Diabetes mellitus

Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians. Please refer to the full text of the Wikademia medical disclaimer.

Diabetes mellitus refers to a number of diseases that have in common elevated blood sugar levels.

Definitions

Diabetes is a disease defined as the body’s ability to produce or properly use the hormone insulin. Insulin converts sugar also know as glucose, as well as starches found in food into energy. There are many forms of diabetes (Pre-diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, and Type 2 diabetes) and thousands of undiagnosed people world-wide.

Management

Following diagnosis, a change in attitude and behaviour is required to ensure a healthy quality of life. The most important treatment (as with any disease) is to follow instruction from qualified health care providers. To successfully manage diabetes, it is important to educate yourself and your family and friends and be proactive in your care and regime. For many people, being proactive before diagnosis, by exercising and watching what you eat, the probability of you acquiring the disease would have decreased. Even if you have been diagnosed with any form of diabetes, exercise and watching what you eat can dramatically and positively affect your quality of life.

Prevention

Things you can do to lower your risk of diabetes include:

• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Become active, walk, or exercise regularly
• Eat a well balanced diet of low fat meals.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low glucose in the blood. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:

• shakiness
• dizziness
• hunger
• headaches
• sudden mood swings or behavior changes
• jerky movements of muscles
• confusion.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia means high glucose in the blood. Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia can include:

• a very dry mouth with extreme thirst
• nausea and vomiting
• shortness of breath.

References

American Diabetes Association. Diabetes myths. American Diabetes Association.

See also

• Myths and Misconceptions about Type II Diabetes

Run a search on Diabetes mellitus at Wikipedia.