Diabetes Mellitus occurs as a result of two things; inability of the body to utilize insulin properly or due to problem in insulin production. There are 2 different types of diabetes mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Diabetes Mellitus type 1 is also known as insulin dependent diabetes and it more common in younger adults and children. It is believed to occurs due to an autoimmune disorder or as result of an illness that affects the pancreas.
Risk of Diabetes 1
- Pancreas diseases
- Family History of Diabetes
- Other infections that my affect pancreas
Diabetes type 2 is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes and occurs in older adults. Possible cause of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 are;
- Body becomes resistance to insulin.
- A medical condition that may lead to abnormal insulin secretion.
- Problem with liver, leading to over production or glucose.
Risk of Diabetes 2
- Family history of the disease
- Obesity or overweight
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Age
- Hypertension
- Race (some races are more prone to acquiring diabetes than others).
The third type of diabetes is what we call Secondary Diabetes Mellitus, which may occur during stressful situations, as a result of a viral infections like Mumps and Rubella or during pregnancy.
Diabetes Mellitus 1 and 2 Symptoms
- Excessive urination, hunger and thirst (polyuria, polyphagia and polydipsia).
- Weight loss
- Poor skin turgor
- Slow in wound healing
- Prone to getting infections
- Vision problems due to accumulation of sorbitol (a by products of glucose). Excessive sorbitol in the bloodstream absorbs water leading to eye swelling (retinopathy).
- If the patient has a history of renal or peripheral disease, the disease is accelerated by diabetes.
Diabetes Management
Diabetes is managed through medication, diet and exercises. Read our previous article on Diabetes management.
Diabetes Complications
Diabetes Ketoacidosis
This is serious life threatening condition that happens when there is less or no insulin in body. With decreased insulin, the body in unable to use glucose for energy and instead it uses fat. The by products of fat is what we call ketones and building up of ketones in the blood leads to Ketoacidosis. Diabetes Ketoacidosis is more common in patients suffering from diabetes 1.
Diabetes Ketoacidosis Signs and Symptoms
- Severe hyperglycemia ranging from 300-800mg/dl.
- Usually occurs suddenly
- Presence of urine ketones
- Presence of kussmaul breathing (deep, labored breathing that increases in frequency).
- Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia (discussed above).
- pH - Acidosis (less than 7.35)
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Non-Ketotic Syndrome
This is more common in patients suffering from diabetes 2. It occurs when the blood glucose level is more than 600mg/dl. The body tries to get rid of the excessive glucose through urination but it reaches a point when the kidneys can no longer be able to remove the excessive glucose, leading to dangerously high amount of glucose in the blood. 
When this happens, the blood become more concentrated with glucose, sodium and since electrolytes like sodium attracts water, the water moves out of the cells to the blood stream causing severe dehydration to other important body organs, including the brain. This can eventually leads to coma or death, if no medical intervention is done promptly.
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Non-Ketotic Syndrome Signs and Symptoms
- Usually occurs gradually
- Extreme hyperglycemia ranging from 700-1200mg/dl.
- No presence of urine ketones
- Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia (discussed above).
- pH - Acidosis (less than 7.4)
Management of Diabetes Complications
Both complication are managed by use of regular insulin, intravenous fluid and electrolytes replacement.
How to Prevent Diabetes Complications
- Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels.
- Take your medications as prescribed by your physician.
- Incase you are suffering from any other illness, do not self-prescribe any medication, consult a physician.
- Drink as much water as you can, every day.
- Educate your self more about diabetes, so that you can be able to identify possible serious signs of complications.
- Seek medical help promptly or as needed.
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