Diabetes Mellitus is a medical condition in which your body does not produce insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the human body that converts starch, sugar, and other foods into energy. Without insulin, your body has no way to control your sugar levels. An excess of insulin can have equally devastating results, which is why it is so important for people with diabetes to seek medical help and to keep a close eye on their blood sugar through diet and monitoring.When you learn that you may have diabetes mellitus or that you are at risk, you may wonder what causes the condition or how it develops. Doctors are not entirely sure what causes all cases of diabetes, though genetics, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that are known to play a role. It is estimated that 7.8% of the United States population has the disease and that approximately one quarter of those patients are still undiagnosed.
If your doctor suspects that you may have diabetes mellitus, he or she will likely order a glucose or blood sugar test. The blood sugar in your plasma may be tested after a period of fasting. Either test can be quite effective, and can diagnose both diabetes and pre-diabetes. The plasma test, which is easier and faster to perform, involves blood testing after a period without food or beverages, while the oral tolerance test measures your blood glucose in intervals before and after drinking a glucose rich beverage.
There are four general types of diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, and is often type 2. The body stores insulin and does not process glucose properly. When treated, it usually has no adverse effects on you or your baby and disappears after pregnancy, but treatment is imperative.
Type 1 diabetes is the most dangerous form of the disease. It is caused when your body stops producing insulin and usually occurs in children and young adults. It can have many complications and requires treatment. While the disease is scary, with treatment, you can live a long and healthy life.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is caused when the body produces insufficient insulin or simply ignores it. This can result in the buildup of glucose in the blood. Treatment is available, and consistently high glucose levels can have many effects. Pre-diabetes occurs when glucose levels are higher than normal but out of range of diabetes diagnosis. This condition serves as a warning sign for patients to make lifestyle changes.
Once you know more about diabetes mellitus, you can take steps to prevent or treat it. Diabetes mellitus can be a serious medical condition. If you are at risk, talk to your doctor and try to live a healthier lifestyle. Even the smallest changes can have a tremendous impact.
This content is provided by Dr Pieter De Wet a general practitioner and in practice for 23 years. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
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