Diabetes Mellitus: Analysis of The Types, Strategies and Treatments

Abstract

Diabetes is a general term that refers to any of various disorders that are characterized by excessive urination, also known as polyuria. When used alone it refers to Diabetes Mellitus (DM). There are several types of Diabetes, known as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 1), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 2) and Gestational Diabetes. In this essay, we analyze the types of diabetes, diagnosing strategies and different treatments for DM 1 and DM2. The paper will describe Gestational Diabetes.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is a broadly applied diagnosis that is used to represent a complex group of conditions that have a common interruption in the use of glucose, which could be a secondary condition to the malfunction of the beta cells of the pancreas. The function of the pancreas is produce and release of insulin. Insulin is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, fats. DM is one of the most common endocrine disorders. “The term diabetes derives from the Greek word for siphon, which is a reference to the copious urine excretion that characterizes this affliction. Globally, diabetes is one of the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases. It is the fourth or fifth leading cause of death in most industrialized countries and a fast-rising cause of mortality and morbidity in other locations. The causes of diabetes is due to a combination of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors. The disease has no cure.” (Basu, 2019).

Difference Between Type 1, and Type 2

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 is a hereditary disease and there is no way to prevent it. Although it generally appears in children and adolescents first, adults have it as well. The body’s immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas causing the pancreas to cease production of sufficient insulin, and the ability to adjust the blood glucose level. Once diagnosed, the patient will rely on supplemental insulin for the rest of their lives.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is caused by the body’s cells resistance to the effects of insulin. Eventually, this will cause the body to stop producing enough insulin and no longer use glucose effectively. Unable to enter the cells, the glucose builds up in blood. The patient continually experience high blood glucose causing insulin resistance. The patient may not need supplemental insulin at first, but as the disease advances, they need the supplements to manage the blood glucose levels.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational DM is any degree of glucose intolerance onset during pregnancy. GDM has adverse fetal and maternal outcomes as it can cause an increase in morbidity and mortality in both mother and fetus. “Major morbidities in fetus include respiratory distress, growth restriction, polycythemia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia” (Bathula, U., & Yelamanchili, A. 2019).

Diagnosing

DM 1 has a sudden onset of symptoms, while DM 2 begins with prediabetes and generally has no symptoms. For both types of DM, the physician should order one of the following tests: A1C test, fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, or random plasma glucose test. Depending on the test results , the physician can diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Treatment and Prevention

The most ambitious DM 1 prevention trial conducted was DPT-1. The test was designed to determine if it is possible to delay or prevent the onset of DM 1. The strategy was based on the argument that when a subject receives low dose of insulin over some time, the immune system will learn to be more tolerant and therefore it will not attack insulin-producing beta cells.

Also, using an insulin pump or daily insulin injections can treat DM 1. The two method can provide insulin as needed at all time. Patients with DM 1 should follow the treatment plans and instructions given to them by their physician beside having an active, healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues that could arise. Also monitoring glucose levels should be done at all times. People who have family history of diabetes should be more vigilant as they are prone to the autoimmune disease.

Medication such as Metformin and insulin can treat DM 2. DM 2 patients should also follow the treatment plan and instructions given by their physician, just like DM 1 patients. The patients should also maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid any complications that could arise.

To prevent Diabetes Mellitus, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Rush and Coppinger (2018) stated that: “Nutritious food and regular physical activity (PA) are two of the most fundamental requirements that support normal growth and development, with adverse early life experiences found to have lasting negative effects on health and wellbeing across the life course”. Healthy food choices can be achieved by consuming foods with low in saturated fats, sodium, and sugar, and increasing fruits, vegetables, and water intake. Regular exercise helps in lowering glycemic levels, blood pressure and weight.

Family Education

Educating family about healthy lifestyle is important because it can prevent a love one to develop diabetes mellitus. Assessing family lifestyle is important because nurses will have a baseline of the family weight, nutrition habits and activity level. If a family member shows signs of hyperglycemia than the nurse will develop a plan. She will educate the family that it is important to maintain a healthy weight because it can decrease blood glucose level and prevent longer term illness. She will also encourage them to make healthier food chooses. For example, family should avoid processed foods and increase vegetables, protein and whole grains intake. It is important to teach the family that alcohol and tobacco can affect the body while begin diabetic.

Conclusion

DM 1, DM 2 and GDM are all easily diagnosed by the physician via lab testing. Patients are thereby treated with insulin and urged to manage their diabetes by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits. It is also crucial for patients to keep track of their glucose levels and avoid any complications and infections.

References

1. Basu, A., & Nandy, D. K. (2019, March). Diabetes. In AccessScience. McGraw-Hill Education. doi:10.1036/1097-8542.190300
2. Bathula, U., & Yelamanchili, A. (2019). Gestational diabetes and its adverse pregnancy outcomes. International Archives of Integrated Medicine, 6(6), 113–116. Retrieved from https://iaimjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/iaim_2019_0606_18.pdf
3. Diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/diabetes.
4. Nichols, H. (2019, March 25). Types 1 and 2 diabetes: Similarities and differences. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7504.php
5. Rush, E., & Coppinger, T. (2018). Improving health through diet and exercise in children. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. doi: 10.1038/s41430-018-0209-8