Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine pathology that develops in people with insulin resistance and pancreatic dysfunction. Accompanied by persistent hyperglycemia. The patient is constantly thirsty, complaining of frequent emptying of the bladder. The disease is based on insulin deficiency itself against the background of increased glucose levels. With a background of diabetes, appetite is often disturbed, general well -being deteriorates, wounds and ulcers do not heal well. The disease is chronic, characterized by continuous progression. Lack of therapy is fraught with stroke, renal failure, heart attack, significant decrease in visual acuity. Sudden fluctuations in blood sugar can cause hyper or hypoglycemic coma.
symptoms
Diabetes mellitus develops gradually, in the early stages there may be no specific symptoms. Often, violations are detected by chance, during the next scheduled inspection.
The development of the disease leads to complaints:
- thirst and dry mouth
- insomnia
- cramps in the lower legs
- itching of the skin
- disability
- decreased emotional lability
- frequent and frequent urination
- increased appetite
- dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, which are fraught with cracks, ulcerative lesions
- decreased visual acuity.
The process of regeneration slows down: wounds, ulcers, wounds heal for a long time. Sensitivity in the legs is reduced, until complete numbness. The development of obesity is possible. As the disease spreads, hair on the legs begins to fall out, while facial skin hair may increase. Xanthomas form on the body - a small yellow formation.
The genitourinary system often suffers from: vulvovaginitis is often diagnosed in women, and balanoposthitis in women. Metabolic processes are disrupted, defenses are reduced, the body becomes less resistant to infectious lesions. Prolonged lack of medical care can lead to osteoporosis. This is accompanied by complaints of pain in the joints and spine, deformation of the bones and violation of their integrity.
cause
Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by tissue insulin resistance. This means they become less sensitive to the effects of insulin. At the same time, insulin levels in blood plasma often remain in the normal range, and sugar levels increase significantly. The disease is often diagnosed in patients of older age groups.
Among the predisposing factors that cause violations, there are:
- hereditary tendencies
- dietary errors
- heart disease
- chronic stress
- adrenal cortex insufficiency
- overweight
Diabetes can develop against the background of prolonged use of certain groups of drugs.
insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a pathological condition that underlies the mechanism of development of diabetes mellitus. In the body, tissue sensitivity to the action of insulin decreases. There may be no specific symptoms. Violations are accompanied by overweight, increased blood pressure.
In patients, the development of fatty liver hepatosis is observed, areas of hyperpigmentation may form on the skin: black acanthosis. To identify violations, it is necessary to take blood tests for glucose, insulin, check the HOMA index. The basis of therapy is dietary correction, moderate physical activity.
Overweight
People who are overweight are at risk: adipose tissue blocks the susceptibility of tissues to the effects of insulin. This is one of the main factors leading to the development of this disease. Overweight is detected by more than 89% with diabetes. The causes of such violations may be maintaining an inactive lifestyle, hereditary tendencies, metabolic disorders. Medical correction is required, study of the psychological state, selection of appropriate diet.
Tumor of the pancreas
Pancreatic tumors can trigger diabetes in people of different age groups. Usually, these neoplasms are benign and do not cause specific symptoms until they become large. The lack of timely therapy is fraught with the transformation of benign tumors into malignant ones. At the same time, symptoms of general intoxication appear, compression of the surrounding organs is observed, vessels and nerve endings suffer.
To confirm the diagnosis, the following diagnostic studies are involved:
- tumor markers
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- puncture
- biopsy
The treatment protocol was chosen individually. In most cases, surgery is indicated. With the severity of the pathological process, a course of chemotherapy and radiation treatment is also prescribed.
Sedentary lifestyle
With a lack of motor activity, mitochondria, the energy stations of every cell in the body, suffer. These involve disturbances in the function of internal organs, mood swings, and a tendency to depression. Many diabetics tend to seize stress, rarely going to sports. Even 15 minutes of exercise per day can activate metabolic processes, increase cell susceptibility to insulin and reduce the risk of diabetes. If it is not possible to practice every day, climbing in the fresh air at a fast pace is indicated. It is recommended to walk and spend fresh air for at least half an hour a day.
Heart disease
Under the influence of cardiovascular disease, tissue sensitivity to insulin decreases and the risk of diabetes mellitus increases.
The greatest caution should be exercised by persons who have been diagnosed with the disorder:
- atherosclerosis
- arterial hypertension
- coronary artery disease.
IHD is a myocardial lesion that occurs when there is insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. It is the most common cause of death, exceeding 75%. Often observed in patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypodynamia, obesity, as well as smokers. It is important to treat the cause of the disease in a timely manner, regularly checked by a cardiologist.
Improper nutrition
An important factor is the diet of diabetics. They are prone to overeating, while suffering from nutrient deficiencies. They often lack essential ingredients such as:
- minerals include chromium, selenium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper
- unsaturated fatty acids - healthy fats found in wild fish, ghee, quality cold pressed vegetable oils
- proteins, which are the building blocks for new cells and tissues
- fat soluble substances: vitamins A, E, D.
The diet is often dominated by simple carbohydrates and sugars, which negatively affect the intestinal microflora, reducing the protective properties of the body. If excessive amounts of sugar and carbohydrates enter the body, this causes a surge of glucose and burdens the pancreas.
Endocrine diseases
Diabetes mellitus can develop against a background of endocrine diseases:
- pancreatitis
- pituitary failure
- hypothyroidism
- hyperthyroidism
- thyrotoxicosis
- adrenal gland dysfunction.
In this case, it requires a complex effect on the root cause, which gives rise to diabetes. Patients are often given hormone medications: course or on a regular basis. It is also important to eliminate sources of stress, normalize sleep. It is important to ensure adequate intake of iodine, selenium, zinc and iron to ensure the normal function of the endocrine glands.
Contagious disease
Manifestations of diabetes mellitus are often observed with long -term progressive infectious diseases:
- herpes
- hepatitis virus
- herpes
Chronic infections weaken the body’s defenses, making it more susceptible to other diseases. The main manifestation of hepatitis can be a symptom of a viral disease. In this case, it is important to work with the main cause - the source of infection and reduce the viral load on the body. To do this, use antiviral drugs, immunostimulants, medications for symptom correction.
Medications
Certain groups of drugs can also trigger the manifestations of diabetes in the elderly or middle -aged.
Risk groups include people who take:
- synthetic corticosteroids
- diuretic drugs
- cytostatic
Medication should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. If medications cause insulin resistance with an increased risk of diabetes, it is advisable to reconsider the appointment, adjust the dose, and choose alternative ways to replace it. It is not possible to prescribe or stop taking the medication yourself, as this can exacerbate the course of the underlying disease, for the recommended treatment of the described medications.
Chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex
Adrenal insufficiency often leads to the development of diabetes. It occurs in patients with insufficient secretion of adrenal gland hormones. Characteristic symptoms: bronze pigmentation on the skin, mucous membranes, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, impaired consciousness. Accompanied by water and electrolyte disturbances, dysfunction of the cardiovascular system. Treatment is carried out in a complex way: the main cause is eliminated, corticosteroids, symptomatic medications are used.
Possible Complications
Lack of timely treatment of diabetes mellitus is fraught with complications such as:
- Diabetic angiopathy - increased vascular permeability, increased risk of thrombosis, cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetic foot - occurs against the background of circulatory disorders in the lower part of the foot.
- Trophic ulcer in the lower leg.
- Diabetic polyneuropathy, a condition that affects peripheral nerves, occurs in more than 70% of diabetic patients. Over time, polyneuropathy can turn into neuropathy. These complications are rare, but require timely high -quality medical care.
- Diabetic nephropathy, in which it affects the blood supply to the renal vessels and increases the chances of developing kidney failure.
- Diabetic coma is the most dangerous complication that is fraught with death.
Hyperglycemia occurs when there is a significant increase in blood glucose. This is accompanied by weakness, general lethargy, loss of appetite, headache. If appropriate measures are not taken, the patient begins to feel pain, vomiting has the smell of acetone. Relieves stomach pain, lowers blood pressure. To avoid dangerous complications, it is important to start insulin resistance / diabetes mellitus treatment on time and constantly monitor blood glucose levels. It is impossible to choose medications on their own, as they may not have the right therapeutic results and trigger complications.
Which doctor to contact
At the first symptoms of diabetes, it is recommended to consult an endocrinologist. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis using laboratory and instrumental techniques, will determine the stage of development of the disorder. In the future, consultation of other doctors may be required: cardiologist, nutritionist, oncologist, gynecologist. It is important to follow all doctor’s instructions and refrain from self-medication.
Diagnostics
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis:
- blood glucose on an empty stomach
- body ketones and sugars in the urine
- glycosylated hemoglobin
- C-peptide
- insulin
- glucose tolerance test.
To determine the sugar in the urine, a special test strip is used. For timely detection of complications of diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to conduct ultrasound examination of the kidneys, rheovasography of the legs, as well as check the state of structure and function of the brain.
Treatment
The treatment protocol was selected for each patient individually. At the same time, age, chronic disease, somatic equivalents are taken into account. Therapy is carried out for life, the patient must be under the constant supervision of an endocrinologist. In the first stage, they review the diet, reducing the amount of food.
The optimum is twice a day, without snacks. Breakfast with healthy fats, proteins, carbohydrates can be obtained from vegetables. Bread products, sugar sources and other simple carbohydrates are completely eliminated from the diet. The portions are small, giving satiety due to the balanced composition and the presence of fat.
Medication correction involves the use of these groups of drugs:
- hypoglycemic agents
- drugs to restore blood circulation and microcirculation
- medication for high blood pressure (if indicated)
Treatment regimens are selected individually and are often supplemented with vitamin-mineral complexes, amino acids: taurine, glycine. Medication will not help eliminate the problem completely. Patients are required to have a responsible attitude towards lifestyle corrections and compliance with all physician recommendations.
Diabetic patients are shown moderate physical activity. This prevents further development of pathological processes and the development of complications. Recommended daily walking, yoga, swimming, gymnastics, breathing exercises. The best option - a class under the supervision of an instructor. The amount of load is recommended to be discussed with the doctor in advance.
Prevention
To prevent diabetes, it is important to monitor diet, normalize weight, eliminate sources of stress, restore the way you work, rest, and sleep. It is important to review the diet, include healthy amounts of fat, fiber, and cut down on adequate simple carbohydrates. It is important to restore sleep: sleep no later than 23: 00, sleep in a dark and cold room.
Particular attention is given to physical activity: daily walking in the fresh air, running, brisk walking, swimming, and any type of physical activity that is appropriate and feasible. Physical inactivity is unacceptable and can exacerbate the course of insulin resistance. Useful breathing practices: pranayama, Buteyko breathing, to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the tissues.
The public and risk groups are advised to monitor indicators of glucose and hemoglobin glycosylation, insulin. At the first sign of a violation, refuse self -treatment and turn to an experienced endocrinologist.
The prognosis for patients who immediately seek medical help and review their lifestyle is mostly favorable. They can live long and quality life without facing the complications of dangerous diseases. Lack of therapy leads to reduced life expectancy and developing acute/chronic complications.