Diabetes Mellitus

Presented by Kaojao Teeruam

Cambridge International Program, Narinukun High School
ASBS4, Business Studies
Instructor: Mr. Jason Wong
Due Date: December 31

Introduction
Diabetes mellitus
It is a chronic problem of health that affects millions of people throughout the world. It happens when
the body cannot maintain normal levels of blood sugar, due to a problem with the production of
insulin. This disease generally has three main types: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, each
having different causes and characteristics. Although diabetes is a curable disease, its negligence
brings terrible health disasters. Effective prevention and treatment require being well-informed about
its symptoms, causes, and types.

Types of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is generally
classified into three major types: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Each kind
has different causes, characteristics, and effects on the body.

Type 1 diabetes
It is an autoimmune disease wherein the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the
insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. This results in minor or no production of insulin. In the
absence of sufficient insulin, glucose cannot pass into the cells and thus stays in the bloodstream,
raising blood sugar levels. Typically, type 1 diabetes onsets during childhood or early adulthood and is
commonly known as juvenile diabetes. People with this condition have to take insulin shots every day
because of the inability of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. Although the exact cause is still
unknown, it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may both play a role.

Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common form of diabetes and largely has to do with lifestyle issues combined with
genetic causes. In this condition, the body either develops resistance to insulin or cannot produce
 enough of it to regulate blood sugar levels. It usually starts during adulthood; however, a rise in
obesity is increasing its incidence in children. Type 2 diabetes is also known to be triggered by
conditions like being overweight and lack of exercise. Family medical history is another predisposing
factor that contributes to type 2 diabetes. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled
through diet and exercise, but some people with Type 2 diabetes do need medication or insulin
therapy eventually.

Gestational diabetes
It is developed during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that make it difficult for the body to utilize
insulin effectively. This condition leaves high blood sugar levels and affects both mother and baby.
Although it often clears up after pregnancy, women who have had gestational diabetes are at a greater
risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Management of gestational diabetes includes a
healthy diet and exercise, and, in some women, insulin or medications that help keep blood sugar
within the target range during pregnancy.

Symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes are varied, but they often include common warning signs that help in the
identification of the condition. These symptoms may be quite sudden in Type 1 diabetes, while in
Type 2 and gestational diabetes, they tend to develop more gradually. It is thus important to recognize
these signs for early diagnosis and treatment.

The most common symptoms include increased thirst, or polydipsia.

This is due to the fact that the high level of sugar within the blood is drawing water from the tissues of
the body, creating a sensation of dehydration. This symptom is usually linked with increased urination
or polyuria, where the kidneys are working harder to take out the excess sugar in the blood. These
symptoms, if left untreated, will lead to further dehydration.

Other symptoms of the disease include excessive hunger,

even after eating meals, because the cells in the body are not receiving sufficient amounts of glucose
to create energy and signal the brain for more food. However, individuals with diabetes, most often
those with Type 1, have experienced spontaneous weight loss despite having a voracious appetite,
because of the body breaking down fat and muscle tissues for energy due to the inability of the body
to use glucose appropriately.

Fatigue
It is a symptom as the body does not possess the appropriate amount of energy to function correctly. It
can also damage small blood vessels due to high levels of blood sugar, which can affect blurred vision
and is usually one of the early warning signs. If diabetes remains untreated, then it may also lead to
more serious eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy.

In addition, diabetes disrupts the healing process.

Many people have wounds that take a long time to heal or have recurring infections in the skin, gums,
or urinary tract. This occurs because high sugar levels in the blood weaken the immune system and
reduce blood flow, which makes it harder for injuries to heal and for infection to clear up.

Causes of diabetes
Diabetes disease may attack anybody and any age and either sex, due to the fact of different causes
concerning the health and family record genetic factor, or endocrine one, or just way of life.

Genetic Factors
There is a family history of Type 2 diabetes, so there would appear to be a genetic link. Lifestyle
Factors: The major ones are obesity, no or little physical activity, and unhealthy eating. Extra body
weight is linked to insulin resistance, especially around the abdomen.

A sedentary lifestyle
coupled with diets high in processed foods and added sugars creates even greater risks.

Age
There is a tendency for Type 2 diabetes to develop with advancing age, which is possibly the result of
a combination of these life-style factors and the aging process that influences how the body reacts to
insulin.

Hormonal Changes: The hormones produced by the placenta, which support the development of the
fetus, interfere with the working of insulin in the mother's body and cause insulin resistance.

The treatment
Diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce enough
insulin.
 Management of the condition primarily involves the following: Insulin Therapy
The patients need to take regular injections of insulin or an insulin pump to maintain appropriate
blood sugar levels. Rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting are some of the
types of insulin administered based on the individual's needs.

Diet and Exercise

A proper diet, the intake of nutrition and routine exercise help a person with diabetes maintain blood
sugar levels and, to a great extent, prevent complications.

Regular and moderate exercises improve the sensitivity to insulin for raising blood glucose levels
and its control.

Monitoring of Blood Glucose

One should frequently test to keep the blood glucose level within the desired range.

Conclusion
After all, diabetes is a dangerous and even life-threatening illness that requires close attention to itself
and, correspondingly, effective treatment with medication and a healthy lifestyle. A balanced lifestyle,
regular checkups, and adherence to treatments prescribed by doctors will enable us to lead a healthy
and fulfilling life.

References
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Diabetes mellitus. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved December

28, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/science/diabetes