Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness and autoimmune disorder. Blood glucose levels are increased in diabetes mellitus due to abnormal insulin regulation. It causes symptoms such as increased thirst, hunger, and frequent urination.
Types of Diabetes Mellitus
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: In this condition, insulin hormone levels are inadequate due to the destruction of pancreatic cells, which are responsible for producing insulin in the body. These pancreatic cells are called insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Despite normal insulin levels, the body cannot utilise the available insulin when insulin receptors are malfunctioning, resulting in elevated sugar levels.
- Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: It is present during pregnancy and resolves after the pregnancy with diet management and treatment.
- Other Types: Other types of diabetes include Diabetes insipidus, Neonatal Diabetes, and Secondary diabetes, among others.
Causes and Risk Factors of Diabetes Mellitus
- Autoimmune Response – Where the body’s immune cells mistakenly destroy healthy cells.
- Genetic predisposition – Genetic and family History.
- Environmental triggers – Pollution, Infections.
- Overweight and Obesity
- Unhealthy diet and lifestyle
- Insulin resistance
- Underlying diseases like Cancer, tumours, and Autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
- Increased Hunger, even after the person has enough
- Increased Thirst
- Increased urinations
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue and weakness
- Non-healing wounds
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Due to chronic hyperglycemia, diabetes impacts organ systems, blood vessels, and nerves.
It causes:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Kidney Failure
- Diabetic Retinopathy/ Vision Impairment
- Hearing loss
- Alcohol and smoking
Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
- Diabetes is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure blood glucose levels.
- Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Glucose Tests
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
- HBA1C
Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
- Oral Medications
- Insulin therapy
- Diet and lifestyle changes
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Diabetic Patients
- Diet plays a vital role in managing diabetes. A person must follow the Diet guidelines given by a Doctor as per their calorie requirement. A diabetic patient must eat a balanced diet including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
- Eat meals on time
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Do mild to moderate exercises
- Yoga
- Do not skip the doses of medications
- Do not fast
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and sugars
- Get adequate sleep
- Eat Food with a Low Glycemic Index.
Low glycemic foods (<55) are recommended for diabetic patients.
The glycemic index indicates the blood glucose level of a food two hours after consumption. The glycemic index is a numerical value ranging from 0 to 100 assigned to a food.
Vegetables | Fruits | Grains | Dairy & Other |
Sweet potatoes
Cooked carrots
Spinach
Tomatoes
Cucumber
Mushrooms
Cabbage
Eggplant
Onion
| Oranges
Apples
Strawberries
Grapefruit
Blueberries
Pear
Cherries
Peach | Indian Basmati rice
Black rice or Wild rice
Oats
Buckwheat
Barley
Lentils
Kidney beans | Milk
Skimmed milk
Yoghurt
Dark Chocolate
Walnut
Peanuts |
Diabetic mellitus is a complex condition that requires early diagnosis, proper treatment, and effective diet management. Consult a doctor as soon as you experience symptoms such as increased frequency of urination, excessive thirst, and increased hunger. Regular annual health checkups are also recommended to assess your health.