Darrick Robles Diabetes mellitus (popularly also known as “sugar disease”) is caused by an elevated blood sugar level, which the body cannot lower on its own. Glucose (or dextrose) is the main source of energy for our cells. The pancreas produces the hormone “insulin”, which helps to bring glucose into the cells to provide the energy they need. If this mechanism is disrupted, the sugar circulates in the blood and can no longer reach our body cells. This chronic metabolic disorder is called diabetes mellitus. There are currently around 9.5 million people in Germany who suffer from diabetes.
Definition
Based on the past cause of the disturbed sugar metabolism, diabetes can be divided into several types:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus: In this type of diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin. Therefore, those affected are dependent on regular insulin administration.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus: In type 2 diabetes, there is either a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. This means that the pancreas does not release a sufficient amount of insulin or the body cells do not react adequately to the insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes and is usually associated with obesity.
- Gestational (pregnancy) diabetes: A type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy and often resolves after childbirth.
- Other specific types of diabetes mellitus (sometimes also called type 3 diabetes) are relatively rare. They are based on various genetic defects or are triggered by certain medications or diseases.
Symptoms of diabetes mellitus
The early stages of diabetes often show no symptoms. Therefore, the disease is only noticed late in those affected. However, the following signs may appear over time:
- Increased thirst or hunger
- Increased urination
- unwanted weight loss
- fatigue
- Dry skin
- itching
- visual disturbances
- Recurring fungal infections and much more
Causes of diabetes mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus: The immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces insufficient amounts or, in advanced stages, no more insulin.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, genetic and ethnic factors play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and can lead to insulin deficiency or insulin resistance.
duration of the complaints
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is often difficult or impossible to cure. A change in diet, sufficient physical activity and well-controlled blood sugar levels often lead to few complications.
diabetes in pregnancy
During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, the placenta (placenta) produces hormones that promote insulin resistance in the body. As a result, there is a higher insulin requirement. The pancreas responds by releasing more insulin. If the body can no longer overcome the newly developed insulin resistance through increased insulin release, those affected develop diabetes. Obesity and genetic factors can also lead to diabetes. Normally, diabetes disappears after birth.
How can a doctor diagnose diabetes?
The doctor takes a detailed medical history, which includes, among other things, the type and duration of the symptoms and the risk factors (lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, diabetes in the family, previous illnesses). In order to secure the diagnosis, laboratory tests should be carried out to detect elevated blood sugar levels.
When do I have to see the doctor?
If you experience one or more of the symptoms listed above, or suspect you may have diabetes, you should contact a doctor.
What helps with diabetes?
A normal blood sugar control should be aimed at. The blood sugar levels to be observed should be determined individually after consultation with a doctor.
Weight reduction, a change in diet and physical activity are the most important therapeutic approaches for diabetes. With the help of these measures, the blood sugar levels can often be brought back to normal and complications such as e.g. B. prevent heart disease.
In the event of insufficient blood sugar control, depending on the type of diabetes, permanent insulin therapy (especially in type 1) or drug therapy using antidiabetics (tablets, only in non-type 1) should be administered.
diet in diabetes
Diet for diabetes should be regular and small meals to avoid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. In addition, slowly absorbable carbohydrates rich in fiber (e.g. whole grain products, fruit, vegetables, lentils, nuts) are recommended. The consumption of fried foods, pastries, ice cream and sweetened drinks (e.g. cola, juice) should be restricted.
How Med-Healths can help with diabetes
If you have questions about treatment and prevention options for diabetes or need further information about diet measures, common complications, new therapy options and diabetes management, you can discuss your concerns with a doctor via a Med-Healths video consultation.
If necessary, the doctor can issue you with a certificate of incapacity for work or a referral to a specialist.
Danger! If you suffer from diabetes and have very high or low values and symptoms, you should call the emergency services!
