Diabetes Mellitus: What is it?
posted by Internal Medicine | April 5, 2017
Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a group of chronic, lifelong diseases that affects the body’s ability to process insulin—a hormone that converts glucose into energy to fuel your body.
Although there is no known cure for diabetes, there are several methods to help people manage their condition and live relatively healthy lives. Here’s what you need to know about diabetes.
There are three major types of diabetes:
Different types of diabetes are caused by different factors:
There are numerous risk factors that contribute to diabetes, including family history, weight, diet, age and other medical conditions.
Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can include:
Not everyone shows symptoms initially, but if you notice these these symptoms in yourself or your child, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Complications can be life-threatening in some cases, and they include:
Treatment for diabetes varies between cases, but a good diet plan and regular exercise are very valuable for both management and prevention. Other treatments include:
For pregnant women with gestational diabetes, treatment involves maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, which affects both the mother and baby.
If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes or find it difficult to manage your symptoms, speak with your doctor. He or she will be able to help you develop a treatment plan that works best for you.
“Types of Diabetes Mellitus.” WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/types-of-diabetes-mellitus#1
“Diabetes.” The Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/basics/definition/con-20033091
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.