Information About Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is actually a group of health conditions concerning the body's usage of glucose, or sugar. Glucose is created from the food you eat, and is the main source of fuel for your body. When this glucose builds up in your blood instead of being used by your body's cells and muscles, you develop diabetes.

Definition

• Glucose normally moves from your blood to your body's cells with the assistance of insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas. In people with diabetes, this hormone is not used or produced properly, resulting in a build up of blood glucose.

Types

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, resulting in no insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is an insulin resistance, and is the most commonly diagnosed form. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women and usually resolves after childbirth.

Symptoms

• Gestational diabetes may not exhibit any symptoms, but the most common signs of type 1 or type 2 diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination and slow-healing sores.

Diagnosis

• Tests for diabetes diagnosis usually involve taking a blood sample to measure the sugar levels present. This can be done either after fasting for a certain amount of time or after a normal meal. High blood sugar levels may indicate diabetes.

Treatment

• All diabetes types benefit from regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and following a well-balanced diet and regular exercise program. Type 1 diabetics also require daily insulin injections, and type 2 diabetics may need medications or insulin, depending on the severity of their condition.