Disease diabetes mellitus signs and treatment. Diabetes

Date: 04.11.2019

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the endocrine system that occurs due to a lack of insulin and is characterized by metabolic disorders and, in particular, the metabolism of carbohydrates. In diabetes mellitus, the pancreas loses its ability to secrete the required amount of insulin or produce insulin of the required quality.

The name "diabetes mellitus", according to the 1985 decree of the World Health Organization, is the name of a whole list of diseases that have common features: due to various factors, the owner of any of these diseases raises the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Diabetes is a rarely diagnosed disease.

There are a number factors that predispose to the onset of diabetes mellitus. In the first place is hereditary predisposition; the second leading cause of diabetes is obesity; the third reason is some diseases that result in damage to beta cells that produce insulin (these are diseases of the pancreas - pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, diseases of other endocrine glands). The fourth reason is a variety of viral infections (rubella, chickenpox, epidemic hepatitis and some other diseases, including influenza); in fifth place is nervous stress as a predisposing factor; in sixth place among risk factors - age. The older a person is, the more reason he has to fear diabetes. It is believed that for every ten years, the likelihood of developing diabetes doubles.

In rare cases, some hormonal disorders lead to diabetes, sometimes diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas, which occurs after the use of certain drugs or as a result of prolonged alcohol abuse.

Depending on the reasons for the rise in blood glucose, diabetes mellitus is divided into two main groups: type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus- insulin dependent. It is associated with damage to the pancreas, absolute insufficiency of its own insulin, and requires the introduction of insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs at a young age (this form of diabetes mainly affects young people under the age of 30).

Type 2 diabetes- non-insulin dependent, occurs due to the relative lack of insulin. In the early stages of the disease, insulin administration is usually not required. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease of mature age (it mainly affects the elderly). In such patients, insulin is produced, and by following a diet, leading an active lifestyle, these people can achieve that for a long time the sugar level will be normal, and complications can be safely avoided. Treatment of this type of diabetes can be limited only by taking pills, however, in some patients, over time, it becomes necessary to prescribe additional insulin. This is not a mild form of diabetes, as previously thought, since it is type 2 diabetes that is one of the main risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction), hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

Symptoms

There is a complex of symptoms characteristic of both types of diabetes mellitus: frequent urination and a feeling of unquenchable thirst; rapid weight loss, often with good appetite; feeling weak or tired; fast fatiguability; blurred vision ("white veil" before the eyes); decrease in sexual activity, potency; numbness and tingling in the limbs; feeling of heaviness in the legs; dizziness; protracted course of infectious diseases; slow wound healing; drop in body temperature below average; cramps of the calf muscles.

There are cases when a chronic increase in blood sugar for some time may not have such manifestations typical for diabetes as thirst or a significant increase in the daily amount of urine. And only over time, patients pay attention to general weakness, constantly bad mood, itching, more frequent pustular skin lesions, progressive weight loss.

The onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by a rapid deterioration in well-being and more pronounced symptoms of dehydration. Such patients require urgent prescription of insulin preparations. Without proper treatment, a life-threatening condition called diabetic coma can occur. For type 2 diabetes, in almost all cases, weight loss and significant physical activity can prevent the progression of diabetes and normalize blood sugar levels.

In order to install diagnosis diabetes mellitus, it is necessary to determine the level of blood sugar. If the fasting blood sugar level is less than 7.0 mmol / l, but more than 5.6 mmol / l, a glucose tolerance test should be performed to clarify the state of carbohydrate metabolism. The procedure for this test is as follows: after determining the fasting blood sugar (fasting period of at least 10 hours), you need to take 75 g of glucose. The next blood sugar measurement is made 2 hours later. If the blood sugar level is more than 11.1, we can talk about the presence of diabetes mellitus. If the blood sugar level is less than 11.1 mmol / l, but more than 7.8 mmol / l, they speak of a violation of carbohydrate tolerance. If the blood sugar level is lower, the test should be repeated after 3-6 months.

Treatment depends on the type of diabetes. Type I diabetes should always be treated with insulin to compensate for its absence in the body. Type II diabetes can first be treated with a diet, and if this treatment is insufficient, pills are added (antidiabetic oral drugs, i.e. taken by mouth); as the disease progresses, the person switches to insulin therapy. In most countries of the modern world, the insulin needs of patients are completely covered by the preparations of genetically engineered human insulin. This is biosynthetic or recombinant human insulin and all dosage forms obtained on its basis. According to the International Diabetes Federation, at the end of 2004, more than 65% of countries around the world used only genetically engineered human insulins to treat diabetes patients.

Distinguish between short-acting drugs, medium-duration drugs and long-acting drugs. Along with them, insulin analogs with additional properties are also used. These include insulins of ultra-short-acting and long-acting (prolonged) action. Typically, these drugs are administered subcutaneously, but if necessary, intramuscularly or intravenously.

It is well established that diabetes cannot be contracted as one can contract the flu or tuberculosis. Diabetes is rightly referred to as a disease of civilization, that is, the cause of diabetes in many cases is excess, rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, "civilized" food.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is the fourth leading cause of premature death, and diabetes deaths are projected to rise by more than 50% over the next 10 years unless urgent action is taken.

Despite all the efforts of healthcare organizations and national programs adopted in many countries of the world to combat this disease, the number of patients with this diagnosis is constantly growing. The incidence of diabetes is increasing not only within the age group over 40, but more and more children and adolescents are among the sick. According to the International Diabetes Federation and WHO, there are currently more than 200 million people with diabetes in all countries of the world.

According to experts, by 2010 this figure will increase to 239.4 million, and by 2030 - up to 380 million. More than 90% of cases are attributable to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The indicated values may be strongly underestimated, since up to 50% of patients with diabetes mellitus today remain undiagnosed. These people do not receive any hypoglycemic therapy and maintain stable hyperglycemia, which creates favorable conditions for the development of vascular and other complications.

The total number of patients doubles every 10-15 years. On average, 4-5% of the world's population suffers from diabetes mellitus, in Russia - from 3 to 6%, in the United States - from 10 to 20%.

The incidence of diabetes mellitus in Russia today has come close to the epidemiological threshold. More than 2.3 million diabetics are registered in Russia (unofficial statistics call figures from 8.4 to 11.2 million), of which more than 750 thousand require daily insulin intake.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources

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Diabetes- This is a serious disease of the endocrine system, consisting in the absolute or relative insufficiency of the production of insulin, the hormone responsible for the absorption of glucose by the body. As a result of this disorder, glucose, which our body receives from carbohydrates, is not absorbed and accumulates in the blood. An excess amount of glucose leads to its appearance in the patient's urine (one of the main symptoms), metabolic disorders and other negative consequences, up to an extremely dangerous condition called diabetic coma.

Diabetic coma is expressed in the loss of consciousness by a person and occurs due to too high or too low amount of glucose in the blood. This condition is very dangerous to health and therefore people diagnosed with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar. Today it is not difficult to do this, since every diabetic has the opportunity to purchase special tests and periodically take measurements at home. This can be a blood glucose meter or a special urine sugar test strip.

Diabetes mellitus causes

What are the causes of diabetes mellitus? One of the reasons is an inherited predisposition. If a person has diabetics in the family, then he has a certain risk of also getting this disease, especially if he leads the wrong lifestyle. The reasons for the development of diabetes mellitus, even in those who do not have a predisposition to it, can be:

unhealthy diet and abuse of sweets;
stress and various psycho-emotional stress;
suffered a serious illness;
disruption of the liver;
lifestyle change;
excess weight;
hard work, etc.

Insulin-dependent or non-insulin-dependent diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is of two types: insulin-dependent (type I diabetes) and non-insulin dependent (type II diabetes). Symptoms of diabetes mellitus for both types are somewhat similar, but, due to various reasons for development, they differ. The main differences in symptoms are expressed in their intensity. With type I diabetes, the symptoms are more pronounced, but with type II diabetes, the patient may not even suspect that he is sick for several years.

Insulin-dependent diabetes manifests itself in the fact that the patient's body cannot produce insulin on its own and needs its constant administration. This disease is incurable, so insulin doses have to be artificially administered throughout life.

In the second type of diabetes, the required hormone is produced, but the body is insensitive to it. This is a more common form of the disease, and according to statistics, more than 85% of cases of the total number belong to it. This disease is also currently incurable completely, and its treatment is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease.

Insulin-dependent diabetes is called the disease of young people, as it mainly affects people under 30 years of age. But the second type of diabetes often comes to those over 40 years old. Moreover, most of these diabetics, even before the detection of the disease, have problems with excess weight.

What are the symptoms of diabetes mellitus?

The symptoms of diabetes mellitus can be divided into two groups:
1. The main symptoms.
2. Secondary symptoms.

The main symptoms are:
1. Polyuria. This problem manifests itself in the strengthening and frequency of urination. In the urine, glucose should not be detected, however, in case of disorders caused by diabetes, sugar is found in the urine. The patient may even need to go to the toilet at night. The thing is that excess sugar from the blood begins to go through the kidneys into the urine, which leads to an intense draw of water from the body. At the same time, diabetes mellitus in children shows the same symptoms: a child in the middle of the night can drink without waking up. If the child did not have problems with urination and suddenly suddenly began to urinate in bed, then it is worth carefully checking his health.

2. The first symptom gives rise to the second - polydipsia- intense, obsessive thirst, which is very difficult to quench. This thirst is caused by an imbalance in the body's water balance due to frequent urination. Patients often wake up in the middle of the night to drink a cup of water. Responsible for the constant desire to drink and dry mouth is the thirst center, which is activated by the diabetic's brain after the loss of 5% or more of moisture from the body. The brain insists on replenishing the disturbed water balance in the body.

3. The third symptom of diabetes mellitus is polyphagia... This is also a thirst, however, no longer for water, but for food. A person eats and at the same time feels not satiety, but filling the stomach with food, which then quickly enough turns into a new hunger.

4. Intense weight loss. This symptom is inherent mainly in type I diabetes (insulin-dependent) and often girls are happy with it at first. However, their joy passes when they find out the true cause of weight loss. It is worth noting that weight loss takes place against the background of increased appetite and abundant nutrition, which cannot but be alarming. Losing weight often leads to wasting.

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus - video

The type of diabetes is indicated by the intensity of the symptoms.

The listed symptoms can be in both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, however, in the first case, as mentioned earlier, the symptoms are more pronounced. It is also worth noting that pronounced signs of type I diabetes are observed if more than 80% of the cells responsible for insulin production have already died in the patient's body. Until this moment, the symptoms are less noticeable and the patient often simply does not pay attention to them, not even suspecting that the disease is progressing. Therefore, if at least one of the listed symptoms is detected, one should not postpone a visit to the doctor to identify or exclude diabetes. A characteristic feature of type I diabetes is that the patient can approximately or even accurately report when exactly he felt health problems.

The second type of diabetes sign is secondary symptoms.

Having a not very pronounced character, they often indicate the presence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, although they may be a consequence of type I diabetes.

The secondary symptoms of diabetes mellitus in men and women are almost completely identical. However, women may be bothered by such a symptom as itching of the mucous membranes of the genitals. Having discomfort in the groin, the woman suspects the presence of a genital infection and goes to the gynecologist. An experienced doctor will easily detect that there is no infection, and will poison the patient by checking blood and urine for sugar levels.

People who have discovered several symptoms of diabetes mellitus at once and suspect that they have this disease should not despair. Diabetes is not a death sentence. It's just a different lifestyle that imposes certain restrictions on a person in terms of nutrition and behavior. All diabetics gradually get used to the rules that are important for their health and well-being, after which they no longer seem uncomfortable.

Before use, you must consult a specialist.

What causes diabetes mellitus? The basis of the disease is a violation of the metabolism of carbohydrates and water. As a result, the function of the pancreas is reduced. It is this organ that is responsible for the production of a hormone called insulin.

Many people wonder what is insulin? After all, it is he who is used to treat diabetes mellitus.

The hormone insulin is involved in the production of sugar. In its absence, the body is unable to process sugar into glucose. As a result, the content of He is excreted from the body in large quantities in the urine.

In parallel with this process, a violation of water exchange is observed. The tissues are unable to retain water. As a result, its excess is excreted by the kidneys.

If a person has a high level of glucose in the blood, then this is the main sign that the body is affected by such an ailment as diabetes mellitus.

Insulin response to blood sugar

What is insulin and what is the pattern of its interaction with sugar? In the human body, the beta proteins of the pancreas are responsible for the production of the hormone. Insulin supplies the cells in the body with the right amount of sugar.

What kind of malfunction is observed in the body with a high sugar content? In this case, insulin is produced in the body insufficiently, the sugar level is increased, but the cells suffer from a lack of glucose supply.

So, diabetes. What is it in simple terms? The basis of the disease is a violation of metabolic processes in the body. The disease can be either hereditary or acquired.

From a lack of insulin, the skin is affected by small abscesses, the condition of the gums and teeth worsens, atherosclerotic plaques, angina pectoris develop, blood pressure rises, kidney function is inhibited, functional disorders of the nervous system are noted, vision decreases.

Etiology of the disease

What causes diabetes mellitus, what provokes it? The pathogenesis of this disease depends on the type of disease. There are two main types that are very different. Although in modern endocrinology such a division is conditional, the type of disease still matters when choosing a therapy. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the features of each species separately and highlight their key characteristics.

In any case, the occurrence of which lies in a violation of carbohydrate metabolism and a constant increase in blood glucose, is a serious illness. Increased blood sugar is called hyperglycemia in medicine.

The hormone insulin does not fully interact with tissues. It is he who lowers the content of glucose in the body by carrying it into all cells of the body. Glucose is an energy substrate that helps support the life of the body.

If the work of the system is disrupted, then glucose does not take part in the normal metabolic process and is collected in excess in the blood. These are the causal mechanisms that are the starting point for the development of diabetes mellitus.

It should be noted that not every rise in blood sugar is true diabetes. The disease is triggered by a primary disorder of insulin action.

Under what conditions is hyperglycemia noted?

Hyperglycemia can occur with the following conditions:

Pheochromocytoma. It is a benign tumor in the adrenal gland that promotes the production of insulin antagonist hormones.
Glucagonoma and somatostatinoma - the proliferation of cells that synthesize competitors of insulin.
Increased adrenal function.
Increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism).
Cirrhosis of the liver.
Violation of carbohydrate tolerance (their reduced absorption after meals with a normal indicator on an empty stomach).
Transient hyperglycemia.

The expediency of isolating such conditions is due to the fact that the hyperglycemia arising in them is of a secondary nature. She acts as a symptom. Therefore, by eliminating the underlying disease, it is possible to achieve the normalization of blood glucose levels.

If a violation is observed in the body for a long time, then this gives reason to diagnose a disease such as diabetes mellitus. In this case, it occurs against the background of pathological processes in the body.

Symptoms of the disease

The clinical manifestation of the disease is characterized by a gradual increase in the leading seldom debuts with lightning speed, it develops gradually.

The onset of the disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

feeling of dry mouth;
constant thirst that cannot be quenched;
an increase in the number of urination;
drastic weight loss or obesity;
itching and dry skin;
the formation of small pustules on the skin;
poor wound healing;
muscle weakness;
fast fatiguability;
increased sweating.

Usually, these complaints are the first call for the onset of diabetes mellitus. If such symptoms appear, it is recommended to immediately consult an endocrinologist.

As the course of the disease worsens, conditions may emerge that adversely affect the work of internal organs. With a critical development of the disease, even a disturbance of consciousness with severe poisoning and multiple organ failure can be observed.

Disease triggering factors

What causes diabetes mellitus? The reasons for the development of the disease are varied.

The provoking factors of diabetes mellitus are as follows:

Unfavorable genetic background. In this case, the rest of the factors are reduced to nothing.
Weight gain.
A number of pathological processes in the body that contribute to the defeat of beta proteins. As a result, the production of insulin in the body is impaired.
A tumor of the pancreas, pancreatitis, pathological disorders of the endocrine glands can provoke the development of the disease.
Diseases of an infectious nature, for example, the defeat of the body with rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis, and even a banal flu. These diseases can serve as a trigger mechanism for the development of the disease, especially in people at risk.
Nervous stress. Emotional stress adversely affects the functionality of the pancreas.

Does age play a role

Does age play a role in the development of a disease such as diabetes? Paradoxically, the answer is yes. Scientists have found that every 10 years the risk of damage to the body by an illness doubles. Moreover, diabetes mellitus can be diagnosed even in infants.

Why are there two types of disease

This distinction is important, since different therapy is selected for one form or another.

The longer diabetes mellitus lasts, the less clear-cut the division into subspecies has. With a protracted course, the same treatment will be carried out, regardless of the causes of the onset of the disease.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

This type causes a lack of insulin. Most often, this type of disease affects people under the age of 40 with severe diabetes. Insulin is required to stop the disease. The reason is that the body produces antibodies that destroy the cells of the pancreas.

In the presence of type 1 diabetes, complete cure is not possible, although cases of full restoration of pancreatic function are very rare. But this state can only be achieved by including a specific diet with the use of natural raw foods.

To maintain the body, a synthetic analogue of the hormone insulin is used, which is injected intramuscularly. Since insulin is subject to destruction in the gastrointestinal tract, taking it in the form of tablets is impractical. The hormone is injected with food. In this case, it is important to stick to a specific diet. Products containing sugar and carbohydrates are completely excluded from the diet.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Why does this diabetes mellitus occur? It is not caused by a lack of insulin. Most often, people after 40 years of age who have a tendency to be overweight suffer from this ailment. The cause of the disease lies in the loss of insulin sensitivity of cells due to the increased content of nutrients in the body.

The administration of the hormone insulin is not applicable to every patient. Only a doctor will be able to choose the right treatment regimen and, if necessary, determine the daily dose of the hormone.

First of all, such patients are encouraged to review their diet and adhere to a diet. It is very important to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. It is advised to gradually lose weight (3 kg per month). Weight should be monitored throughout life, preventing it from gaining.

If the diet does not help, special drugs are prescribed to lower the sugar level, and only in very extreme cases resort to the use of insulin.

What pathological processes are triggered in the body when insulin rises?

The higher the blood sugar and the longer the disease itself, the more severe its manifestations. The consequences of diabetes mellitus can be very severe.

To release excess glucose, the body triggers the following pathological mechanisms:

Glucose is transformed into fatty tissue, which leads to obesity.
Glycolization of cell membrane proteins occurs, which causes a violation of the functionality of all systems in the human body.
The sorbitol pathway of glucose release is activated. The process causes the appearance of toxic compounds that damage nerve cells. It is the basis of diabetic neuropathy.
Small and large vessels are affected, which is caused by an increased level of cholesterol in the blood during glycosylation of proteins. As a consequence, this process causes diabetic microangiopathy of internal organs and eyes, as well as angiopathy of the lower extremities.

Based on the foregoing, it can be stated that an increase in the level of glucose in the blood contributes to the defeat of internal organs with a predominant lesion of one system.

Symptoms of Complicated Diabetes

a sharp deterioration in vision;
migraines and other functional disorders of the nervous system;
pain in the region of the heart;
enlargement of the liver;
pain and numbness in the lower extremities;
decreased sensitivity of the skin in the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe feet;
arterial hypertension;
the appearance of the smell of acetone from the patient;
loss of consciousness.

The appearance of vivid symptoms of diabetes mellitus should be a signal of alarm. Such manifestations indicate a deep development of the disease and its insufficient correction by means of medicines.

Complications caused by diabetes mellitus

The disease itself does not pose a threat to human life. Its complications are more dangerous. Some of them should be noted. These consequences of diabetes mellitus are quite common.

The most serious condition is loss of consciousness or a high degree of inhibition of the patient. Such a patient should be hospitalized immediately.

The most common diabetic coma is ketoacidotic. It is caused by the accumulation of toxic substances during metabolic processes, which have a detrimental effect on nerve cells. The main indicator of coma is the smell of acetone when breathing. Consciousness in this state is darkened, the patient becomes covered with profuse sweat. At the same time, there is a sharp decrease in blood sugar, which can be caused by an overdose of insulin. Other types of coma are extremely rare.

Puffiness can be both local and extensive. This symptom is an indicator of impaired kidney function. If the edema is asymmetric and spreads to one leg or foot, then this process is evidence of diabetic microangiopathy of the lower extremities caused by neuropathy.

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure is also an indicator of the severity of diabetes. The condition can be assessed in two ways. In the first case, attention is drawn to the indicator of total pressure. An increase indicates a progressive course of diabetic nephropathy. With this complication, the kidneys release substances that increase pressure.

On the other hand, there is often a drop in pressure in the vessels and lower extremities. The process is determined by performing sound Doppler. It indicates the presence of angiopathy of the lower extremities.

Pain in the legs is an indicator of the development of diabetic angio- or neuropathy. Microangiopathy is characterized by pain during exercise and walking.

The appearance of pain during the night period indicates the presence of diabetic neuropathy. As a rule, this condition is characterized by numbness with a decrease in sensitivity. Some patients have a local burning sensation in certain areas of the lower leg or foot.

Trophic ulcers are the next stage of diabetic angio- and neuropathy after pain. The type of wounds in different forms differs. For each individual case, individual treatment methods are provided. In a difficult situation, the smallest symptoms should be taken into account, since it depends on this whether the patient's limb is preserved.

Neuropathic ulcers are caused by a decrease in the sensitivity of the feet against the background of neuropathy with deformity of the foot. At the main points of friction in the areas of the bony protrusions, calluses are formed, which are not felt by patients. Hematomas appear under them, in which pus is later collected. The foot begins to greatly bother a person only when swelling and an ulcer occurs on it.

Gangrene is usually caused by diabetic angiopathy. In this case, small and large vessels are affected. Usually the process is localized in the area of one toe. If blood flow is disturbed, a sharp pain appears in the foot, then redness occurs. Over time, the skin becomes bluish, becomes cold and swollen, then becomes covered with blisters with cloudy contents and black skin necrosis.

Such changes are not treatable. In this case, amputation is indicated. Its optimal level is the lower leg area.

How to prevent the development of complications

Prevention of complications is based on early detection of the disease and its correct therapy. The doctor must outline the correct treatment, and the patient must strictly follow the instructions.

Lower limbs with diabetes mellitus need daily proper care. If damage is found, you should immediately contact a surgeon.

Prevention of diabetes mellitus

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent the development of the disease. Indeed, often the trigger is genetics and viruses that infect every person.

The condition in the presence of type 2 diabetes is assessed in a completely different way. It is often associated with the wrong lifestyle.

Preventive measures in this case include the following measures:

normalization of weight;
blood pressure control;
eating foods low in carbohydrates and fats;
moderate physical activity.

Conclusion

So, what causes diabetes mellitus? The disease is a violation of the body's glucose uptake mechanism.

A complete cure is impossible. An exception is type 2 diabetes mellitus. To stop it, a certain diet is used in combination with moderate physical activity. It should be remembered that the risk of recurrence of the disease in case of violation of the regime is extremely high.

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease characterized by a chronic increase in blood sugar levels due to an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin, a hormone of the pancreas. The disease leads to disruption of all types of metabolism, damage to blood vessels, the nervous system, as well as other organs and systems.

The name of the disease diabetes comes from the Greek "diabayo" - to flow, flow out, because one of the symptoms of the disease is the release of a large amount of urine (scientifically called polyuria).

Diabetes mellitus is the plague of the 21st century. Complications of diabetes rank 3rd in the world due to mortality after cardiovascular and oncological diseases. Every 10 years the number of patients with diabetes doubles and today there are more than 200 million people in the world suffering from diabetes.

The essence of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is an increased content of sugar and glucose in the blood, as well as a lack of these elements in the cells of organ tissues. Insulin helps in the conversion of sugar into glucose. Disruptions in the work of the pancreas, which produces insulin, lead to the fact that sugar accumulates in the blood and is excreted through the urinary tract. The tissues of the body are not able to retain water in their cells and it also begins to be excreted from the body.

Overview of Diabetes Mellitus

Types of diabetes

There are many mechanisms for the onset of diabetes mellitus and they are quite complex. But two types of diabetes mellitus are most common:

Type 1 - insulin dependent;
Type 2 - non-insulin dependent.

Despite almost the same name, these are completely different diseases.

The first signs of diabetes

drowsiness;
hair loss;
poor wound healing.

Diabetes symptoms

Type 1 diabetes symptoms:

dry mouth;
frequent urination;
irritability;
fatigue;
weight loss;
nausea and vomiting.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms:

pain in the arms;
thirst;
cloudy eyes;
the presence of skin infections;
poor wound healing;
fatigue;
drowsiness;
increase in body weight;
decreased potency in men.

Diabetes treatment

For the treatment of diabetes mellitus are used:

diet therapy;
oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin;
physiotherapy.

The purpose of therapeutic measures is to normalize disturbed metabolic processes and body weight, preserve or restore the working capacity of patients, prevent or treat vascular complications.

Diabetes diet

The basic principles of the diet for diabetes mellitus:

Blood sugar

Glucose (sugar) is in the blood of every person, since it is the main source of energy. The normal fasting blood glucose level is 3.3–5.5 mmol / l, and 2 hours after a meal - up to 7.8 mmol / l.

Sugar in the blood of any healthy person is practically constant, depending not only on the metabolism of carbohydrates and the work of the liver, but also on the state of the pancreas, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, central and autonomic nervous system.

The amount of sugar in the blood is expressed in millimoles per liter of blood (mmol / L) or milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg / dL, or mg%). In blood plasma, the sugar content is on average 0.1%.

The liver plays a major role in maintaining a constant blood sugar level. With a large intake of sugar in the body, its excess is deposited in the liver and re-enters the bloodstream when the blood sugar drops. In the liver, carbohydrates are contained in the form of glycogen.

How glucose enters the body

There are 2 ways: the first is the intake of food containing carbohydrates, the second is the production of glucose by the liver (this is the reason that with diabetes, even if the patient did not eat anything, the blood glucose level can be increased).

However, in order to be used as energy, glucose from the blood must travel to muscles (to do work), adipose tissue, or the liver (the body's store of glucose). This is due to the action of the hormone insulin, which is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas.

As soon as after eating the blood glucose level rises, the pancreas instantly releases insulin into the blood, which, in turn, binds to receptors on the cells of muscle, adipose or liver tissue and "opens" these cells for glucose to enter them, after which it the blood level returns to normal.

Between meals and at night, if necessary, glucose enters the bloodstream from the liver depot, so at night insulin controls the liver so that it does not release too much glucose into the bloodstream. If a violation occurs at any of the stages of this process, diabetes mellitus occurs.

Types of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is of two types - insulin-dependent and insulin-independent. Previously, these diseases were called type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They have huge differences both in the nature of the development of the disease and in the methods of treatment.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

In type 1 diabetes mellitus, there is an absolute insulin deficiency caused by a malfunction of the pancreas. In insulin-dependent diabetes, constant monitoring of blood sugar levels and the introduction of insulin are necessary to correct it.

This is because in this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not produce or produces very little of its own insulin. And the body needs to be helped to maintain the correct metabolism - to introduce additional artificial insulin, and constantly.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

In type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is a relative deficiency of insulin. At the same time, the cells of the pancreas produce enough insulin (sometimes even an increased amount).

However, on the surface of the cells, the number of structures is blocked or reduced, which ensure its contact with the cell and help glucose from the blood to enter the cell. Deficiency of glucose in cells is a signal for more insulin production, but this has no effect, and over time, insulin production decreases significantly.

Secondary diabetes mellitus

Secondary or symptomatic diabetes mellitus is observed in some conditions and diseases, including endocrine, as a symptom. Hyperglycemia can develop with pancreatic tumors, pancreatitis, and hormonal diseases.

Recently, it is believed that diabetes mellitus in these cases will be inherited. Some drugs can cause an increase in blood glucose levels (glucocorticoids, estrogens, thiazide diuretics, nicotinic acid, phenothiazine).

The state of hypokalemia can provoke hyperglycemia. With chronic kidney failure and liver dysfunction, blood glucose levels may also rise. Hyperglycemia is also observed with hemochromatosis.

Diabetes during pregnancy

If blood sugar rises during pregnancy, diabetes has developed. Unlike persistent diabetes mellitus, which was before pregnancy, it completely goes away after childbirth. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby.

The baby may grow too big, which will cause difficulties in childbirth. In addition, he often has a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). Fortunately, with proper and timely treatment of diabetes, most expectant mothers with diabetes have every chance of giving birth to a healthy baby on their own.

It has been found that those who had high blood sugar during pregnancy develop diabetes more often with age. This risk can be significantly reduced with weight control, healthy eating habits, and regular physical activity.

Malnutrition-related diabetes

Nutritional deficiency diabetes is a metabolic disorder; characterized by hyperglycemia, which is caused by a defect in insulin secretion, its action, or both.

Diabetes mellitus causes

The main cause of type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune process caused by a malfunctioning immune system, in which the body produces antibodies against pancreatic cells that destroy them.

The main factor provoking the onset of type 1 diabetes is a viral infection (rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis, mumps (mumps), etc.) against the background of a genetic predisposition to this disease. There are two main factors provoking the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus: obesity and hereditary predisposition.

In the presence of obesity I tbsp. the risk of developing diabetes mellitus increases by 2 times, with II tbsp. - 5 times, with III Art. - more than 10 times.

Abdominal obesity is more associated with the development of the disease - when fat is distributed in the abdomen. In the presence of diabetes mellitus in parents or close relatives, the risk of developing the disease increases by 2-6 times. Non-insulin dependent diabetes develops gradually and is characterized by moderate severity of symptoms. The causes of so-called secondary diabetes can be:

Diabetes mellitus of pregnant women and the disease diabetes caused by malnutrition are distinguished separately. Whatever the causes of diabetes, the consequence is one: the body cannot fully use glucose (sugar) from food and store its excess in the liver and muscles.

Unused glucose in excess circulates in the blood (partially excreted in the urine), which adversely affects all organs and tissues. Since the supply of glucose to cells is insufficient, fats are used as an energy source.

As a result, in an increased amount, substances that are toxic to the body and especially to the brain, called ketone bodies, are formed, fat, protein and mineral metabolism is disrupted.

Complications of diabetes mellitus

Failures and violations of the normal functions of the gonads: in men - impotence, in women - menstrual irregularities. As a result, infertility, diseases of the genital area and earlier aging.

Violation of blood circulation in the brain, cerebral stroke, encephalopathy (lesions of varying degrees of cerebral vessels).

Inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, periodontal disease, loss of healthy teeth).

Damage to the organs of vision (barley, conjunctivitis, inflammatory diseases of the eyelids, diabetic cataract, damage to the cornea, damage to the iris, retinal detachment with further development of blindness).

The development of osteoporosis.

Diabetic foot syndrome. The diabetic foot is a characteristic lesion of the feet, manifested in the form of ulcers, osteoarticular lesions and purulent-necrotic processes. The diabetic foot appears against the background of various pathologies and changes in blood vessels, peripheral nerves, soft tissues and skin, joints and bones. It is the main cause of amputation in diabetic patients.

Complications of diabetes mellitus in the cardiovascular system are observed in the form of cardiac arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis. Disruptions in digestion: constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence.

Development of renal failure, followed by transfer to hemodialysis (in other words, an artificial kidney).

The most complex complications of diabetes mellitus are manifested by damage to the nervous system.

Coma.

Diabetic neuropathy is manifested by pain, burning sensation, numbness of the extremities. It is associated with a violation of metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.

The use of thioctic acid preparations can help to correct these processes - in particular, Thioctacid, which is produced both in ampoules of Thioctacid 600T and in the rapid-release tablet form Thioctacid BV, does not contain impurities - lactose, cellulose, starch, propylene glycol. It restores carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the body, and normalizes physiological processes in the nervous tissue.

Normalization of metabolism in nerve fibers allows you to effectively eliminate autonomic disorders and pain in diabetic neuropathy, prevent the development of further complications associated with damage to nerve tissue, and restore nerve fiber.

The first signs of diabetes

For successful treatment, it is necessary to notice the first signs of diabetes as early as possible and immediately consult a doctor:

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus

As for the symptoms of diabetes, until a certain time, they "sit in a shelter." Quite often, a person learns about the presence of diabetes by chance. For example, you can go to an ophthalmologist, he will examine your fundus and point out to you that it is quite possible that you have diabetes mellitus.

There are quite a few such cases in medical practice. Most likely, each of you knows that there are two types of this disease. Well, well, the symptoms of diabetes mellitus are different in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, there are a number of symptoms that make themselves felt both in the first and in the second case.

These symptoms are frequent urination and a feeling of unquenchable thirst, which very often lead to dehydration, rapid weight loss, while the patient always wants to eat, a constant feeling of fatigue and weakness.

Moreover, diabetes mellitus may be accompanied by blurred vision, that is, a person has a "white veil" in front of his eyes, difficulties with sexual activity, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, dizziness and rapid fatigue.

You may also feel numbness and tingling sensation in the extremities. Cramps of the calf muscles are quite possible. In the presence of diabetes mellitus, any wound on the human body heals very slowly.

This also applies to infectious diseases. They are also very difficult to get rid of if you have diabetes. A drop in body temperature below average is another symptom of diabetes.

Remember, the severity of symptoms is different for each person. The fact is that it depends on the degree of decrease in insulin secretion, the duration of the disease, as well as on the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Early symptoms of diabetes

Many patients turn to a specialist already in the late stages of the disease, often with developed complications. Therefore, it is important to timely identify the first symptoms of diabetes mellitus at the early stages of its development:

Polydipsia, or thirst. People with this disease have an unquenchable thirst due to increased glycemic levels (blood glucose), as a result of which the body requires more fluid in order to thin the blood.

Polyuria, or frequent urination, also occurs against the background of an increase in the amount of glycemia, which the kidneys cannot cope with and take additional fluid from the blood to remove excess sugar from the body.

Rapid weight loss is a specific symptom for type 1 diabetes, since glucose is not absorbed in the body, the processes of splitting and converting it into adipose tissue are disrupted.

Weight gain is common in type 2 diabetes.

Appetite disorders are associated with impaired glucose metabolism in the body.

Increased fatigue and weakness occurs due to the lack of energy resources in the body, associated with impaired glucose metabolism.

Smell of acetone from the mouth.

Abdominal pain is also a common symptom of diabetes and is shingles in nature.

Itching and dryness of the skin is a consequence of the excretion of an increased amount of sugar through the sweat glands. Sometimes itchy skin can be caused by fungal infections that develop due to decreased immunity.

Long-term non-healing skin infections are also a reason for testing for diabetes. With this pathology in the human body, immunity decreases, as a result, the infectious process on the skin does not respond to the therapy.

Hair loss is associated with metabolic disorders in the body.

Pigmentation of the skin of the lower extremities is associated with damage to the inner wall of blood vessels and, as a result, a violation of the blood supply to this area.

A feeling of numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes occurs when the peripheral nervous system is affected by constantly elevated blood sugar levels.

Frequent sluggish, drug-resistant pyelonephritis indicates a possible disease associated with an increased level of glycemia.

Visual impairment is a sign of type 1 diabetes and occurs when complications develop.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are:

dry mouth;
frequent urination;
irritability;
fatigue;
weight loss;
nausea and vomiting.

Auxiliary signs of type 1 diabetes are:

heartache;
cramps and pain in the calf muscles;
furunculosis;
headaches and poor sleep.

Among the additional signs of type 1 diabetes in children, it is necessary to highlight the rapid deterioration in health and the appearance of nocturnal enuresis. The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus is established based on the symptoms of the disease and laboratory test data.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

Typical symptoms of type 2 diabetes are:

pain, numbness, and leg cramps;
pain in the arms;
thirst;
cloudy eyes;
the presence of skin infections;
poor wound healing;
fatigue;
decrease in pain sensitivity;
drowsiness;
increase in body weight;
decreased potency in men.

Also, the first signs of type 2 diabetes include:

hair loss on the legs;
increased growth of facial hair and the appearance of yellow growths called xanthomas.

The onset of symptoms of type 2 diabetes occurs gradually, as their severity is mild. Most often, the disease manifests itself in adulthood due to improper nutrition.

Detailed Descriptions of Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes mellitus treatment

In the treatment of diabetes mellitus, diet therapy, oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin, and exercise therapy are used. The purpose of therapeutic measures is to normalize disturbed metabolic processes and body weight, preserve or restore the working capacity of patients, prevent or treat vascular complications.

The key to effective diabetes management is careful control of blood sugar levels. However, it is impossible to take laboratory tests several times a day. Portable blood glucose meters come to the rescue, they are compact, they are easy to take with you and check your glucose levels where necessary.

Facilitates checking the interface in Russian, marks before and after meals. The devices are extremely simple to use, while they differ in the accuracy of measurements. You can keep your diabetes under control with a portable blood glucose meter.

Which doctors should i contact for diabetes mellitus

Endocrinologist

Diabetes medication

Tableted antihyperglycemic drugs belong to two main groups: sulfonipamides and biguanides. Sulfanilamide preparations are sulfonylurea derivatives.

Their hypoglycemic effect is due to a stimulating effect on p-cells of the pancreas, an increase in insulin sensitivity of insulin-dependent tissues by acting on insulin receptors, an increase in the synthesis and accumulation of glycogen, and a decrease in gluconegogenesis. The drugs also have an anti-lipolytic effect.

This group includes glibenclamide (manilil, daonil, euglucan), glurenorm (glyvidone), gliclazide (diabeton), glipizide (minidiab). The hypoglycemic effect is manifested on the 3-5th day from the start of treatment, optimal after 10-14 days.

Biguanides are guanidine derivatives. These include phenylethylbiguanides (phenformin, dibotin), butyl-biguanides (adebit, buformin, silubin) and dimethylbiguanides (glucophage, diformin, metformin).

The hypoglycemic effect is due to the potentiation of the effect of insulin, an increase in the permeability of cell membranes for glucose in muscles, inhibition of neoglucogenesis, and a decrease in glucose absorption in the intestine. An important property of biguanides is inhibition of lipogenesis and increased lipolysis.

Insulin therapy is prescribed for the following indications: type 1 diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis of varying severity, ketoacidotic, hyperosmolar, lactic acid coma, exhaustion of the patient, severe forms of diabetes mellitus with complications, infections, surgical interventions; pregnancy, childbirth, lactation (for any form and severity of diabetes mellitus), the presence of contraindications to the use of oral hypoglycemic drugs.

The main criterion for determining the dose of insulin is the blood glucose level. They use drugs that are different in duration of action. Short-acting insulin preparations (simple insulin) are necessary for the rapid elimination of acute metabolic disorders (especially in a state of precoma and coma), as well as for acute complications caused by infection and trauma.

Simple insulin is applicable for any form of diabetes mellitus, however, the short duration of action (5-6 hours) makes it necessary to administer it up to 3-5 times a day. Calculating the need for exogenous insulin can be very difficult due to different individual responses and insulin sensitivity at different periods of the disease.

To determine the need for insulin and obtain compensation, short-acting insulin is administered 4-5 times a day, upon reaching compensation, patients are transferred to a 2-time injection of medium-duration or long-acting insulin in combination with short-acting insulin. The criterion for compensation of type 1 diabetes mellitus: glycemia should not exceed 11 mmol / l during the day.

It is also necessary to take into account the absence of hypoglycemia, signs of decompensation, the patient's ability to work, the duration of the disease, the presence of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, in each specific case, an individual approach is required to the compensation criteria.

When treating diabetes mellitus with insulin preparations, hypoglycemia, a condition caused by a sharp decrease in blood glucose levels, can develop. The provoking moments are:

violation of diet and diet;
insulin overdose;

Symptoms of hypoglycemia:

severe weakness;
sweating;
hunger;
excitation;
trembling hands;
dizziness;
unmotivated actions.

If you do not give the patient easily digestible carbohydrates, then convulsions occur, consciousness is lost - hypoglycemic coma develops. Hypoglycemia is especially dangerous in elderly and senile patients due to the possibility of myocardial ischemia and cerebrovascular accident. Frequent hypoglycemia contributes to the progression of vascular complications.

Severe and prolonged hypoglycemia can lead to irreversible degenerative changes in the central nervous system. Another complication of insulin therapy is allergic reactions: local (redness, thickening and itching of the skin at the site of insulin injection) or general, which is manifested by weakness, rash on the skin (urticaria), generalized itching, fever, anaphylactic shock can rarely develop.

Instructions for the use of drugs used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Diet for diabetes

A diet for diabetes is mandatory for all its clinical forms. The basic principles of the diet for diabetes mellitus:

Individual selection of daily calorie content;
the content of physiological amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins;
exclusion of easily digestible carbohydrates;
fractional meals with an even distribution of calories and carbohydrates.

In a diet with diabetes mellitus, the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in food should be close to physiological: 15-20% of the total number of calories are proteins, 25-30% are fats and 50-60% are carbohydrates.

The diet should contain at least 1-1.5 g of protein per 1 kg of body weight, 4.5-5 g of carbohydrates and 0.75-1.5 g of fat per day. The main rule: You should adhere to the tactics of limiting or completely eliminating refined carbohydrates from food.

However, the total amount of carbohydrates should be at least 125 g per day in order to prevent ketoacidosis.

Diet number 9 for diabetes

Diet No. 9 is recommended for moderate and mild diabetes mellitus. The energy value of the diet is moderately reduced due to easily digestible carbohydrates and animal fats (with the exception of sugar and sweets and the use of sorbitol and xylitol).

With diet number 9 with diabetes mellitus are allowed:

rye, wheat, protein-bran bread, non-tasty flour products;
any vegetable soups, low-fat meat and fish broths, low-fat meats, poultry and fish;
milk, dairy products, low-fat cottage cheese and cheeses;
cereals (buckwheat, barley, millet, oat, pearl barley);
legumes, potatoes and vegetables, fresh fruits and berries of sweet and sour varieties.

With diet number 9 with diabetes mellitus, the following are excluded:

strong and fatty broths, lean meats, fish, poultry, sausages, salted fish;
pastry products;
salty cheeses, cream, sweet curd snacks;
rice, semolina, pasta;
salted and pickled vegetables, grapes, raisins, sugar, jam, sweets, sweet juices, sugar-based soft drinks, meat and cooking fats.

Diabetes mellitus in children

Diabetes mellitus ranks first among endocrine diseases in children. The course of diabetes mellitus in children, due to intensive growth and increased metabolism in the child's body, occurs sharply and without the need for treatment becomes severe. If type 2 diabetes mellitus prevails in adults, then insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes mellitus prevails in children, which is characterized by a low level of insulin in the blood.

One of the main functions of the pancreas is the production of insulin, which develops by the fifth year of a child's life. From this age until about 11 years of age, children are particularly at risk of developing diabetes mellitus.

It should be noted that the consumption of large amounts of sweets in childhood, contrary to the popular point of view, does not lead to the development of diabetes.

The risk of diabetes mellitus is higher in underdeveloped, premature babies, in adolescents during puberty and in children who experience significant physical activity (sports schools).

Causes of diabetes mellitus in children

The main causes of diabetes in children are:

Improper nutrition... Increased appetite can lead to obesity and increased stress on the pancreas.

Heredity... Parents with diabetes mellitus are 100% likely to have children who, sooner or later, will receive the same diagnosis.

Frequent colds... The pancreas malfunctions, as a result of which the production of insulin decreases.

Infectious diseases... They disrupt the work of the pancreas. But the transferred infection leads to the development of diabetes mellitus only in the case of those burdened by heredity.

Low physical activity... Constant physical activity strengthens the cells that are responsible for the production of insulin.

There are several risk factors for the development of diabetes mellitus in children: children who were born from mothers with diabetes mellitus, both parents of the child have diabetes mellitus, frequent acute viral diseases, the birth weight of the child exceeded 4.5 kg, the presence of other metabolic disorders (hypothyroidism, obesity), decreased immunity.

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus in children

The most characteristic symptom of diabetes mellitus in children is nocturnal enuresis, since with diabetes mellitus in children 2-4 times more urine is excreted than in healthy people.

Diabetes mellitus treatment in children

Treatment for diabetes in a child includes exercise, diet, and medication.

Exercise lowers blood sugar levels and increases the sensitivity of body tissues to insulin. It should be emphasized that uncontrolled physical activity in patients with diabetes mellitus contributes to the formation of hypoglycemic conditions, therefore, carefully dosed physical activity is useful.

The diet for children with diabetes mellitus should exclude carbohydrate load and thereby facilitate the course and treatment of diabetes. It is necessary to limit the use of such dishes and products as cereals (rice, semolina), potatoes, baked goods made from wheat flour.

Porridge can be given to a child no more than once a day, using coarse grains: buckwheat, oatmeal or corn. Dishes from various vegetables, except for potatoes, can be given without restrictions - they should make up the bulk of the daily diet.

Salty, fatty and spicy sauces, sweet gravies should be excluded from the menu. It is necessary to feed a child with diabetes mellitus 6 times a day or more. The child's diet must be agreed with the doctor supervising the child.

The choice of drugs for diabetes treatment, dosage and schedule of use are determined by the attending physician. Diabetes pills (Maninil, Glipizid, etc.) are effective in treating diabetes in adults, but rarely give good results in children.

They are used for milder forms of diabetes or are used as an adjunct to reduce the number of injections or the dose of insulin. Correct therapy with insulin preparations and continuous monitoring of the child's health condition facilitate the course of the disease and allow children with diabetes mellitus to lead a fulfilling lifestyle.

Prevention of diabetes mellitus

To prevent the development of diabetes mellitus, the following preventive measures are required:

Prevention of diabetes mellitus also includes maintaining a healthy fluid balance in the body. Every day before meals, you must drink two glasses of clean water without gas, which is the minimum dose for the patient.

Questions and answers on the topic "Diabetes mellitus"

Question:Hello! Today I watched the program "Living Healthy" where they found diseases at first sight, and so it said that people whose skin darkened in the axillary and groin areas - most likely diabetes and excess weight. From past broadcasts, I remember they talked about another sign of dry heel diabetes. So, applying all the symptoms of diabetes to myself, I can say my heels are peeling (there are no cracks yet, but they are rough to the touch) and there are darkening in the axillary and groin areas (for this reason I do not wear T-shirts in summer), but as for excess weight ... those. I have no obesity (height 178 cm, weight 72 kg). Did a blood test, sugar is normal. Do I have type 2 diabetes? If so, how to deal with it, what kind of lifestyle to lead and how to eat?

Answer: If there is a suspicion of diabetes mellitus - there is dry mouth, constant thirst, frequent urination, you can contact an endocrinologist, make an additional analysis for glycosylated hemoglobin. If all of the above is not there, then there is no diabetes. If your relatives had diabetes in the family, then in the diet it is advisable to limit the consumption of pure sugar and periodically check the tests. There is nothing more to worry about. Dry heels are not limited to diabetic patients.

Question:What are the first signs of diabetes by which one can determine or at least suspect its presence in a person. Is there any early diagnosis of diabetes?

Answer: Possible precursors of diabetes mellitus: thirst, dry mouth, dryness and peeling of the skin, wounds heal for a very long time, if you feel hungry, your head starts to spin, you often want sweets. But even if all these signs are present, it is not a fact that it is diabetes and its symptoms are. It is necessary to take the analysis and not once.

Question:Can a child with diabetes attend kindergarten? How to teach a child to warn others that he has diabetes? What should a child always carry with him to school or a children's team?

Answer: Whether to attend kindergarten for your child, you should decide together with the attending endocrinologist, it depends on the lability of the course of diabetes and the level of social adaptation of your child. In any case, warn the educator / teacher that the child's parents should have diabetes. Each educational institution has a nurse. It is necessary to discuss the nuances associated with diabetes (especially with regard to hypoglycemia) with the teacher and the nurse, so that, if necessary, they can orient themselves correctly. It is imperative that the child carry glucose tablets and short insulin with him.

Question:What about sweets? This is a special problem for children - after all, children can see others eating cake or candy, especially in a children's group. The forbidden fruit, as they say, is sweet ... What should parents do?

Answer: Nutrition for diabetes mellitus is a rational, healthy diet. Any sane parent will not allow their child to eat sweets every day. As for a child with diabetes mellitus, a birthday cake or ice cream on weekends is normal, just add the appropriate dose of simple insulin under the sweets (corresponding to the bread units) and the child will not feel disadvantaged in something. The only thing is, do not forget to control the weight of the child. After all, an increase in calorie intake and insulin doses can lead to weight gain.

Question:Is diabetes mellitus a hereditary disease? Are there diseases or microorganisms that can provoke diabetes mellitus?

Answer: The tendency to develop diabetes mellitus is often genetically determined. Viral infections can provoke the disease (measles and rubella viruses are especially dangerous) - this applies to type 1, i.e. children.

Question:Recently, I have been worried about burning and tingling in my feet. Is this something to do with my diabetes or should I see an orthopedist?

Answer: People who suffer from high sugar for many years can develop nerve damage. This is called diabetic neuropathy. Ask your family doctor to refer you for a special examination called electromyography. If it confirms that the problem is diabetes, your doctor will prescribe medication for you. Just keep in mind that they only relieve pain. The real treatment for neuropathy is sugar normalization.

Question:A year ago I was prescribed Glucomin because I have diabetes. Sugar returned to normal. Can I stop taking the medicine?

Answer: No, we must continue taking. Diabetes is a chronic disease and requires ongoing treatment. But if you take the prescribed medications, stick to a diet, and give yourself physical activity, you can successfully live with this diagnosis for many years.

Question:My father is 83 years old and has diabetes and heart failure. He is taking metformin, and recently he has increased cases of hypoglycemia. We already notice how it begins - hands tremble, sweat comes out, sugar drops to 50 units. What to do?

Answer: Usually, metformin does not cause hypoglycemia, this happens very rarely, and yet in your case it is better to change the medication, because metformin is contraindicated in heart failure.

Question:Does surgery help treat diabetes?

Answer: 90% of diabetes cases are associated with being overweight. Studies show that 83% of patients after gastric bypass surgery stopped taking diabetic drugs. 10 years after surgery, 1/3 of patients continue to maintain good blood sugar control without medication.

Question:Is it really important in diabetes to lose weight and limit calories, or is it enough to eliminate sweets and sugar? Type 2 diabetes.

Answer: In type 2 diabetes, weight loss makes it much easier to control blood sugar levels, so dietary recommendations are stricter than those with type 1 diabetes.

Question:I have type 1 diabetes. Are there any restrictions on the choice of a future profession?

Answer: It is necessary to choose a specialty that could ensure compliance with the daily regimen, nutrition and the ability to give insulin injections at the required time. In diabetes mellitus, professions are contraindicated that are associated with: heavy physical exertion (loader, miner); with significant nervous tension (air traffic controller, military service, driver of ground, underground and water transport); with irregular working hours or night work; with an unfavorable microclimate (low or high temperature); with contact with toxic substances (work in a chemical production).

Question:Could I get type 1 diabetes from eating a lot of sweets?

Answer: No, sweets do not lead to type 1 diabetes.

Question:I am 21 years old. I am currently ill with diabetes mellitus, I had frequent hypoglycemic conditions, I was admitted to the hospital to pick up insulin doses, otherwise they were large in the opinion of the doctors. When I was in the hospital, I was given IVs, like sodium chloride and potassium chloride. I used to do exercises, or rather push-ups, so I decided to push-ups from the floor after the dropper, did 20 push-ups and dizziness began, then pressure surges appeared. My head hurt badly that I almost lost consciousness. Then there were pains in the heart, the temperature was 37.4. pressure 140 to 100. Could not determine what I have. When I was discharged, I was still at home for a week, because at night there was, so to speak, an attack of pain in my heart and chills (everything was shaking). called an ambulance, but she didn’t say anything, he gave a pill and left. At this time I am working, today I had an attack, my heart ached again, gave pain to all the muscles. Headache, fatigue, I thought I would fall like that now. I sat down to catch my breath, it seemed that it was not much easier, what could be with me. Symptoms of angina pectoris are like this. Help me please.

Answer: Your symptoms are likely due to inadequate insulin dose adjustments. Therefore, we recommend that you consult an endocrinologist to review your treatment plan. The symptoms of angina pectoris are somewhat different from yours and rarely occur at such an early age.

Content

Many patients do not know that diabetes treatment is a complex therapy that depends on the type of disease, the amount of insulin and glucose in the blood. Relying solely on medication, they overlook the fact that diabetes of any kind is highly dependent on diet and lifestyle. If you do not care about both, the treatment will not bring much benefit.

What is diabetes mellitus

The general biochemical state of the body, when excess glucose is constantly observed in the blood, is called diabetes mellitus. Depending on the reasons why this happens, the following types are distinguished:

Insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, which occurs as a result of a sudden loss of sensitivity of the stomata of cells to this hormone, due to which cells stop absorbing glucose. It is observed in adults.
Autoimmune diabetes, in which the endocrine system begins to consider the ß-cells of the pancreas that produce insulin as enemies and destroy them, which leads to a deficiency of this hormone.
Caused by taking certain medications.
Disease provoked by infectious diseases.
A mixed type of disease that occurs due to negative genetic mutations.
Specific diabetes, which manifests itself as a result of metabolic disturbances in the body of pregnant women.

How to treat

Syndrome of "sweet blood", which is constantly observed in people suffering from all types of this severe chronic ailment, leads to extremely dangerous consequences for the body. With it, the functionality of almost all organs is disrupted, therefore, treatment for diabetes is aimed at stabilizing the following parameters:

removing excess glucose from the bloodstream;
compensation for the consequences of this excess;
psychological assistance and educational measures for the patient, who is obliged to monitor the number of units of bread consumed for the rest of his life;
normalization of the patient's weight in the presence of obesity.

Treatment for type 1 diabetes

The pathology of an autoimmune nature is called, according to the old definition, insulin-dependent, since there is a deficiency of this hormone in the blood. It strikes young people who have not previously noted any deviations in themselves. Based on these data, the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes consists of the following steps:

constant compensation of insulin by injection;
educating the patient, providing him with medical assistance and psychological support;
a special, individually selected diet taking into account possible allergies;
recommendations of moderate physical exercise and exertion (running, swimming), any physical education, depending on the addictions of the sick person.

Treatment for type 2 diabetes

Since the insulin-independent type is manifested in people with overweight and low physical activity, one of the most important measures to remove excess complex sugars from the blood is a complete revision of the diet and adherence to all recommendations. In this case, endocrinologists prescribe drugs that simultaneously stimulate the absorption of complex sugars by cells and the production of insulin. In addition, medical treatment may consist of diuretic drugs that urgently evacuate sugar from the blood.

Can diabetes be cured?

All patients who suddenly discovered diabetes in themselves are interested in the questions: how to get rid of diabetes, and is it possible to completely cure type 1 or 2 diabetes? Unfortunately, this is a chronic disease, the tendency to which is determined in many cases by a genetic unhealthy heredity, therefore, it is treated symptomatically in endocrinology, depending on the severity of this disease. There is no single answer to the question of how to cure an ailment; patients have to constantly monitor the level of complex carbohydrates in their blood throughout their lives.

Drug treatment

Modern knowledge of physics and biochemistry has allowed physicians and pharmacists to develop many drugs that significantly improve the quality of life and its duration, making it possible to simplify the treatment of diabetes mellitus. A miraculous remedy for diabetes, which helps to get rid of this serious ailment once and for all, has not yet been found, but there are many ways to successfully treat the disease, in which the patient leads a lifestyle that is as close as possible to that of a healthy person.

Insulin administration scheme

Autoimmune type of the disease and type 2 diabetes in the later stages are characterized by an extreme deficiency of insulin, therefore external injection interventions of this hormone are vital for the sick person. The insulin injection scheme is strictly individual. If you see a doctor who prescribes treatment regardless of weekly fluctuations in the amount of complex sugars in the blood, then you need to run away from him, because the case may end with gangrene of the limbs and their amputation.

The purpose of such injections is to adapt as much as possible to the intended activity of the healthy pancreas of each individual person. The treatment regimen provides for the introduction of short, long-acting insulin or mixing both types of the hormone in one syringe and a single daily injection. Depending on the production of complex sugars, the doctor prescribes regular injections.

Sulfonylurea preparations

Sulfonylurea preparations significantly help treatment, with a lack of insulin. New drugs based on them are able to stimulate the production of ß-cells, which successfully begin to produce insulin, lowering sugar levels. However, it must be remembered that these funds are effective only as long as the reserves of the synthesis of ß-cells in the body are not depleted. Side effects during treatment include:

blockage of arteries, leading to ischemia (this action is characteristic of early generations of sulfonamides);
a noticeable increase in the patient's weight.

Biguanide derivatives

Diabetes pills - Metformin, Glucophage, Siofor are based on increasing the sensitivity of cell stomata to insulin, which quickly and successfully helps to lower the concentration of complex sugars in the patient, helping to stabilize metabolic processes. These drugs have many analogues that are recognized by WHO as toxic, so you should carefully read the annotations for all medicinal drugs and traditional medicine based on metmorphine, and if phenformin or buformin are listed as active ingredients, do not buy them.

Alpha glucosidase inhibitors

Acarbose Glucobay does not affect the pancreas, does not stimulate cells to intensively absorb sugars. This drug promotes the elimination of undigested complex carbohydrates so that they do not enter the bloodstream. The use of acarbose helps to reduce the level of carbohydrates by evacuating them without being processed by intestinal enzymes. The disadvantages of acarbose action include flatulence, diarrhea and other disorders of the digestive process. This medication is indicated for all types of diabetes.

Diet for diabetes

A huge role in the treatment, the patient's well-being and the severity of the disease is played by the diet. The types of diet are prescribed by the doctor on an individual basis, depending on the neglect of the disease, but the most important thing is that the patient must learn firmly: he will calculate all the complex sugars consumed in food based on the bread units allowed to him. One x.e. contains about 13 g of carbohydrates, and it takes about 2 g of insulin to process it. You can consume no more than 20 c.u. per day, which must be stretched over several receptions.

At the initial stage

Developed about 30 years ago, the early-stage diabetes diet is characterized by minor dietary restrictions on complex sugars. You can not eat fried foods, sweets should be consumed only with sweeteners. The diet for a day may look like this:

Breakfast. Buckwheat porridge in milk with baby fruit puree, uncooked biscuits, tea with honey.
Afternoon snack. Apple or pear.
Dinner. Boiled turkey breast with rice porridge, stewed with vegetables, a glass of juice.
Dinner. Baked fish, vegetable salad, rosehip infusion.
At night, you can eat a slice of bread with cheese, washed down with yogurt.

With gestational diabetes mellitus

Arising in women carrying a child at a later date, the disease is called gestational. It can be dangerous to the fetus, causing early placental abruption, stimulating miscarriages and developmental abnormalities, so a woman should be constantly monitored in the clinic and monitor the level of complex sugars with a glucometer. The diet for gestational diabetes should not include baked goods, sweet berries such as blueberries, hot spices (horseradish, garlic), you need to limit the amount of potatoes and pasta in the diet.

With insulin-dependent diabetes

The lack of insulin production leads to the fact that the diet for insulin-dependent diabetics should take into account not only the amount of CHU, but also the rate of absorption of complex sugars. The basic rule is that the more porridge or potatoes are boiled, the faster it is absorbed, which increases the release of glucose into the blood. This is neither good nor bad, just this physiological process must be taken into account during everyday injections, monitoring the readings of the glucometer.

Folk remedies for diabetes

Many patients try to avoid drug treatment and are looking for ways to get rid of diabetes with folk remedies and non-traditional methods. You should not get carried away with such measures, since neglected forms of the disease are amenable to treatment and prevention much more difficult than the initial stages, however, in combination with synthesized drugs, alternative methods can be beneficial. One of the measures to help lower sugar levels at home is this recipe: take white beans and soak in clean water overnight. Drink everything in the morning, along with water.

Fresh wormwood herb, when used correctly, helps to reduce complex carbohydrates in the blood. To do this, grind the grass into powder, dry it, and then pour a little into a piece of bread and quickly swallow it. However, such a remedy should not be taken for more than two weeks, since there is a possibility that the plant will badly affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to disruptions in its work.