Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is classified as a metabolism disorder. Metabolism refers to the way the body uses food for energy and growth.

Food is broken down into glucose, a form of sugar in the blood that is the principal source of fuel for the body. Cells use glucose for energy and growth but it cannot enter the cells without insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. After eating, the pancreas releases insulin to divert the glucose in the blood to the cells, in the process lowering the blood sugar level.

Someone with diabetes has too much glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia), because the body either does not produce sufficient insulin, produces no insulin or the cells do not respond properly to the insulin the pancreas produces.

This results in too much glucose building up in the bloodstream, which eventually passes out of the body in the urine. So, even if the blood has glucose, the cells are not getting it for their energy and growth requirements.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes was previously known as a juvenile-onset disorder. The cause is an auto-immune reaction in which the body’s defences attack the cells that produce insulin.

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes produce very little or no insulin. The disease can affect people of all ages but usually develops among children or young adults.

People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections daily to control the glucose levels in their blood.

Common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, irritability and blurred vision.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes was previously referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes.

It is characterised by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, either or both of which could be present at the time diabetes is diagnosed.

Type 2 diabetes can affect people of all ages and can remain undetected for years. A diagnosis is often made when complications occur or during a routine blood or urine glucose test.

Type 2 diabetes can be associated with being overweight or obese, which can cause insulin resistance and lead to high blood glucose levels.

It can often be managed initially with diet and exercise, but most patients will eventually require oral drugs and insulin.

Common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or frequent infections.

Gestational diabetes

Women who have never had diabetes but develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy could have gestational diabetes.

It is caused when the body is unable to produce and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes generally occurs around the 20th to 24th week of the pregnancy. There are no noticeable signs or symptoms.

Treatment of diabetes

All types of diabetes can be treated. The treatment for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is generally lifelong as there is no cure.

The treatment for Type 1 diabetes is mainly insulin injections combined with diet and exercise. Treating Type 2 diabetes begins with oral medication and sometimes injectable non-insulin medication along with diet and exercise.

Without any treatment, individuals will have a significantly higher risk of developing complications such as ketoacidosis, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and nonketotic hyperosmolar coma. Longer-term complications include cardiovascular disease, retinal damage, chronic kidney failure, nerve damage, poor healing of wounds, gangrene and erectile dysfunction.

Maintaining blood sugar levels

Start measuring the following daily:

• Blood glucose level before the first meal (fasting glucose).
• Blood glucose level before each meal.
• The total digestible carbohydrate content of the food each time after eating (exclude fibre).
• Blood glucose level one hour after eating.
• Blood glucose level two hours after eating.

Manage carbohydrate intake to keep blood sugar as low as possible, ideally at non-diabetic levels:

• Fasting (before the first meal of the day): under 100mg/dL
• One hour after a meal: under 140mg/dL
• Two hours after a meal: under 120mg/dL

If meals under 102 g of carbohydrates are causing the patient to exceed these levels, consult the doctor.

How often should blood sugar levels be checked

Depending on the level of control, a highly intensive schedule may include:

• On waking (including short naps).
• Before going to sleep (including short naps).
• Before a meal.
• Two hours after a meal.
• When feeling unwell.
• Before any prolonged exercise.
• When suspecting hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
• Before driving/operating a vehicle.

This means it could be necessary to measure blood sugar levels as often as seven times a day.

This article first appeared in jobstore.com

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