Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects people globally. It is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, either because the body is not able to produce enough insulin or because cells do not respond to insulin. According to researched data, normal blood glucose levels during fasting should be between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL, and after meals, they should be between 140mg/dL and 180mg/dL.
Diabetes Mellitus occurs when there is insufficient insulin production to complete the body’s needs, or our cells do not respond towards the present insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels, causing Diabetes. In some pregnancy cases, women experience an increase in blood sugar levels, which is known as gestational Diabetes.
TYPES OF DIABETES MELLITUS
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is characterized by an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system starts attacking insulin-producing beta Cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) occurs when our body cells do not respond effectively to insulin. It develops gradually and is primarily associated with factors such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and improper diet.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
It occurs in women during pregnancy tenure and usually gets resolved after a child’s birth. However, these women have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) later in their life, and their children are also at increased risk of developing diabetes later in life.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has many risk factors, and according to conducted research, it is estimated that by 2050, the number of DM cases will increase by up to 43 million in the United States. The factors associated with the development of Diabetes include;
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Improper diet
- High sugar intake
- Obesity
- Family history, genes, race, and ethnicity play a crucial role in the development of DM.
COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETES MELLITUS
As Diabetes is associated with increased blood sugar levels, a prolonged increase in blood sugar levels can damage our blood vessels and cells’ normal physiology, causing an increased risk of other chronic disorders and complications associated with Diabetes. The complications related to Diabetes affect various organs and tissues. The following are the complications associated with diabetes mellitus;
- Diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy
- Heart disease
- Renal impairment
- Foot damage
- Stroke
- Erectile dysfunctioning
- Inflammation
MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS
On the severity of the increasing prevalence of Diabetes in North America, there is a need of hour to incorporate Diabetes mellitus-related lifestyle modification to minimize the risk of developing diabetes or to slow down the progression of the disease.
The management of Diabetes involves routine checkups, lifestyle modification, blood sugar level monitoring, and preventive measures to avoid complications. The following are some interventions related to Diabetes;
Routine checkup
It is important to have a quarterly or yearly physical examination to ensure that the body is working in a normal physiological cycle.
Lifestyle modifications
Lifestyle modifications involve the following;
- Proper Diet
We must encourage a balanced fiber, vitamins, minerals, and proteins diet. We should also strictly monitor our calorie and sugar intake.
Note: Diabetic patients have to limit processed food intake strictly.
- Physical Activity
We should aim for at least 30-40 minutes of walking daily, along with muscle-strengthening activities or yoga twice a week.
- Weight management
Weight management is an important aspect of health management. For diabetic and pre-diabetic patients, weight management is important to slow down disease progression.
- Smoking cessation and Alcohol intake
It is essential to withdraw alcohol intake and cease smoking when it comes to lifestyle modification.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring
For diabetic patients, it is important to monitor their daily blood sugar level using a glucometer, and healthy individuals must run a laboratory examination quarterly or yearly to monitor their blood sugar level.
EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
The government and health care providers must educate individuals and their families about diabetes and its impact on quality of life. We should also inform individuals about diet plans, daily activities, blood sugar management, and medication management.
Support programs should also exist, including Diabetes self-management education programs, support groups, counseling, and access to diabetes educators and healthcare providers.
By implementing these interventions, individuals with diabetes can better manage their condition, reduce the risk of complications, and improve their overall quality of life. Personalized care plans tailored to individual needs and preferences are essential for optimizing diabetes management and promoting long-term health outcomes.
