Diabetes mellitus: causes, types, treatment

Wellness

Written by Malina Mancas

Reviewed by Maria-Madălina Pistea

Updated 27 february, 2024

7 min

411 Views

Reviewed by Maria-Madălina Pistea

In this article:

Types of diabetes

What complications can diabetes cause?

Causes of diabetes

Signs of diabetes

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Treatment for diabetes

Diabetes mellitus: causes, types, treatment

Types of diabetes

There are several forms of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes - Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune disease that can be diagnosed at any age, but occurs more commonly in people under 30. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus - Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and gradually loses its ability to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. About 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with diet and regular exercise, but may also require medication or insulin therapy.
Gestational diabetes - Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It generally appears in the second or third trimester of pregnancy in women who have not previously been diagnosed with other forms of diabetes and can lead to complications for the mother and fetus.

Prediabetes is a condition characterized by an increase in blood glucose, but does not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

What complications can diabetes cause?

High blood sugar levels can lead to a number of diabetes-related complications, such as:

kidney disease;
leg problems - diabetic foot;
eye disease - retinopathy;
nerve damage - neuropathy;
heart disease and circulatory problems.

Causes of diabetes

The causes of type 1 diabetes are still being investigated. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. But the exact cause of this reaction is still unknown. Diet and lifestyle are not factors in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes develops slowly over time as the insulin produced by the body becomes less effective at managing blood glucose levels. Risk factors for diabetes include:

Physical inactivity;
excess body weight or obesity;
family history of diabetes;
prediabetes.

Signs of diabetes

Some types of diabetes have no symptoms and may remain undiagnosed for a long time, but some symptoms of diabetes may include:

intense thirst, more intense than usual;
increased frequency of urination;
feeling tired and lethargic;
slow wound healing;
vision problems;
itchy or infected skin;
unexplained weight loss or gradual weight gain.

The symptoms of diabetes are caused by increased blood sugar levels.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Fasting blood glucose is the most common diagnostic test for diabetes. However, there are other tests to diagnose diabetes - including the oral glucose tolerance test or glycated (glycated) hemoglobin.

Treatment for diabetes

Diabetes treatment aims to prevent complications by controlling blood glucose levels. The treatment depends on the type of diabetes - the treatment regimen for type 2 diabetes will usually be different from that for type 1 diabetes. Treatment for diabetes in children also differs from treatment in adults.

Treatment may include:

insulin - giving insulin by injection or using an insulin pump;
diabetes medicines and diabetes control products;
blood glucose monitoring using a glucometer;
changing diet so that intake is matched to insulin levels;
lifestyle modifications and other medical care.

Insulin

People with type 1 diabetes need to use insulin to manage blood glucose. Many people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes also need insulin therapy. Several types of insulin are available, including short-acting insulin, rapid-acting insulin, long-acting insulin and intermediate options. Insulin cannot be taken by mouth because digestive enzymes interfere with its action. Your doctor will determine whether you need such treatment and what type of insulin you may need, depending on several factors.

Diabetes medicines

Some people with diabetes require certain medicines to control blood glucose. Some examples include metformin and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. Some diabetes medicines help the pancreas release more insulin. Others prevent the production and release of glucose from the liver or block the action of enzymes that break down carbohydrates, slowing their absorption or making tissues more sensitive to insulin. Along with blood sugar-lowering drugs, people with diabetes often need blood pressure-lowering drugs and statins to reduce the risk of complications.

Sometimes your doctor may also recommend a range of anti-diabetic supplements, depending on certain factors. These may include:

Chromium supplements - may help reduce fasting glucose levels;
Omega-3 fatty acids;
alpha-lipoic acid - may help the body to use insulin more efficiently and has antioxidant activity;
watermelon extract - may have blood glucose-lowering properties;
cinnamon - may regulate blood sugar levels;
berberine extract - may improve insulin sensitivity and improve the absorption of blood sugar into the muscles, which helps lower blood glucose;
magnesium - is involved in normal insulin secretion and the action of insulin in body tissues.

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Remember that diabetic supplements should NOT be used to replace diabetes treatment prescribed by your doctor. Also, DO NOT take diabetes supplements without your doctor's advice, as some may interfere with the action of your diabetes medicines or affect your blood glucose levels.

Blood glucose monitoring

Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential for diabetes management. This helps you understand the relationship between blood glucose, food, exercise and insulin levels in the body. It will also help you keep track of potential side effects of treatment, such as hypoglycemia (a sudden drop in blood sugar).

Diet in diabetes

Blood sugar comes from certain foods called carbohydrates. Carbohydrate-rich foods include sweets, sodas, bread, rice, rice, potatoes, corn, etc. The more carbohydrates you eat, the higher your blood sugar level will be. No matter what type of diabetes you have, optimal food choices are one way to keep your blood sugar at an optimal level.

It is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Limit your intake of fried foods, foods high in unhealthy fats, foods high in sugar and salt, sweetened drinks, etc. It also matters when you eat - it's important to plan regular, balanced meals to avoid high or low blood sugar levels. It may be helpful to work with a dietitian to establish a personalized eating plan with a balanced carbohydrate intake. Your doctor or nutritionist can help you establish an optimal diet and list of foods that are prohibited in type 2 diabetes.