What is Diabetes Mellitus?
The main energy source for cells is Glucose, which the cells absorb from the blood with the help of the hormone Insulin. In Diabetes Mellitus, this process does not work properly.
BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION:
During digestion food is broken down to provide substances that cells can use to fuel and repair themselves. The main source of fuel is glucose, which is carried in the bloodstream to cells. Any excess is stored in the liver, muscle cells, and fat cells. The body needs to keep the blood glucose level steady. If it is too low, cells will not have enough glucose for their energy needs. If it is too high, there is a risk of autoimmune disease and pancreatitis. If the blood glucose level is too low, alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans ( group of pancreatic cells secreting insulin and glucagon )secrete glucagon, which stimulates the release of stored glucose. If the level is too high, beta cells in the islets secrete insulin, which reduces the level.
Alpha and Beta cells are two endocrine cells which are necessary to maintain blood-glucose homeostasis.
-Alpha cells are responsible for releasing of glucagon and elevates ( increases) blood glucose level.
-Beta cells are responsible for the production of insulin which lowers the blood glucose level.
DAMAGED BETA CELLS:
If the beta cells are damaged, they cannot produce insulin. As a result, body cells cannot take up glucose, and blood glucose levels rise too high. The lack of insulin allows the alpha cells to produce more glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels still further.
Types:
There are two types of Diabetes mellitus
Type 1
Type 2
Type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the immune system misidentifies beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas as foreign and destroys them. The cause is unknown, but the disease may be triggered by a viral infection or inflammation in the pancreas. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence.
Causes
Obesity
BMI is more than 25.
Family history
Hypertension
Symptoms
Thirst, dry mouth
Frequent urination
Hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Weight loss
Treatment
Insulin injections
Both Insulin and Glucagon are released by Pancreas. When blood sugar rises, insulin is released. Insulin carries glucose to all over the body to be used or stored as glycogen. When blood sugar level drops, insulin level also drops. Pancreas releases Glucagon which triggers liver to dump glucose into bloodstream, which raises blood glucose level.
Note: If it remains untreated, the disorder can cause ketoacidosis, in which toxic chemicals called ketones build up in the blood. Affected people need urgent medical attention; otherwise they can fall into a coma.
Type 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas secretes insulin, but the body cells are unable to respond to it. This form of diabetes is often associated with obesity and is a growing problem in affluent societies. The disorder develops slowly.
Symptoms
Thirst
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Prevention:
The condition can be cured by switching to a healthy diet, practicing yoga and exercise.
However, in some cases, drugs are given to boost insulin production or help the cell absorb glucose.
Note: Since this disorder grows slowly, so in some cases diabetes goes unnoticed
As a result, complications may arise. Persistent high glucose levels can cause damage to small blood vessels around the body. People with high diabetes are also prone to high cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis.
Effects of Diabetes:
Small vessel disease Vessel walls thicken and restrict oxygen supply to tissues .
Coronary artery disease Caused by atherosclerosis; is more likely, and develops at an earlier age, in people with diabetes
Nephropathy Damage to tiny vessels in kidneys leads to kidney failure.
Foot problems Poor circulation and loss of feeling leads to skin ulcers and gangrene
Neuropathy Poor circulation to nerves results in nerve damage
Comments