Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. Proper management is crucial to prevent complications. The main types are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections

• Type 1: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The cause is unknown.
• Type 2: Development of insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t use insulin properly, often combined with relative insulin deficiency.
• Risk Factors (Type 2): Family history, obesity, physical inactivity, age, prediabetes, history of gestational diabetes.

• Fasting Plasma Glucose test
• HbA1c test (average blood sugar over 2-3 months)
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Lifestyle modifications: Healthy diet, regular physical activity.

Medications:

•  Type 1: Lifelong insulin therapy (injections or pump).
•  Type 2: Oral medications (e.g., metformin), injectable medications (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists), and often insulin.

Medical interventions: Regular blood sugar monitoring, foot care, and annual screening for complications (eye, kidney exams).

• Care recommendations: Adherence to medication, regular monitoring, and follow-up with a healthcare team.
• Prevention (Type 2): Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity can prevent or delay its onset.