Understanding Diabetes Mellitus

Answer 1

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the metabolic system, causing high blood sugar levels in those afflicted. The disease is commonly referred to simply as diabetes and causes the pancreas to produce decreased levels of insulin or none at all. The three most common types of diabetes are Type I, Type II, and Gestational diabetes. All types of diabetes can be treated using insulin injections or medications.

Type I diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes because it is most commonly found in children and adolescents. It is caused by the loss of cells that produce insulin in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency. Symptoms of Type I diabetes include increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and nausea. Sufferers are commonly placed on an insulin regimen to control their blood sugars, and must test their sugars multiple times a day.

Type II diabetes is the most common form of the disease. It is classified by insulin resistance, wherein the pancreas may still produce insulin but the body is less responsive to it, causing higher blood sugar levels. Sometimes this is combined with decreased insulin production. Symptoms of Type II diabetes are similar to those of Type I, but may be less severe depending on the advancement of the disease. Type II diabetes can frequently be treated using medications that increase responsiveness to insulin, but more severe cases may require insulin treatment.

Gestational diabetes is found in about 2-5% of pregnant women and causes either insulin resistance, decreased production of insulin, or a combination of both. Gestational diabetes can also be treated using medications like those used in cases of Type II diabetes, but may also require insulin treatment. While gestational diabetes is commonly transient and disappears after pregnancy, up to 50% of women develop Type II diabetes later in life. It is important to treat gestational diabetes quickly, as it can have lasting health effects on both the mother and child if left untreated.

It is important to treat all types of diabetes mellitus quickly and effectively, as the disease can have lasting and irreversible health effects. Those who suffer from diabetes are at increased risk of organ deterioration and failure. Sustained high blood sugar can also cause blindness and other eye problems due to increased pressure on the eyes.