What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells use glucose for energy. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy and comes from the food we eat.
What are the different types of DM?
The two main types of DM are type 1 DM and type 2 DM.
- Type 1 DM: Type 1 DM is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells are responsible for producing insulin.
- Type 2 DM: Type 2 DM is the most common type of DM. It is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and diet. People with type 2 DM often have insulin resistance, which means that their cells do not respond properly to insulin.
What are the symptoms of DM?
Common symptoms of DM include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
How is DM diagnosed?
DM is diagnosed with a blood test. A fasting blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in your blood after you have not eaten for at least eight hours. A random blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in your blood at any time. An oral glucose tolerance test measures how your body responds to a sugary drink.
How is DM treated?
There is no cure for DM, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or both.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes that can help manage DM include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Medication: Medications for DM include:
- Insulin: Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells use glucose for energy.
- Oral medications: Oral medications can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production, decreasing insulin resistance, or blocking the absorption of glucose from the intestines.
What are the complications of DM?
DM can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Eye damage
- Foot problems
How can I prevent DM?
There is no surefire way to prevent DM, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
The role of the interprofessional team in managing DM
An interprofessional team is a group of healthcare professionals from different disciplines who work together to provide care to patients. The interprofessional team for DM typically includes:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Registered dietitians
- Certified diabetes educators
- Other healthcare professionals
The interprofessional team works together to create and implement a treatment plan for each patient. They also provide education and support to patients and their families.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus is a serious chronic disease, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and the support of an interprofessional team. If you have DM, it is important to follow your treatment plan and see your doctor regularly for checkups.
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