Diabetes Mellitus (DM) refers to the groups of conditions that are associated with elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia). The exact cause for this uncontrolled blood sugar depends on the underlying type. The two major types are well known: the Type 1 and Type 2 DM. Currently, DM is one of the fastest-growing disease epidemics with a 10-fold increase in global prevalence between 1985 and 2013, from 30 million to 382 million cases! More than 8% of the population is believed to have DM and many are unaware of their condition. This is very concerning as it is associated with many life-threatening complications which will be discussed below.
Not only are diabetes complications adverse for your overall health, but they will also impact your options for various insurance products. Says Melissa Thompson of Diabetes 365 “Life insurance for diabetics, as well as health insurance will be more expensive if you have severe complications from diabetes. For some individuals with significant diabetes complications they may not even be able to obtain coverage from insurance providers.”
The carbohydrates in our food predominantly gets broken down into glucose in our guts and is absorbed into the blood stream. In response to elevated glucose after a meal, the pancreas (a gland in the abdomen) is stimulated to produce the hormone insulin. Insulin is responsible for uptake of glucose into cells and its storage. At the other extreme, a fall in blood sugars below a critical point triggers the release of another hormone from the pancreas called glucagon which draws out the stored glucose into the blood.
There are three classic symptoms which have been described. These are
While these symptoms are often experienced by patients with type 1 DM, most people, especially those with type 2 DM do not have any symptoms in the early stages and only experience symptoms from complications developing later.
Vascular complications: These are complications which result from longstanding uncontrolled DM. The excess glucose damages the blood vessels all over the body. These are classified as follows
As the symptoms of diabetes are variable and often occur only after the disease has been present for a long time, there are recommendations in place for screening individuals at high risk for Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has recommended screening for the following groups:
Managing Diabetes involves many levels of care including lifestyle changes, blood sugar control and certain surgical options. In addition, these patients should regularly have their blood sugars checked. Especially those with type 1 DM on insulin should have a way to test blood sugars at home using a glucometer. Here, one thing that can help these patients is Klinio, a health app, presents a comprehensive choice for effectively monitoring and managing diabetes and prediabetes. It encompasses features such as a meal planner, detailed progress counter, and beginner workouts that require no equipment, all aimed at facilitating lifestyle changes crucial in managing or preventing diabetes.
Patients with DM are at a risk of falls in glucose when on therapy. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of low blood glucose such as sweating, tremors, racing heartbeat and feeling faint. The sugars should be tested immediately if possible. The person should always carry some sugary drink or snacks with them to take in the case of suspected hypoglycemia.
Diabetes is a chronic disease which lasts lifelong. It can be managed very well with proper care and control of diet, regular exercise and disciplined intake of medications or insulin. Failure to control sugars can lead to progression of DM to life threatening complications, the most common one being Heart attacks and stroke.
This post was last modified on July 14, 2023 4:01 pm
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