Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases that cause uncontrolled increases in blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Normally, the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas controls glucose absorption by cells and carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Various pathological conditions can cause inadequate insulin secretion (type I diabetes) or cellular resistance to this hormone (type II diabetes). Doctors consider frequent urination, constant thirst, and intense hunger as symptoms of the disease. Without treatment, increased blood sugar can be complicated by diseases of the heart, blood vessels, nervous system, lower limbs and visual organs.
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases of the endocrine system. Different types of diabetes are diagnosed in about 8% of people during their lifetime, and the popular diet increases the number of patients each year. With symptomatic treatment and a reasonable diet, the patient's quality of life is maintained at a good level.
About this disease
Diabetes ranks second in frequency of detection among all endocrine diseases. The disease occurs in every tenth person, and there are also hidden forms when the patient is not even aware of the problem. The main cause is lack of insulin, leading to disturbances in all metabolic processes.
Species
According to the classification of diabetes mellitus, there are symptomatic and true forms. The first develops against the background of a specific disease and disappears after the cause is eliminated. Diabetes is actually divided into two types.
- Type I: insulin-dependent diabetes or childhood diabetes. Usually develops in childhood or adolescence. The cause is due to lack of insulin in the body, in the context of damaged pancreatic cells. People with this type of diabetes need constant external insulin.
- Type II: non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes. It most commonly develops in adulthood, but has now also become common in children and adolescents. The reason is that body tissues are not sensitive to insulin, so they stop absorbing glucose normally. People with this type of diabetes can control their blood sugar levels with a proper diet, physical activity, and hypoglycemic medications. In severe cases, the use of insulin may be required.
Diabetes in pregnant women (gestational diabetes) varies. It develops exclusively during pregnancy and disappears after childbirth. Diet is required and if this does not help then treatment with insulin is required.
The severity of diabetes depends on the level of blood sugar control and the presence of complications. There are several classifications, which are mainly based on the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This is an index that reflects the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
- Mild level (HbA1c less than 6. 5%): blood sugar level is within normal or near normal limits, minimal manifestations of pathology.
- Moderate (HbA1c 6. 5-7. 9%): glucose concentration is slightly increased, with specific symptoms or initial signs of complications.
- Severe (HbA1c 8% or more): characterized by significant blood sugar levels and severe symptoms and complications.
According to the same criteria, compensated, compensated and decompensated diabetes are also distinguished.
Symptoms of diabetes
Symptoms depend on the form and severity of the disease. Type 1 diabetes develops more quickly and often causes complications in younger people, while type 2 diabetes may not show any symptoms for a long time. Usually, pathology can be detected only with the help of special studies.
Possible symptoms and signs:
- Frequent urge to urinate and increased urine output;
- Strong thirst and consumption of large amounts of fluid;
- dry oral mucosa;
- Visual impairment and dizziness;
- Loss of appetite, gluttony;
- The appearance of ulcers on different parts of the skin, slow wound healing;
- Insomnia and fatigue;
- Reduced performance;
- Unexplained weight loss or obesity;
- Infectious diseases often appear.
Only a doctor can accurately distinguish the signs of different types of diabetes. The prolonged course of the disease contributes to the appearance of additional symptoms associated with complications.
Causes of diabetes
Diabetes occurs due to pancreatic dysfunction or cellular dysregulation, in which adequate insulin production does not help reduce blood sugar levels. Doctors consider obesity, pancreatic pathology, low physical activity, unfavorable genetics and other conditions as risk factors for the disease. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in men and women before age 30. Obese older people are more likely to develop type II diabetes. At the same time, different types of disorders can occur in patients of any age, so you should not focus only on risk factors.
Possible causes and risk factors:
- Genetic disorders contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases and pancreatic pathology. Having a relative with diabetes is an important risk factor;
- Obesity. The accumulation of excess adipose tissue contributes to metabolic disorders, in which tissues become less sensitive to insulin;
- Immune dysfunction, characterized by damage to pancreatic tissue;
- Viral infections and effects of toxins on the pancreas;
- Taking corticosteroids and other drugs contributes to the development of diabetes;
- Adrenal dysfunction;
- Cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes is rarely a congenital disease, but genetic factors are the reason why this disease develops rapidly at any age.
Diagnosis of diabetes
To diagnose the disease, you need to make an appointment with an endocrinologist. The doctor conducts a consultation in which he reviews the patient's complaints and collects a medical history to determine risk factors for diabetes. Persistent increases in blood sugar and other clinical signs of diabetes are detected through special studies, so the endocrinologist after consultation will prescribe all the necessary procedures. set.
Tested:
- Fasting blood test. The endocrinologist asked the patient to limit food intake a few hours before going to bed and in the morning before the study. During the procedure, the specialist will treat the skin of the finger with an antiseptic, make a small puncture with a scar instrument and take a small amount of blood into a special container. A sign of diabetes can be a glucose content in the sample greater than 6. 5 mmol/l;
- Blood test to check glycosylated hemoglobin content. The level of this substance shows the level of glucose in the blood for 3 months, so doctors prescribe such a test for the main diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes treatment. A glycosylated hemoglobin concentration above 6. 5% indicates the presence of diabetes mellitus;
- Download test. The first phase of the study was to determine fasting blood sugar level standards. The doctor then asked the patient to drink a glass of water with sugar and after 2 hours to conduct another blood test. If the results of the first test show a moderate level of blood glucose (up to 6. 5 mmol/l) and the second test shows a significant increase (about 11 mmol/l), then the diagnosis has been made. confirm;
- Blood test for C-peptide levels. Endocrinologists prescribe this test to reliably assess insulin production over a certain period of time;
- Blood tests are performed at any time. This test is used to confirm signs of the disease. Glucose concentrations above 10 mmol/L in some blood samples, regardless of meal time, indicate the presence of diabetes;
- Urine analysis. Diabetics have high glucose levels in their urine. In addition, the patient's urine may contain ketone bodies, indicating a disorder of glucose metabolism.
If necessary, the endocrinologist prescribes consultations with neurologists, cardiologists, nephrologists and other specialists to exclude dangerous complications of the disease. Pregnant women must consult an obstetrician and gynecologist.
Expert opinion
Diabetes is a very dangerous and at the same time common disease. It may be preceded by a long period of hyperglycemia, causing no symptoms, but may also have a rapid onset when, under the influence of one or another factor, marked symptoms of diabetes mellitus occur. road appears. You will have to treat this disease for life, because if it is not controlled, the sugar level in your body will increase again. If the patient ignores treatment, pathological complications may occur: coma due to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, cardiovascular complications, visual impairment (diabetic retinopathy), fiber pathology. nerves (diabetic neuropathy). In severe cases, necrosis develops, often involving the toes.
Diabetes treatment
The endocrinologist studies the diagnostic results and prescribes appropriate treatment. The main goal is to reduce blood sugar levels, prevent the development of complications and eliminate unpleasant symptoms. In addition to drug treatment, the endocrinologist must prescribe the patient a special diet to control blood sugar levels. Compliance with all the doctor's recommendations helps to significantly improve the quality of life and avoid the negative consequences of diabetes.
To correct the pathology, two types of drug treatment are used.
- Prescribe medication to reduce blood sugar levels. Depending on the diagnosis and the patient's medical history, the endocrinologist will prescribe sulfonylureas, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides or thiazolidinediones. It is often necessary to take several medications with strict adherence to dosage and monitoring of blood sugar levels. The listed drugs help improve insulin production by the pancreas, stimulate tissue sensitivity to glucose and reduce glucose intake from food;
- Inject insulin by injection. Endocrinologists prescribe this treatment for all patients with type 1 diabetes and for patients with type 2 diabetes if blood sugar-lowering medications are ineffective or contraindicated. Insulin therapy is also indicated for pregnant women with gestational diabetes. First of all, the endocrinologist prescribes injections of long-acting insulin - this drug must be taken once a day, regardless of nutrition. Rapid-acting insulin preparations are used in hospitals to treat complex forms of diabetes and sharp increases in blood sugar. The doctor explains the rules for using injections and the required dosage. The consultation also explains the importance of regularly monitoring blood sugar levels with a glucometer.
The endocrinologist chooses an individual treatment regimen and also adjusts drug dosages and prescriptions during treatment. Repeated consultations allow you to solve problems related to complications of the disease and side effects of drugs. In addition, the specialist must show how to take the drug and explain all the rules of treatment.
Prevent diabetes
Every year, diabetes is diagnosed more and more often. Medical advice will help prevent the development of this disease.
Main prevention methods:
- Normalization of body weight and moderate physical activity;
- Timely treatment of pancreatic diseases;
- A healthy diet includes consuming enough vegetables and fruits.
Questions and answers
How does diabetes diagnosis begin?
To determine the pathology, blood must first be taken to determine blood sugar levels. If there are discrepancies, your doctor will order additional tests.
How to prevent complications of diabetes?
Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding diet and medication. The main criterion is normal blood glucose concentration.