Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which there is too much glucose in the blood due to the absence of insulin or inability to utilize insulin. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas that helps in the regulation of blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetics lack insulin while type 2 diabetics produce insulin, but the body is unable to respond to the insulin. Diabetes can be managed with proper diet and medications.
Diabetes Mellitus and Diet
Doctors recommend patients with diabetes to consume healthy balanced diets rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables, according to MayoClinic. Complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, whole wheat cereals and brown rice help control the levels of blood glucose because they are digested slowly. Simple carbohydrates such as table sugar and candies should be limited because they cause sudden increase and decrease in blood glucose levels. Intake of saturated fats such as butter, margarine and fatty meat should be avoided. Alcohol should also be used in moderation.
Diabetes Mellitus Treatment
Type 1 diabetics do not produce insulin and are treated using man-made insulin administered via injections or insulin pumps. Type 2 diabetics are treated mainly using oral antidiabetic medications such as glucophage. Oral medication stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin. Some type 2 diabetics may require insulin. Blood sugar monitoring and carbohydrate counting should be done regularly in diabetic patients so as to prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Diabetic patients should also exercise regularly because exercise lowers blood glucose levels by increasing transport of glucose into body cells, where it is used as a source of energy.
Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms
The main symptoms of diabetes mellitus are extreme hunger, increased thirst, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms are caused by high levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetics experience hunger even after eating because of lack of insulin to help body cells utilize the insulin. As blood glucose levels rise, patients urinate more often, leading to increased thirst. Other symptoms of diabetes include blurred vision, fatigue, slow-healing sores and frequent infections, such as vaginal and bladder infections.
Diabetes Mellitus Complications
Patients with diabetes may experience several complications. Poor control of blood glucose levels leads to more severe complications. Patients experience nerve damage because excess blood glucose injures tiny blood vessels that nourish the nerves. Diabetics also experience kidney damage and eye damage due to destruction of vessels that transport blood to the kidneys and eyes. Diabetics are at increased risk for fungal infections and bacterial infections. Diabetes also leads to increased risk for cardiovascular problems such as coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack and stroke.
