Diabetes mellitus is a disease condition due to the inability of the body to make use of Insulin- a hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism. Diabetes mellitus is a common disease but unfortunately, many victims may not be aware of the condition. Diabetes can leads to serious complications.
Causes of Diabetes mellitus
The exact causes is unknown but heredity may play an important role in the development of Diabetes. Individuals whose parents have diabetes are more likely to be Diabetics. This fact does not necessarily mean that, children of Diabetic patient will have the disease. Some other factors are known to predispose a person to developing the disease and they include: Excessive weight gain (obesity), smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, lack of exercise. Etc
Types of Diabetes mellitus
1. Type 1 (insulin dependent): results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, and the patient need daily injection of insulin.
2. Type 2 (non insulin dependent): results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly. In this case there is sufficient insulin but it is not effective in facilitating the entery or up take of glucose into the cells for energy production. Some drugs are taken orally to aid the utilization of glucose by the cells.
Signs and Symptoms
* Excessive thirst
* Sexual weakness
* Numbness
* Burning sensation in the limbs
* In woman, history of delivery of very large babies, still birth and abortion.
Complications of Diabetes mellitus
1. The kidney- causing kidney failure and Hypertension
2. The Eyes- causing poor vision including Cataracts
3. The Heart- causing heart attack
4. The Nerves- causing pain, loss of feeling in the legs.
Management of Diabetes mellitus
Weight reduction activities.
Strict compliance to drugs management.
Follow advice strictly on diet.
Strict compliance to appointment with medical Practitioner.
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