BE WARE OF DIABETES MELLITUS

In our world today, there is an increasing cases of chronic diseases. Therefore it is imperative that one gets to understand these diseases and their precipitating factors. One of the chronic diseases which are very common in our today’s world is diabetes mellitus. It is almost becoming an epidemic in recent times in almost all the countries of the world especially in developing countries.

WHAT IS DIABETES MELLITUS?

This is a chronic, metabolic disease that is characterized by increased levels of blood glucose which over time leads to serious damage of most organs of the body including heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. According to data from the world health organization, about four hundred and forty four million people have diabetes worldwide with majority living in low and middle income countries. It is also noted that one million and five hundred thousand death yearly are attributed to diabetes mellitus.

TYPES OF DIABETES

They are of two types:

• Type 1 diabetes; this is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. This type starts early in childhood. It is a chronic  condition in which the pancreas; a hormone producing organ responsible for production of insulin produces little or no insulin that will drive glucose in the blood into the body’s cell so it can be used  for energy. People living with this type of diabetes will be required to take insulin throughout their life to make up for the inadequacy or total absence of insulin. Insulin is critical for survival.

• Type 2 diabetes; this makes up 90% of all diabetes cases. It is seen in adults. It is also called non insulin dependent diabetes.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES

• Unintended weight loss
• Polyuria (increased urination)
• Increased thirst
• Increase hunger
• Fatigue
• Slow healing of wounds
• Itchy skins
• Oral thrush etc

There are also other signs that indicate long standing diabetes. These includes

• Glucose absorption in the lens of the eyes which can result to vision impairment
• There could also be damage to the kidneys leading to chronic kidney diseases
• Skin diseases such as skin candidiasis and other fungal infections of the skin
• There could also be development of ulcers especially in the leg as a result of nerve damage and loss of sensation on the legs.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES?

It is a multifactor disease. Some of the notable risk factors are:

• Genetic defect in insulin processing or insulin action
• Pancreatic defects such as in pancreatectomy, cancer of the pancrease etc
• Hormonal problems such as thyroid diseases, excess production of growth hormone
• Infections such as cytomegalovirus infections
• Drug intake; such drugs includes thyroid hormones etc
• Other risk factors include obesity, older age, smoking , pregnancy etc

HOW CAN DIABETES BE PREVENTED?

• There is no know preventive measure for type 1 diabetes however, type 2 which accounts for about 90% of cases of diabetes can be prevented or delayed. This can be done by :
• Maintaining a normal body weight
• Engaging in physical activity
• Eating healthy diet
• Limiting  sugary beverages and eating less red meat and other saturated fats
• Smoking cessation

It is worthy of note that there is evidence of relationship between type 2 diabetes and the major modifiable risk factors which are excessive weight, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use . This could be attributed to globalization, urbanization, population ageing and the general health policy and the environment.

We therefore need to adopt healthy habits that will reduce these risk factors.