Diabetes |Types, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnoses

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the world's fastest-growing diseases, with 693 million adults expected to be affected by 2045. Diabetes Mellitus commonly known as Diabetes comes from the Greek word for “siphon”, which implies that a lot of urine is made, and the Latin word mellitus, which means "sweet."

Diabetes mellitus commonly known as diabetes is a metabolic condition, that causes high blood glucose levels in the body resulting in a high amount of glucose in blood and urine Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common chronic condition. 

Types:

• Type 1 diabetes: It is also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). It is an auto-immune disease that destroys beta cells in the pancreas where insulin is made so there is no production of insulin. This type is found in approximately 10% of diabetics. 

• Type 2 diabetes: It is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs or develops insulin resistance. It is more common than type 1 diabetes. this type accounts for 90-95% of cases.

• Gestational diabetes: It is a condition that occurs in pregnancy usually 2nd or 3rd trimester that causes high blood glucose levels. Insulin resistance occurs because of gestational hormones. It can affect up to 25% of pregnant women. Most women recover after giving birth, but some may acquire type 2 diabetes.

Pathophysiology:

Diabetes pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple hormones (including insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone).

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin insufficiency or decreased activity to metabolize carbohydrates. Diabetes has an impact on glucose, protein, and fat metabolism.

All carbs are broken down into glucose and transported into the bloodstream.
Without glucose, cells have no energy source and must rely on muscle protein and tissue fat as a substitute. Glucose cannot enter cells from the blood without insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia and depression.

Symptoms:

• Polydipsia (increase thirst)
• Polyurea (increased urination)
• Polyphagia (increase hunger)
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Slow healing of wounds 
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Dry mouth
• Swelling of feet 

Causes:

• Genes and Family history
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Increase age
• Stress
• PCOS

Diagnoses:

• Random plasma test: The simplest test, as it does not require fasting before performing the test. A blood glucose level of 200mg/dl or over indicates diabetes.

• Postprandial glucose test: It measures the amount of glucose in the blood after a meal. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when postprandial glucose levels exceed 200 mg/dL.

• Fasting plasma glucose test: Before taking this test, you should fast for eight hours. Diabetes is diagnosed when the results of two tests are equal to or more than 126 mg/dL.

• HBA1c test: The glycated hemoglobin test is another name for it. It calculates how much glucose has bonded to red blood cells in your body over the last two to three months. Diabetes is diagnosed when the HbA1c level in the blood exceeds 6.5%

Conclusion:

Diabetes has a significant incidence in the community, putting a financial strain on both our healthcare system and the people who live with the disease. An attempt is still being made. However, as the number of undiagnosed patients grows, the prevalence and impact of the condition on patient quality of life, as well as the overall cost of diabetes to healthcare, must be examined.