What Are the Phenotypic Effects of Diabetes?

The numerous phenotypic effects of diabetes mellitus have been thoroughly researched and well-documented. Serious complications include retinal damage, poor wound healing, blindness, ketoacidosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure and microvascular damage.

Although diabetes presents various phenotypes, two distinct phenotypes have been identified--MIDD1 and MIDD2. Researchers hypothesize that the severity of the disease is directly related to which of these phenotypes is responsible for the disease. Early onset Type 2 sufferers are more prone to premature aging of the cardiovascular system. In addition, early onset patients face an increased chance of developing hypertension, morbid obesity and an increased predisposition to the development of microalbuminuria, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Statistics have demonstrated that diabetes is the most significant cause of non-traumatic amputation in adult subjects (resulting from poor wound healing), and the leading cause of adult blindness in the non-elderly. It is incumbent that patients diagnosed with diabetes receive the appropriate treatment for the disease. Chronic complications of the disease can be significantly lowered with adherence to a healthy lifestyle. It is therefore vital that those diagnosed with diabetes take an active role in the maintenance of the disease by avoidance of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, alcohol avoidance and the maintenance of a healthy body weight.

Diabetes in the Developing Fetus

• The Thrifty Phenotype hypothesis, developed by Dr. David J. P. Barker, posits that the "development of Type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome result from poor nutrition in early life, which produces permanent changes in glucose-insulin metabolism." Since its proposal, the hypothesis has been unanimously confirmed and globally accepted. The implications associated with these findings cannot be underestimated, since proper maternal nutrition can significantly decrease the chances of the fetus developing Type 2 diabetes. Conversely, nutrient deprived infants who exhibit rapid post-natal growth are at high risk for developing diabetes.This is of particular concern because improving economic conditions in many countries may very well lead to this scenario. Initiatives, such as social programs to assist pregnant women from poor socio-economic backgrounds, can have an enormous impact on the development of early onset diabetes due to a thrifty phenotype.

Lifestyle Changes for the Diabetic

• Obesity, a phenotypic effect of diabetes, places individuals at higher risk for further pathologies. This is due to the fact that excess fat decreases the number of insulin receptors in the body, and renders it insensitive to insulin. Moderate exercise is therefore beneficial for people with either form of diabetes. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided, since it has a significant impact on glucose tolerance and places diabetics at risk for developing severe nerve damage and complications of the eyes. In addition, diabetics who smoke place themselves at a much higher risk for developing many of the phenotypic effects associated with diabetes.

Dietary Changes

• Diet regulation is the most important factor in alleviating the symptoms of diabetes. Diabetics should avoid sugar--as it cannot be properly assimilated. Dietary recommendations include carbohydrate-rich vegetables and mono-saturated oils, such as olive oil. In addition, protein intake should be limited due to the diabetic's higher risk for heart disease.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• The American Diabetic Association lists the symptoms of diabetes as frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision.

  According to the World Health Organization, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions. The latest WHO estimate for the number of people worldwide suffering from diabetes is 171 million. If you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms, ask your healthcare provider to test you for diabetes. A timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment offers diabetics the probability of a sunny tomorrow.

Monitoring Blood Sugar During and After Exercise

• Although exercise is unquestionably beneficial for those with diabetes, it can cause the fluctuation of glucose levels. Be sure to monitor your blood sugar during and after exercise.