Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases faced by people from different parts of the world, and age does not matter.
According to statistics, there are about 250 million people with this or that form of the disease.The actual number of patients exceeds official figures, as many are unaware of existing violations.
Mostly children suffer from diseases whose manifestations cannot always be detected 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.
In order to avoid an unpleasant situation, it is necessary to study in detail what diabetes mellitus means, what are the predisposing factors of development, symptoms and methods of treatment.
What is diabetes mellitus?
This pathology is characterized by an insufficient level of insulin in the body, which is a peptide hormone that is concentrated in the cells of the pancreas.Diabetes mellitus manifests 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 metabolic processes are destabilized.
If we consider the deviations that occur in the body, we find:
- The internal organs feed on glucose, and if it is not supplied in sufficient quantities, starvation will occur.This happens due to a small amount or absence of insulin, which is produced by the cells of the pancreas.When the movement of sugar accumulated in the blood stops, no further metabolic development occurs;
- the cells responsible for hormone transport and glucose assimilation at some point become immune and do not react in any way to the substance that managed not to change;
- sugar is not converted into nutrients, which causes the body to starve, while a lot of glucose enters the blood, which negatively affects the 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 worsens the implementation of therapeutic measures.
Many doctors do not talk about diabetes as a disease, they agree on the cause of the problem, and it lies in the wrong 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 condition and blood sugar levels.
When 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.It is important, even if there are minor deviations, to make an appointment with a doctor on time.
Diabetes types 1 and 2
There is a classification of diseases that allows you to distinguish types, each of which has specific characteristics.
We are talking about such varieties as:
- the first type, called juvenile, detected in patients of adolescence and old age.It is mostly passed on to children from close relatives.Beta cells go through changes that negatively affect their structure.Insulin is produced in small quantities, insufficient for the normal life of the victim.About 10% face a problem that is mainly of autoimmune origin.Sometimes the cause of the pathology is an attack of pancreatitis or pancreatic necrosis, while the person survives, but the pancreas finally loses its original properties.The situation does not change over time, it remains for the rest of life;
- the other guy- due to the deterioration of metabolism, the hormone stops being produced in the necessary quantities, which causes a relative lack of insulin.Beta cells stop working stably;due to pathological processes, they are unable to perform the functions determined by the body - to produce the necessary substance and reduce glucose in the blood.
Gestational diabetes in women occurs in pregnant women with serum glucose levels that exceed normal values.Detected deviations cannot be ignored, because 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 initially do not complain of ill health.
There are other types when the situation develops negatively due to the use of drugs, destabilization of the endocrine system, pancreatic dysfunction, etc.
Symptoms of diabetes type 1 and 2
The first type has a chronic form, it is transitory and quickly passes from the initial stage to a more severe one, which occurs against the background of the harmful effects of various factors.
Distinguishing features include:
- sudden weight loss;
- urinary incontinence at night, which is more common in children;
- deterioration of the visual apparatus;
- 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, more than 10 liters;
- itching and purulent formations on the skin;
- frequency of urination, copious amounts of urine;
- uncontrolled contraction of the muscles of the lower extremities;
- vomiting and nausea - the relief that comes after emptying the stomach is temporary;
- irritability;
- loss of strength, inability to engage in work for a long time;
- increased appetite;
- a constant desire to eat after a short period of time.
A complication is hyperglycemia - an increase in glucose levels, which can be fatal.A worsening of the condition, which manifests itself in the minimal amount or absence of hair on the legs, cannot be ruled out.
The appearance of benign yellowish formations in the tendons, on the mucous membranes of the internal organs and the skin is observed.Inflammation can be seen on the surfaces of the genital organs in both men and women.Bones become fragile and are easily susceptible to negative external influences.As for immunity, it practically loses its protective properties.
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus of the other type have some similarities, however, there are manifestations that allow you to determine which type you are dealing with.The following characters are identified:
- wounds take a long time to heal;
- infection of the epidermis;
- feeling thirsty;
- frequent urination, which makes you go to the toilet both day and night;
- exhaustion, slow reactions, sleep disorders;
- mucous membranes are dry;
- numbness, tingling in the limbs;
- increased appetite as a result of leptin synthesis pathology;
- dry mouth, you need to drink about 3-5 liters a day;
- groin itching - confusion arises, which prompts you to consult a gynecologist or dermatologist instead of an endocrinologist;
- hunger after 1-2 hours after eating;
- swelling on the face and lower legs;
- children's enuresis, which manifests itself 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 that provoke the onset of diabetes mellitus have been identified.Among them are:
- heredity - the risk of the first type of disease in a child increases if the parents have the same diagnosis;
- overweight – 80-90% of patients suffer from excess body weight, because adipose tissue cannot use insulin as intended.Newborns should weigh 2.5-3.5 kg;if the indicators increase, the endocrinologist must conduct an examination;
- viruses - cause abnormalities of the pancreas, so due to rubella, measles, chicken pox, which the child has previously contracted, can lead to the death of cells in the digestive system;
- age changes;
- regular stressful situations;
- unhealthy lifestyle and poor nutrition - a body mass index greater 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;
- fatty deposits around the stomach;
- pancreatic disorder for various reasons, including organ injury;
- pathological processes in the endocrine system caused by acromegaly, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome and so on.
The primary factors that cause the condition to worsen are listed;they can have a one-time impact, thus increasing the danger.Absolutely healthy people are at risk and it is advisable to see a doctor.
Sugar level after and before meals
On an empty stomach there is a low level of glucose, 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, the metabolism is activated, due to which glucose is released.How much the level of an organic compound will increase depends on its ability to be assimilated.In practice, the examination is not done when the stomach is full.The most accurate information will be obtained 1-3 hours after the meal.
Normal blood sugar levels for diabetes for women, men, and children over 12 years of age are:
- 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:
- until 11;
- up to 10-10.3;
- until 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 the pathologies of carbohydrate metabolism, and therefore the distribution into the following stages:
- compensation- managed to achieve glucose content in accordance with natural indicators;
- subcompensation- 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 condition is improved by choosing the right diet and regime.The positive effect is obvious when following a diet, while the use of hypoglycemic agents will bring a double benefit.The probability of transition from one phase to another is minimized;
- average- You cannot do without medicines that lower the sugar level.They are used constantly, but they are not able to protect against vascular pathologies;
- heavy- the use of hypoglycemic drugs and insulin, which is sometimes used without combination with other drugs, should not be discontinued.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 diabetes mellitus type 2 has ICD-10 at E11, and diabetes mellitus type 1 has E10, it is important to familiarize yourself with the other characteristic features of these variants in order to have an idea about each of them and to be able to determine the type of disease based on its characteristics.
| Characteristics | The first guy | Another guy |
|---|---|---|
| Period | Autumn, winter, spring | Not recorded |
| Cases (%) | 10-20% | 80-90% |
| Rod | More often men | More often women |
| Old age | Up to 40 years of age | Children, adults over 40 years |
| Weight | Standard or reduced | Extra kg |
| Development | Transient | Slow, doesn't look great |
| Vascular abnormalities | Mostly small ones | Mostly big ones |
| Sensitivity of cells to insulin | Yes | Low |
| Antibodies to insulin and beta cells | Yes | no |
| Therapy | Insulin | Diet, glucose-lowering drugs, insulin (at a later stage) |
Disease diagnosis
Before you know how to treat diabetes, a blood sugar analysis is done, 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 electrical fields of the heart;
- Rehberg's test - assessment of kidney condition;
- biochemical blood test;
- fundus study.
Based on the obtained information, a clinical picture appears, after which a therapeutic technique is proposed.
Type 1 drugs
The main drug is insulin, but along with it, the doctor prescribes tablets that help solve the glucose metabolism disorder, which is combined with obesity, which worsens the situation.
These are drugs from the biguanide group, which reduce the acute need for insulin, but also ease the patient's condition.
Insulin lispro
The insulin analog produced in the human body acts quickly – 15 minutes after injection.Glucose metabolism is controlled, and anti-catabolic and anabolic effects on tissue occur.
The drug proved to be the best in the list of similar drugs;per day, sugar concentration decreases by 22%, and glycemic data improves.
Insulin glulisine
A replacement for human insulin, which has a faster effect, but the result does not last long.
If 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 hypoglycemic agent of the latest generation, whose action is aimed at correcting glucose levels.There are slight differences compared to the human hormone, which allows results to appear faster.After use, you are allowed to start eatinge, since there is no need for 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 another type
The species is not as rare as the first species, so many more drugs have been developed to remedy the problem.
Bigwanid
It has a hypoglycemic effect, reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood and does not cause insulin production.
Weight loss, cholesterol, lipoprotein and triglyceride levels decrease.In the first stages of therapy, 2-3 tablets are prescribed for each day, intended for 2-3 doses, otherwise indigestion will occur.
The maximum amount is 6 tablets taken in three doses.The dose is gradually increased if there are no complications.Children older than 10 years and adolescents will need 1 tablet a day, after two weeks the dose is changed.It is not allowed to exceed the course, which involves the daily use of 4 tablets, divided three times.
Exenatide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist
It is administered using a syringe designed for home procedures.
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, because it has a beneficial effect on the pancreas, which is responsible for creating this substance.
GLP-1 receptor agonist based on liraglutide
A formula was invented to prolong the effect.
Course – 1 time a day 1 hour before meals.
The procedure must be performed at the same time, this will ensure the activity of the pancreas and the gastrointestinal tract.
DPP-4 inhibitor based on sitagliptin
Tablets are used before or after meals, you just have to stick to a certain time frame.
You will need 100 mg for 1 daily dose.
It is possible to use both a separate drug and in combination with other drugs.
Saxagliptin-based DPP-4 inhibitor
It is included in the category of DPP-4 inhibitors, suitable for combined therapy and monotherapy.
Type 1 diabetes becomes a complication, requiring the use of insulin after meals.
DPP-4 inhibitor based on vildagliptin
It is needed once a day, the required dose is 50 mg, the time of the meal is not important.
The result remains throughout the day, while the negative impact of the drug decreases.
How to monitor glucose levels
The patient must independently monitor the sugar concentration.For these purposes, it is advisable to keep a diary in which you should make important notes.You will need to check your glucose level regularly with a glucometer;you should not eat before observing;it should be measured in the morning before and after meals.Based on the obtained data, the diet and lifestyle are adjusted in order to return the indicators to normal.However, you will still need to do tests at the clinic, where more reliable information is provided.
Documents for prescribing medicines
A system has been developed that allows those who need free insulin.The doctor writes the prescription to the patient, before receiving it, he must present the following list of documents:
- identity card;
- health insurance;
- individual insurance policy;
- a document indicating disability;
- a document confirming that the patient does not refuse the social package.
Diet for diabetes
An approximate diet for a week has been drawn up, which will ease the patient's condition.
Diabetes mellitus type 2, what you can eat is shown in the table showing the diet for a week.
| Breakfast | Second breakfast | Lunch | Afternoon snack | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Buckwheat, fresh cheese, milk 1% fat | A glass of milk | Cabbage dishes, boiled meat, fruit jelly | Two apples | Cabbage steak, boiled fish, tea |
| Day 2 | Barley porridge, soft boiled egg, cabbage salad | A glass of milk | Mashed potatoes, pickles, boiled beef liver, dried fruit compote | Fruit jelly | A piece of boiled chicken, stewed cabbage, tea.Kefir before bed |
| 3rd day | Fresh cheese with milk, oatmeal, coffee | Kissel | Borscht without meat, boiled chicken, buckwheat porridge | Two pears | Vinaigrette, egg, tea.Yogurt before bed |
| 4 day | Buckwheat, fresh cheese, coffee | Kefir | Cabbage dishes, lean boiled beef, compote | 1-2 pears | Steak, boiled fish, tea |
| 5 day | Potato-free vinaigrette with 1 tsp.vegetable oil, egg, coffee, a slice of rye bread with butter | Two apples | Stewed sauerkraut, pea soup | Fresh fruit | Boiled chicken, vegetable pudding, tea.Yogurt before bed |
| 6th day | Stewed meat, millet porridge, coffee | Decoction of wheat bran | Boiled meat, fish stew, lean mashed potatoes | Kefir | Oatmeal, cottage cheese, milk, apple |
| 7th day | Buckwheat, hard boiled egg | Two apples | Beef cutlet, pearl barley, vegetable soup | Milk | Boiled fish, steamed potatoes, vegetable salad, tea.Kefir before bed. |
Natural medicine
Treatment of diabetes with folk remedies is considered a way to eliminate the disease, so some of the most effective recipes are considered.
namely:
- Fill the container with 1 liter of boiled water, add 100 g of cinnamon powder, mix, add 200 g of honey.Let it stand for 3 hours in a cool place.Course – 3 times a day;
- linden flower 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 root, 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 and dry place for 2 weeks.Drink 1 teaspoon.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 the stove, leave in a dry place for 1 hour.Strain, take ½ cup 3 times a day.
Before use, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to avoid complications.
Sports and physical education
Physical activity burns a lot of glucose, stabilizes the metabolism and the functioning of the cardiovascular system, so it is important to perform at least simple exercises every day.
Overvoltage must not be allowed, because there will be negative consequences.Increased appetite forces you to consume large amounts of food, due to which earlier efforts lose their meaning.
When fatigue sets in, stress arises, hormones of the adrenal gland are released, after which the glucose level increases.
The best options for achieving excellent results are morning exercises, exercises with dumbbells, walking, running, cycling, swimming.
Prognosis for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
If you allow the disease to enter the decompensation phase, then it will not be possible to eliminate the problem, because the body's resources are significantly reduced.
In the initial stage, it is always easier to fight the disease than in advanced cases.By choosing the most effective therapy, the patient's condition is eased, and thus prolongs life.It is possible to improve the condition with a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.