran decoction | Boiled meat, fish soup, lean mashed potatoes | Kefir | Oatmeal, cottage cheese, milk, apple |
| Day 7 | Buckwheat, boiled egg | Two apples | Beef cutlet, pearl barley, vegetable soup | Milk | Boiled fish, steamed potatoes, vegetable salad, tea.Kefir before bed. |
Natural medicine
Treatment with folk remedies for diabetes is considered a way to eliminate the disease, which is why some of the most effective recipes are considered.
Namely:
- Fill the bowl with 1 liter of boiled water, add 100 g of cinnamon powder, stir, add 200 g of honey.Let it ferment for 3 hours in a cool place.Course – 3 times a day;
- linden blossom 1 tbsp.I.pour 1 glass of boiling water, broth can replace black tea;
- put 300 g of peeled garlic and the same amount of parsley roots, 100 g of lemon zest through a meat grinder.Place the ground ingredients in a jar, cover with a lid and set aside in a dark, dry place for 2 weeks.Drink 1 tsp.2 times a day;
- grind dry walnut leaves, select 1 tbsp.l., pour ½ l of filtered water.Cook for 15 minutes, remove from heat and set aside in a dry place for 1 hour.Strain, take ½ cup 3 times a day.
Before use, you must consult a doctor to avoid complications.
Sports and physical education
A lot of glucose is burned with physical activity, metabolism and the functioning of the cardiovascular system are also stabilized, so it is important to perform at least simple exercises daily.
Overvoltage must not be allowed as there will be negative consequences.The increase in appetite forces us to consume large quantities of food, making the efforts previously made lose meaning.
When fatigue occurs, stress occurs, adrenal hormones are released, after which glucose levels rise.
The best options for achieving excellent results are morning exercises, exercises with dumbbells, walking, running, cycling, swimming.
Prognosis for type 1 and 2 diabetes
If you allow the disease to enter the decompensation phase, it will not be possible to eliminate the problem, as the body's resources will be significantly reduced.
In the initial phase, it is always easier to combat the disease than in advanced cases.By choosing the most effective therapy, the patient's condition is alleviated, thus prolonging life.It is possible to improve the situation through a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.