What are the causes and symptoms of diabetes mellitus

We often hear someone or the other getting diagnosed with Diabetes, something we know is related to sugar in our body. In India, the slang term for this disease is often ‘sugar’. However, we often do not understand the nuances and complications that can be associated with diabetes. This is why, at times, we are also lax in the way we deal with it. We do not work well to prevent this disease, especially in today’s times wherein we eat all kinds of junk food and rarely exercise as much as required. To be able to effectively deal with and prevent this disease, we need to understand why it may occur. What exactly is diabetes and diabetes sign and symptoms?

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes is a condition that develops when your blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, is abnormally high. Glucose is your primary source of energy, and it is derived from the foods you consume each day. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, aids in the transport of glucose from meals into your cells, where it is utilized for energy. It is possible that your body does not produce enough insulin, or that it does not utilize insulin properly. This causes glucose to remain in your bloodstream and not reach your cells – resulting in high levels. This is what is the real cause of diabetes. Also know about glucose fasting normal range.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness that affects the pancreas. The immune system targets and kills insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which is where the hormone is produced. It is yet unknown what causes this onslaught. This kind of diabetes affects around 10% of all diabetics. The second one, type 2 diabetes is when your body develops insulin resistance, causing sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream. Potentially reversible diabetes disorders include prediabetes and gestational diabetes. When your blood sugar levels are higher than usual but not high enough to be categorized as diabetes, you have prediabetes and unless adequate actions are taken to prevent its development, prediabetes is frequently the forerunner to diabetes. Gestational diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy. This kind of diabetes is caused by insulin-blocking substances generated by the placenta during pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus may differ slightly based on the type of diabetes one has, but the fluctuations in the sugar levels remain constant. 

Having an excessive amount of sugar or glucose in your bloodstream might lead to some very severe health complications over time. Even though diabetes has no known cure, this condition can be managed and controlled over time.

What Are The Different Types Of Diabetes?

1) Type 1 diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where a person’s body attacks itself. The cells in your pancreas responsible for insulin production are targeted and killed by the body itself and this condition affects up to 10% of people. The condition is most often seen in children and young adults but can develop at any age. Insulin is a drug that people with type 1 diabetes need to take on a regular basis. Because of this, diabetes mellitus is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes.

2) Type 2 diabetes: 

Diabetes type 2 is characterized by either an insufficient amount of insulin production by the body or an abnormal response to insulin (insulin resistance) by the cells of the affected individual's body. This is the form of diabetes that affects most people and is usually seen in people older than 40-45 years of age. The condition known as prediabetes is the stage that comes before type 2 diabetes where a person’s blood glucose levels are unusually high.

3) Gestational diabetes:

Gestational diabetes only occurs in some women during their pregnancies. Most women have no signs of gestational diabetes after giving birth. However, if you have gestational diabetes, you have a substantially higher probability of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Other less common types of diabetes include 

• Monogenic diabetes 
• Diabetes associated with cystic fibrosis
• Diabetes brought on by drugs or chemicals
• Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms

Now that we have a general idea of diabetes, let’s find out what are the common diabetes symptoms. Diabetes mellitus symptoms may vary from person to person so be sure to consult a specialist. Here are the some diabetes symptoms.

• Increased Hunger
• Increased Thirst
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Frequent Urination
• Blurry Vision
• Extreme Fatigue
• Sores That Don’t Heal
• Frequent Infections

To understand what are the causes and symptoms of diabetes mellitus may not be that straightforward as the symptoms may vary. Some people may develop the symptoms over time – T2D or it may also happen very quickly without any warning (auto-immune) T1D. 

What Are The Causes Of Diabetes?

To understand the causes of diabetes it is important to understand the underlying factors that affect it. Diabetes has different types and causes and symptoms so let's first understand how insulin, glucose and pancreas function.

How Insulin Functions

Pancreas is the organ that produces and releases a very important hormone called insulin. The food we eat releases glucose into the bloodstream and insulin is responsible for managing blood sugar levels and keeping them normal and stable. Insulin also converts blood glucose into energy. Too much or too little blood sugar can cause several health issues. The cells that make up muscles and other tissues use the sugar glucose as an energy source. Insulin helps sugar enter cells once it is taken into the circulation and then converts into usable energy. The liver converts stored glycogen into glucose when blood glucose levels are low, as they are when you haven't eaten in a while. Your glucose level is kept within a normal range as a result.

Causes of diabetes

Diabetes is caused by various factors. Type 1 diabetes is caused by a genetic predisposition where a person has a diabetic family history. This is seen mainly in young adults and children. It can also be caused due to prolonged illness or post a big surgery. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is caused due to sedentary lifestyle, lack of activity, obesity/sudden weight gain, unhealthy eating habits and lack of routine.

How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

The diagnosis and treatment of diabetes both include doing a blood test to determine the patient's glucose level. There are different tests that may assess the amount of glucose in your blood: the A1c test, the random glucose test, and the fasting glucose test are the most commonly conducted tests.

Treatment For Diabetes

Since there are different types of diabetes, the course of action of treating it depends mainly on its causes and the symptoms one has. Let’s take a look at all the treatment possibilities of different types of diabetes. 

Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes :

The primary therapy for type 1 diabetes is insulin. It takes the place of the hormone that your body is unable to make. People with type 1 diabetes often utilize a variety of insulin kinds. They vary in their rates of action and the duration of their effects:

• The benefits of rapid-acting insulin extend for 2 to 4 hours after it begins to work in about 15 minutes.
• Insulin that is short-acting begins to operate in 30 minutes and lasts for 3 to 6 hours.
• Insulin with an intermediate half-life begins to function in two to four hours and lasts for 12 to 18 hours.
• Long-acting insulin: begins to function two hours after injection and lasts for up to twenty-four hours.
• Insulin with an ultra-long half-life: begins to work six hours after injection and lasts for at least 36 hours.
• Insulin that has been pre-mixed begins to function within 5 to 60 minutes and lasts for 10 to 16 hours.

Other than insulin, people with type 1 diabetes are advised to lead a healthy lifestyle and consume a nutritious diet. They may also be given medication other than insulin for best results. 

Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes :

Type 2 diabetes is a more manageable condition and can be put into remission by doing the following things:

• Making a healthy food plan and sticking to it. Follow a Mediterranean diet which comprises vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, healthy fats, minimal sugar. These diets are strong in fiber and nutrients while being low in fat and calories. 
• Regular exercise. Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Take a walk, swim, or engage in another activity that you like.
• Avoid consuming alcohol and quit smoking as these have a direct impact on blood sugar levels. 
• Getting to a healthy weight and maintaining the ideal BMI for your body.
• Taking medicine and insulin as recommended, and according to instructions on how and when to take it as well as regularly visiting your doctor and getting tested.
• At home, keep track of your blood glucose and blood pressure readings regularly.

Risk Factor Of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition where one’s body does not utilize or produce the hormone insulin, which converts glucose to energy, correctly. Since there are different types of diabetes, the risk factors of developing them vary. Let’s look at some of the risk factors of diabetes. 

Type 1 diabetes risk factors include:

• Genetics (family history of diabetes)
• Dysfunctional pancreas (such as by infection, tumor, surgery or accident)
• Autoimmune disorder (antibodies that erroneously target your own body's tissues or organs)
• High stress surgery or prolonged illness
• Virus-caused disease exposure

Type 2 diabetes risk factors include: 

• Family history of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• High blood pressure 
• Having low HDL (good cholesterol) with a high triglyceride level
• Being 45 years old or older
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Family history of heart disease or stroke
• Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption 

Gestational diabetes risk factors include:

• Family history of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes (parent or sibling).
• Being obese/overweight prior to getting pregnant 
• Unhealthy diet during pregnancy

Complications Of Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that is capable of affecting the entire body instead of just a few organs. The risk and complications associated with diabetes grow with time and can develop into serious long term health issues. Having diabetes may lead to a variety of complications, including the following:

• Heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Nephropathy (kidney damage)
• Retinopathy or loss of vision
• skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections 
• foot damage including amputation and gangrene 
• depression and  other mental health illnesses

These are the most common long term complications of diabetes. Depending on the signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus, people may suffer other complications as well.

Prevention Of Diabetes

There are different types of diabetic conditions that have different causes. Based on these, doctors recommend prevention and treatment methods. Diabetes does not have a cure but here’s how you can prevent the onset of this condition. 

Type 1 Diabetes Prevention:

Due to the role of the immune system in the development of type 1 diabetes, prevention is rarely possible. However, as a general rule of thumb maintaining good health and regular checkups can help manage the condition better. 

Diabetes Signs and Symptoms - Sugar.Fit

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention:

In type 2, the major causes of diabetes mellitus are lifestyle habits and weight. Here’s how you can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. 

• Participate in aerobic activities such as walking or cycling for a total of at least 150 minutes each week.
• Cut out foods that include saturated and trans fats, as well as processed carbs from your diet.
• Eat a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and consume more whole grains.
• If you are overweight or obese, reduce 5% of your total body weight for best results.

When to Consult a Doctor

Upon understanding what are the causes and symptoms of diabetes mellitus type 2, you may have an idea of how things work and what are the warning signs. Here are a few scenarios when you must consult a doctor, no matter how insignificant the symptom might seem:

• Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling — especially in the hands, feet, arms, or legs: These tiny sensations may be a sign of early nerve damage. In this situation, the symptoms may intensify as the nerves become damaged.
• Constipation, bloating, nausea, difficulty seeing, even at night or when the light changes, or sexual disorders can all be indicators of nerve dysfunction.
• Diabetes can impair your body's capacity to heal itself, whether it's a chronic sinus, bladder, or ongoing vaginal infection.
• Make an appointment if your blood glucose stays above 240 mg/dL despite taking your medication and/or increasing insulin and fluids, or if you are having difficulty remaining in range.
• Consult your doctor if you have signs of ketoacidosis or dehydration, such as increased stomach discomfort, difficulty breathing, or breath that smells fruity or like acetone.

The doctor will be able to help you understand what is the real cause of diabetes after conducting a few tests. The sooner you visit the doctor the better as they will be able to help you control the issue promptly.

If you are worried about the symptoms of prediabetes, the most common ones to consider would be – frequent thirst, urination, hunger pangs, gain or loss of weight, excessive anxiety, trembling hands, palpitations, difficulty breathing, etc. In case you are experiencing any of these, visit your doctor at the earliest. 

They might advise you to get an HbA1c test along with certain other tests like – thyroid panel, kidney function test, liver function test, vitamins, electrolytes, etc. The onset of diabetes is known to mess with these levels and parameters in the body as well. Deficiency in these levels would also come under what are all the symptoms of diabetes.

Also read about sugar free, no added sugar, and unsweetened

Bottomline

Increased Hunger, Increased Thirst, Unexplained Weight Loss, Frequent Urination, etc are some commom diabetes mellitus symptoms. If you are worried about the symptoms of diabetes, it is advisable to visit your doctor at the earliest and get diagnostic tests done. Since the onset of diabetes is known to affect many health parameters in the body, your diagnostics will need to be comprehensive and including other tests like – thyroid panel, kidney function test, liver function test, vitamins, electrolytes, etc.

FAQs

What are the 6 early symptoms of diabetes mellitus type 2?

The early symptoms of diabetes include a range of changes in a person’s body. It is necessary to recognize the symptoms to cure the disease. Here’s a list of six major symptoms that indicate that you might have diabetes mellitus type 2or what is commonly called in India ‘sugar.’ 

1. Increased Hunger and Thirst
2. Having Blurred visions 
3. Sudden weight loss
4. Urinating more than usual 
5. Experiencing Fatigue 
6. Having wounds that won’t heal easily

Apart from these major symptoms that one needs to pay attention to, a few others like frequent infections, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, numbness, etc., may also be noticed in a diabetic person.

What is the main cause of diabetes mellitus?

When the glucose level of the body, which is also called the sugar level of your body, gets too high, a person is diagnosed with diabetes. The primary reason remains that the hormone insulin that is produced by the pancreas is either not produced properly or is not utilized by the body correctly. Glucose, which is the main source of energy in our body, when not transported by insulin to the body cells, causes diabetes mellitus in a person. Also know about normal blood sugar level.

How Common Is Diabetes?

With an estimated 8.7% of adults in India between the ages of 20 and 70 having diabetes, the disease is becoming more and more common. Rapid urbanization, sedentary lives, poor diets, cigarette use, and increased life expectancy are some of the factors contributing to the rising increase of diabetes cases. These numbers are growing with time. 

What Are The Early Symptoms Of Diabetes Type 2?

The early symptoms of type 2 diabetes include : increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, fatigue, compromised immune system and sudden weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor and get tested for diabetes.