DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 (DM)
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar to become too high.
CAUSES:
Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreas to control blood sugar. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both. Type 2 DM accounts for 80 – 90% of all types of Diabetes.
RISK FACTORS
The exact cause of DM is unknown but there are some known risk factors:
Age – being over the age of 40
Genetics – DM runs in families
Being overweight or obese – One is more likely to develop DM if overweight or obese.
Not getting enough exercise
Fat distribution – One's risk for DM is higher if one is overweight and has pot – belly.
Inactivity – the less active one is the greater one's risk of developing type 2 DM.
Gestational DM – If one develops DM when pregnant, one's risk of DM increases.
SYMPTOMS
Excessive urination
Feeling very thirsty
Feeling very tired
Hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Blurred vision
Itching around the penis or vagina
Cuts or wounds that heal slowly.
DIAGNOSIS (Exams & Tests)
Fasting Blood Glucose – DM is diagnosed if higher than 126mg/dl on two or more occasions
Urinalysis: To look for glucose & ketones.
COMPLICATIONS OF DM
Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney failure
Loss of feeling and pain on the extremities
Blindness
Erection problems
Hypertension
Miscarriage and still birth
Lower limb amputations
MANAGEMENT OF DM
Eat a healthy balanced diet in moderation
Maintain a healthy weight
Engage in regular exercise
Take alcohol in moderation
Stop Cigarette smoking
Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
LAST LINE
You can help prevent DM by staying at healthy body weight, eating healthy – controlling your portion sizes and living an active lifestyle.
