Diabetes Mellitus: What Is It?
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a long-term condition that happens when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It works by moving glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into your cells, where it’s used for energy. When insulin isn’t working correctly, blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to serious health complications over time.
Types of Diabetes
Prediabetes: Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet classified as diabetes. Without intervention, this often progresses to type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM): is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production, leading to high blood sugar levels. It often develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy for management.
Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM): Characterized by insulin resistance and reduced insulin production. Linked to obesity, inactivity, and genetics, this is the most common type, especially in adults over 40.
Why Is High Blood Sugar Harmful?
When blood sugar stays too high for too long, it can damage your blood vessels and nerves, leading to serious health problems. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes increases your risk of:
Heart Disease and Stroke: High blood sugar damages blood vessels, making heart attacks and strokes more likely.
Kidney Disease: It strains your kidneys, increasing risk for kidney failure.
Vision Problems: Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, causing vision loss or blindness.
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar harms nerves, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands and feet.
Foot Problems: Poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to infections or sores that heal slowly and may require serious treatments like amputation.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Unintentional weight loss
Increased hunger (polyphagia)
Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
Frequent urination (polyuria)
Note: Some patients, particularly with T2DM, may remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed during routine screenings.
Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
Yes! Particularly for type 2 diabetes. Evidence-based lifestyle changes include:
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight: Aim for a BMI under 25 if possible.
Physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly (walking, cycling, swimming, dancing).
Balanced diet: Prioritize whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and avoid sugary and processed foods.
Smoking cessation: Smoking increases insulin resistance and the risk of diabetes.
Diet: Understanding the Glycemic Index (GI)
The GI ranks foods based on their impact on blood sugar:
High GI (70+): Causes rapid spikes in blood sugar.
Medium GI (55-69): Moderate impact.
Low GI (54 or less): Slow, steady impact, ideal for managing blood sugar.
Benefits of a Low-GI Diet:
Improves glycemic control and cholesterol levels
May aid in weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risks.
Supports overall health and may lower the risk of certain cancers.
Low-GI Foods to Include:
Whole grains: Quinoa, barley, brown rice.
Non-starchy vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, zucchini.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans.
Lean proteins: Fish, poultry, eggs, and nuts.
Mayo Clinic, Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. The Mediterranean Diet. Mayo Clinic MC6815. Last updated March 2022.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of diabetes and may include:
Type 1 Diabetes: Requires insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes: Often managed with:
Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise).
Oral medications (e.g., metformin as the first-line treatment) or insulin if needed.
Injectable medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide).
Additional Interventions:
Eye exams: Annual screenings for diabetic retinopathy.
Blood pressure control: Target <130/80 mmHg to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Cholesterol management: Statins for LDL "bad cholesterol" reduction.
Kidney Function Monitoring: Regular urine tests to check for microalbuminuria, a small amount of protein in the urine that may indicate early kidney damage.
How to Live Better with Diabetes
Follow a customized diet and exercise plan.
Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Schedule regular checkups, including:
hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) every 3-6 months.
Retinal exams.
Foot care evaluations.
Keep vaccinations up to date (e.g., influenza, pneumonia).
Monitor blood sugar at home as directed by your provider.
Reviewed by: Ruth Chambi Hernandez, M.D. | Review Date: February 6, 2023
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only. For diagnosis or treatment, please contact Hernandez Health.
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