Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases that people from different parts of the world face, and age does not matter.
According to statistics, there are about 250 million people with one form of the disease or another.The actual number of patients exceeds the official figures because many are unaware of existing violations.
Most children suffer from a disease whose manifestations cannot always be recognized in time due to mild symptoms.
Due to negligence, patients do not turn to an endocrinologist who can identify the problem and make a diagnosis.
To avoid an unpleasant situation, you need to study in detail what is meant by diabetes mellitus, what are the predisposing development factors, symptoms and treatment methods.
What is diabetes mellitus?
This pathology is characterized by insufficient levels of insulin in the body, which is a peptide hormone concentrated in the cells of the pancreas.Diabetes mellitus presents itself in the form of a variety of diseases that are associated with damage to the endocrine system.There is an active production of glucose in the blood, which also increases in the urine, and there is also a destabilization of metabolic processes.
If you look at the deviations that occur in the body, you can see:
- The internal organs are supplied with glucose, and if this is not supplied in sufficient quantities, starvation occurs.This happens due to a small amount or absence of insulin produced by the cells of the pancreas.When the movement of sugar accumulated in the blood stops, further metabolic development does not occur;
- the cells responsible for transporting the hormone and absorbing glucose eventually become immune and do not react in any way to a substance that has managed not to undergo any changes;
- Sugar is not converted into nutrients, causing the body to starve, while a lot of glucose enters the blood, which has a negative effect on cells;
- the degree of damage to the endocrine system depends on the severity of the disease and timely treatment;
- It is easier to solve the problem at an early stage, but many patients come to the clinic much later, which negatively affects the implementation of therapeutic measures.
Many doctors do not consider diabetes as a disease, they agree on the cause of the problem, and it lies in an incorrect lifestyle.
You can protect yourself from negative consequences if you adjust your work and rest times, follow your doctor's recommendations, and monitor your well-being and blood sugar levels.
If no measures are taken, there is a risk of damage to all organs.In advanced cases, the patient is at risk of falling into a coma due to serious complications.Even if there are minor deviations, it is important to make an appointment with the doctor in good time.
Diabetes types 1 and 2
There is a classification of the disease that makes it possible to distinguish between types, each of which has specific characteristics.
We are talking about varieties like:
- first type, called juvenile, is found in patients of adolescence and older age.Transmission occurs mainly to children of close relatives.Beta cells undergo changes that negatively affect their structure.Insulin is produced in tiny quantities, insufficient for the victim's normal life.About 10% struggle with a problem that is largely autoimmune in origin.Sometimes the cause of the pathology is an attack of pancreatitis or pancreatic necrosis, although the person survives, but the pancreas eventually loses its original properties.The situation does not change over time, it remains until the end of life;
- second type– Due to a deterioration in metabolism, the hormone is no longer produced in the required amount, resulting in a relative insulin deficiency.Beta cells no longer function stably;Due to pathological processes, they are unable to perform the functions specified by the body - to produce the necessary substance and reduce the level of glucose in the blood.
Gestational diabetes in women occurs in pregnant women whose serum glucose levels are above normal.One cannot ignore the detected deviations, since inaction leads to negative effects on the fetus.It is possible to get rid of the disease after childbirth, but disorders in the absorption of this organic compound may occur even in women who do not initially complain of poor health.
There are other types in which the situation develops negatively due to the use of medications, destabilization of the endocrine system, pancreatic dysfunction, and the like.
Symptoms of type 1 and 2 diabetes
The first type has a chronic form, is temporary and quickly passes from the initial stage to a more severe one, which occurs against the background of the adverse effects of various factors.
Special features include:
- sudden weight loss;
- nocturnal urinary incontinence, which is more common in children;
- deterioration of the visual system;
- the skin and mucous membranes dry out;
- Lack of moisture in the oral cavity, even if water balance is maintained;
- Thirst provokes drinking water in large quantities, more than 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 – relief after emptying the stomach is temporary;
- Irritability;
- Loss of strength, inability to do work for a long time;
- increased appetite;
- an incessant desire for food after a short time.
One complication is hyperglycemia – an increase in glucose levels that can be fatal.A worsening of the condition, which manifests itself in little or no hair on the legs, cannot be ruled out.
The appearance of benign yellowish formations in the tendons, on the mucous membranes of internal organs and skin is observed.Inflammation on the surface of the genital organs can be observed in both men and women.Bones become brittle and are easily susceptible to negative external influences.As far as immunity is concerned, it practically loses its protective properties.
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus of the second type have some similarities, but there are manifestations that make it possible to determine which type it is.The following signs are recognized:
- Wounds take a long time to heal;
- infection of the epidermis;
- feeling of thirst;
- frequent urination, forcing you to go to the toilet day and night;
- fatigue, slow reaction, difficulty sleeping;
- mucous membranes are dry;
- Numbness, tingling in the limbs;
- increased appetite due to pathology of leptin synthesis;
- dry mouth, you need to drink about 3-5 liters per day;
- Itching in the groin area – confusion occurs, prompting you to visit a gynecologist or dermatologist instead of an endocrinologist;
- Hunger after eating for 1-2 hours;
- swelling in the face and lower legs;
- Childhood enuresis, which manifests itself at night;
- high blood pressure;
- Headache and dizziness.
Symptoms occur when glucose levels exceed the value, which can be easily determined by the appearance of sugar in the urine.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Factors that trigger the occurrence of diabetes mellitus have been identified.Among them are:
- Heredity – the risk of a child developing the first type of disease increases if the parents have the same diagnosis;
- Overweight – 80-90% of patients suffer from obesity because fatty tissue cannot utilize insulin as intended.Newborns should weigh 2.5-3.5 kg;if the indicators increase, the endocrinologist must conduct an examination;
- Viruses - cause abnormalities in the pancreas and therefore can lead to the death of cells in the digestive system due to rubella, measles and chickenpox, from which a child has previously suffered;
- age-related changes;
- regular stressful situations;
- an unhealthy lifestyle and poor nutrition - a body mass index of more than 30 complicates the situation and leads to insulin resistance, the likelihood of this increases twice.Indicators of 35 or more indicate a 100 percent chance of diabetes;
- fat deposits around the stomach;
- Disturbance of the pancreas for various reasons, including injury to the organ;
- pathological processes in the endocrine system that occurred due to acromegaly, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, etc.
The main factors leading to a worsening of the condition are listed.They can have a one-time effect and thereby increase the threat.Absolutely healthy people are at risk and are recommended to see a doctor.
Sugar levels after and before meals
On an empty stomach, glucose levels are low, usually 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, releasing glucose.How much the content of an organic compound increases depends on the ability to assimilate it.In practice, the examination is not carried out on a full stomach.You will receive the most accurate information 1-3 hours after the meal.
The normal blood sugar level in diabetes for women, men and children over 12 years old 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 period:
- to 11;
- up to 10-10.3;
- to 7.5.
If you have type 2 diabetes:
- 9.0;
- 8.7;
- 7.5.
After three or more hours, glucose levels continue to decline until they return to normal.
What are the phases of diabetes?
The classification is based on the degree of development of pathologies of carbohydrate metabolism and therefore occurs 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 carry out.
The disease is classified according to the severity of its course;Three forms are known.Among them are:
- Light– The condition can be improved by choosing the right diet and treatment.The positive effect is obvious when following a diet, while the use of a hypoglycemic agent brings a double benefit.The probability of transition from one stage to another is minimized;
- Average– You cannot do without medications that lower your sugar levels.They are used continuously, but cannot protect against vascular diseases;
- difficult– The use of blood sugar-lowering agents and insulin, which is sometimes used without combination with other medications, should not be interrupted.There is a risk of developing encephalopathy, neuropathy and vascular angiopathy.
Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
In addition to the fact that type 2 diabetes mellitus has the ICD-10 code E11, and type 1 diabetes mellitus has E10, it is important to familiarize yourself with the other distinctive features of these varieties in order to get an idea of each individual variety 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 |
| Old | Up to 40 years old | Children, adults over 40 |
| Weight | Standard or reduced | Additional kg |
| Development | Temporary | Slow, does not appear bright |
| Vascular anomalies | Mostly small | Mostly big |
| Cell sensitivity to insulin | Yes | Low |
| Antibodies against insulin and beta cells | Yes | No |
| therapy | insulin | Diet, blood sugar-lowering medication, insulin (later) |
Diagnosis of the disease
Before figuring out how to treat diabetes, a blood glucose test is performed, which is the main way to calculate current and daily glucose levels.
Further diagnostic measures include polyuria, polygraphy, obesity or significant weight loss.In addition:
- Ultrasonic;
- Determination of pathological insulin;
- Electrocardiography – study of the heart's electrical fields;
- Rehberg test – assessment of kidney condition;
- biochemical blood test;
- Examination of the fundus.
Based on the information received, a clinical picture is formed, after which a therapeutic technique is proposed.
Type 1 drugs
The main remedy is insulin, but in addition, the doctor prescribes tablets that help with disorders of glucose metabolism that accompany obesity, which aggravates the situation.
We are talking about medications from the biguanides group, which reduce the acute need for insulin and also alleviate the patient's condition.
Insulin lispro
An analogue of insulin produced in the human body works quickly - 15 minutes after injection.Glucose metabolism is controlled and anti-catabolic and anabolic effects on tissues occur.
The drug turned out to be the best in the list of similar drugs;per day, the sugar concentration drops by 22% and blood sugar levels improve.
Insulin glulisine
A substitute for human insulin, which has a faster effect, but the result does not last long.
Used on an empty stomach or after a meal, the substance enters the body by injection.The duration of the course and the dose are determined taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
Insulin aspart
A latest generation hypoglycemic agent, the action of which is aimed at correcting glucose levels.There are slight differences to the human hormone, which means results are visible more quickly.After use, you may start eatinge, as no break is necessary.
At night, hypoglycemia occurs much more easily, glucose levels return to normal.Due to the strong effect, increasing the dose can be avoided.
Medicines for the second type
The species is not as rare as the first species, so many more drugs have been developed to eliminate the problem.
Biguanide
It has a hypoglycemic effect, lowers the concentration of glucose in the blood and does not provoke insulin production.
Weight loss, cholesterol, lipoprotein and triglyceride levels decrease.In the first stages of therapy, 2-3 tablets are prescribed daily, intended for 2-3 doses, otherwise indigestion occurs.
The maximum amount is 6 tablets in three doses.If no complications occur, the dose is increased gradually.Children over 10 years old and teenagers need 1 tablet per day, the dosage changes after two weeks.It is not allowed to exceed the course, which includes taking 4 tablets three times a day.
Exenatide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist
Administration is carried out using a syringe intended for carrying out procedures at home.
There is a hormone similar to that produced in the digestive tract that releases a substance when food is consumed.
The active production of insulin begins, as it has a positive effect on the pancreas, which is responsible for the formation of this substance.
GLP-1 receptor agonist based on liraglutide
To prolong the effect, a formula was invented.
Course – 1 time per day 1 hour before a meal.
The procedure must be carried out simultaneously to ensure the activity of the pancreas and the gastrointestinal tract.
DPP-4 inhibitor based on sitagliptin
Tablets are taken before or after meals, you just have to stick to a certain time frame.
You need 100 mg for a daily dose.
It is possible to use both a single drug and in combination with other drugs.
DPP-4 inhibitor based on saxagliptin
Belongs to the category of DPP-4 inhibitors and is suitable for combination therapy and monotherapy.
Type 1 diabetes becomes a complication that requires the administration of insulin after meals.
DPP-4 inhibitor based on vildagliptin
It is needed once a day, the required dose is 50 mg, the timing of the meal does not matter.
The result lasts all day while the negative effects of the drug wear off.
How to monitor your glucose levels
The patient must independently monitor the sugar concentration.For this purpose, it is advisable to keep a diary in which you have to make important notes.You need to check your glucose levels regularly with a blood glucose meter;You should not eat before observations;You should measure it in the morning before and after meals.Based on the data obtained, diet and lifestyle are adjusted to bring the indicators back to normal.However, you still need to do tests in an outpatient clinic, where more reliable information is available.
Medication prescription documents
A system has been developed that allows those who need it to receive insulin free of charge.The doctor issues a prescription to the patient, before receiving which the following documents must be presented:
- identity card;
- Health insurance;
- individual insurance policy;
- Document certifying disability;
- a document confirming that the patient does not refuse the social package.
Diet for diabetes
An approximate diet for a week was compiled that alleviates the patient's condition.
Diabetes mellitus type 2: what you can eat is shown in the diet table for the week.
| Breakfast | Second breakfast | Lunch | Afternoon snack | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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, soft-boiled egg, cabbage salad | Glass of milk | Mashed potatoes, cucumber, boiled beef liver, dried fruit compote | fruit jelly | A piece of boiled chicken, stewed 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, lean boiled beef, compote | 1-2 pears | Schnitzel, boiled fish, tea |
| 5 days | Vinaigrette without potatoes with 1 tsp.Vegetable oil, egg, coffee, slice of rye bread with butter | Two apples | Sauerkraut with braised meat, pea soup | Fresh fruit | Boiled chicken, vegetable pudding, tea.Yogurt before bed |
| Day 6 | Stewed meat, millet porridge, coffee | Decoction of wheat bran | Boiled meat, fish soup, lean mashed potatoes | kefir | Oatmeal, cottage cheese, milk, apple |
| Day 7 | Buckwheat, hard-boiled egg | Two apples | Beef chop, 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, so some of the most effective recipes are considered.
Namely:
- Fill the vessel with 1 liter of boiling water, add 100 g of cinnamon powder, stir and add 200 g of honey.Let sit in a cool place for 3 hours.Course – 3 times a day;
- Linden blossom 1 tbsp.l.pour 1 glass of boiling water, the decoction can replace black tea;
- Put 300 g of peeled garlic and the same amount of parsley roots, 100 g of lemon peel in a meat grinder.Place the ground ingredients in a jar, cover with a lid and leave in a dark, dry place for two weeks.Drink 1 tsp.2 times a day;
- grind dried walnut leaves, select 1 tbsp.l., pour ½ l of filtered water.Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and leave to rest in a dry place for 1 hour.Strain, take ½ cup three times a day.
Before use, you should consult a doctor to avoid complications.
Sports and physical education
Physical activity burns a lot of glucose, and the metabolism and functioning of the cardiovascular system are also stabilized, so it is important to do at least simple exercises every day.
Overvoltage should not be allowed as this can have negative consequences.Increased appetite forces you to eat large amounts of food, making the efforts previously made lose their meaning.
When fatigue occurs, stress occurs, adrenal hormones are released, after which glucose levels rise.
The best ways to achieve excellent results are morning exercises, exercises with dumbbells, walking, jogging, cycling, swimming.
Prognosis for type 1 and 2 diabetes
If you allow the disease to enter the decompensation phase, eliminating the problem will not be possible, since the body's resources will be significantly reduced.
In the early stages, the disease is always easier to fight than in advanced cases.Choosing the most effective therapy alleviates the patient's condition and thereby prolongs life.It is possible to improve the situation through a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.