A metabolic disorder characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels due to diminished production of insulin or insulin resistance/desensitization
Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
The following features are indicative of Diabetes Mellitus:
increased thirst
frequent urination
extreme hunger
unexplained weight loss
presence of ketones in the urine
fatigue
irritability
blurred vision
slow-healing sores
frequent infections
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Common Causes of Diabetes Mellitus
The following are the most common causes of Diabetes Mellitus:
loss of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreatic islets
insulin resistance
lack of physical activity
poor diet
stress
urbanization
Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Diabetes Mellitus:
family history
environmental factors
presence of damaging immune system cells
dietary factors
overweight
black race
older age
gestational diabetes
polycystic ovary syndrome
high blood pressure
abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Diabetes Mellitus. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
eat healthy foods
more physical activity
lose excess pounds
Occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Diabetes Mellitus cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Diabetes Mellitus can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Diabetes Mellitus can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Diabetes Mellitus:
Random blood sugar test: To detect type 2 diabetes
Fasting blood sugar test: To indicate elevated blood sugar levels
Oral glucose tolerance test: To detect prediabetic conditions
Doctor for Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus:
Obstetric Surgeon
Endocrinologist
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus if untreated
Yes, Diabetes Mellitus causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Diabetes Mellitus is left untreated:
diabetic retinopathy
chronic kidney disease
diabetic foot ulcers
stroke
peripheral artery disease
Procedures for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
The following procedures are used to treat Diabetes Mellitus:
Weight loss surgery: To prevent type 2 diabetes
Insulin therapy: To raise the levels of insulin
Self-care for Diabetes Mellitus
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Diabetes Mellitus:
Eat healthy foods: Help prevent symptoms of diabetes
More physical activity: Helps achieve normal healthy weight
Patient Support for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
The following actions may help Diabetes Mellitus patients:
Join local support groups: Helps in counselling diabetic patients
Time for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Diabetes Mellitus to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced