Diabetes is a disorder that affects how the body makes use of glucose, a kind of sugar, which is our major source of fuel. We obtain glucose from the food we take in and when it gets into our bloodstream, our pancreas generates a hormone known as insulin that assists the sugar to get inside our cells for use as energy. But, if one has diabetes mellitus, the body either is unable to make adequate insulin, which is a characteristic of type 1 diabetes, or the insulin no longer functions as expected because the cells are no longer sensitive to it, which characterizes type 2 diabetes. In either case, the glucose is unable to enter the cells normally, and thus the amount of sugar in the blood goes up, which leads to various symptoms.

Causes of diabetes

The cause of DM depends on the type. Type 1 diabetes mellitus, for example is genetic in nature, and then activated by certain infections, like Coxsackie virus. The mechanism is not entirely clear, but it is considered that after the infection, the body's own immune system damages the cells where insulin is manufactured. Type 2 diabetes mellitus on the other hand is caused primarily by lifestyle and hereditary factors.

Certain conditions and medicines can also trigger diabetes. Exocrine pancreatic disorders and use of glucocorticoids, for example, can lead to DM.

Symptoms of diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes sufferers can encounter the same symptoms. Increased urination, disproportionate thirst, and disproportionate hunger are the three most common symptoms of DM. Loss of weight is also possible. Long term high blood glucose can also cause microvascular changes that can result in blurring of vision and poor wound healing. Symptoms may develop drastically for type 1 diabetics, while they usually develop slowly among type 2 diabetic patients.

Diabetes treatment

Sad to say, diabetes is incurable. Nevertheless, it can be managed to minimize its impact in your life. Treatment involves insulin shots, oral hypoglycemics, lifestyle modification, and regular checkups. Without medical intervention and compliance on the part of the patient, complications like loss of vision, amputation, and multiple organ damage are possible.

Diabetes prevention

For type 1 DM, the answer is, unfortunately, no. For type 2 dm in contrast, being a lifestyle disease, can be avoided by keeping a healthy weight. This will involve making healthier food choices, such as cutting down consumption of simple sugars, and making sure that you get adequate exercise. Steering clear of vices such as smoking and drinking are also important since these activities can hasten the development of of complications.