DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition in which the beta cells of the pancreas produces little or no insulin or the cells of the body cannot utilize the insulin produced by the pancreas. It results in higk levels of glucose in the blood. 

                       INSULIN 

 Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that drives glucose (blood sugar) into the cells of the body to use it as fuel for energy to be produced. Insulin also regulates the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.

So as your glucose level drops so does the secretion of insulin from your pancreas.

                    GLUCOSE 

Glucose, a sugar is a main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. Glucose comes from two major sources; food and the liver. The liver stores glucose as glycogen. When your glucose level is low, such as when you haven’t eaten for a while, a hormone called glucagon converts the glycogen back to glucose to keep your glucose level within a normal range. 

Diabetes mellitus has been group into three different types.

    TYPES OF DIABETES MELLITUS

• Diabetes mellitus type 1 previously known as insulin dependant or juvenile onset is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. When this happens little or no insulin is produced.

• Diabetes mellitus type 2 previously called non-insulin dependant or insulin resistant in a chronic problem in which the insulin is produced but the cells are resistant to the insulin. In other words, the insulin produced cannot move the glucose into the cells for energy to be produced. 

• Gestational diabetes mellitus only occurs in pregnancy women and often resolves after delivery. During pregnancy there are alot of hormonal changes that occurs in the pregnant woman this can lead to the increase in the glucose levels. 

      SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• Excessive urination (polyuria)
• Excessive hunger (polyphagia)
• Weight loss 
• Fatigue
• Vision changes
• Glucosuria(glucose in urine)
• Slow healing sores

RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES MELLITUS 

• Family history of diabetes mellitus
• Obesity especially in type 2
• Lack of exercise
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Autoimmune disease
• Alcohol consumption
• Infections(viral infections)

NON PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT

• Achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Eating a well balanced diet 
• Avoid the excessive intake of 

alcohol

• Avoid excessive smoking
• Keep your blood pressure and 

• Take stress seriously
• Regular exercising 

PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT

Insulin is used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Insulin is a genetic-engineered drug. Insulin used in the hospitals is mainly from pigs. 

Different kinds of insulin used include;

• Short acting insulin: it reaches thebloodstream 30 minutes after it has been injected and peak 2-3 hours afterwards. It works for 3-6 hours 

• Rapid acting insulin: it works within 15 minutes after injection. The peak time is usually 1-2 hours after use. 

• Immediate acting insulin: it works 2 to 4 hours after use, with an average peak time of 12 hours. 

• Long acting insulin: it helps lower the blood glucose for up to 24 hours or longer. 

          ANTIDIABETIC DRUGS

These drugs are used to treat only type 2 diabetes. They include;

• Biguanides: they help decrease the amount of glucose the liver stores, help the muscles absorb insulin and make the body more sensitive to insulin. Example include: metformin 

• Sulfonylureas: they work by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin. Example include; glimepiride 

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