Disease diabetes mellitus signs and treatment. What are the reasons behind the emergence of such an insidious disease as diabetes? How to treat diabetes

What causes diabetes mellitus? The basis of the disease is a violation of the metabolism of carbohydrates and water. As a result, the function of the pancreas is reduced. It is this organ that is responsible for the production of a hormone called insulin.

Many people wonder what is insulin? After all, it is he who is used to treat diabetes mellitus.

The hormone insulin is involved in the production of sugar. In its absence, the body is unable to process sugar into glucose. As a result, the content of He is excreted from the body in large quantities in the urine.

In parallel with this process, a violation of water exchange is observed. Tissues are unable to retain water. As a result, its excess is excreted by the kidneys.

If a person has a high blood glucose level, then this is the main sign that the body is affected by such an ailment as diabetes.

Insulin response to blood sugar

What is insulin and what is the pattern of its interaction with sugar? In the human body, the beta proteins of the pancreas are responsible for the production of the hormone. Insulin supplies the cells in the body with the right amount of sugar.

What kind of failure is observed in the body when increased content Sahara? In this case, insulin is produced in the body insufficiently, the sugar level is increased, but the cells suffer from a lack of glucose supply.

So, diabetes. What is it in simple terms? The basis of the disease is a violation metabolic processes in the body. The disease can be either hereditary or acquired.

From a lack of insulin, the skin is affected by small pustules, the condition of the gums and teeth worsens, atherosclerotic plaques, angina pectoris develop, blood pressure rises, kidney function is inhibited, functional disorders are noted nervous system, vision falls.

Etiology of the disease

What causes diabetes mellitus, what provokes it? The pathogenesis of this disease depends on the type of disease. There are two main types that are very different. Although in modern endocrinology such a division is conditional, the type of disease still matters when choosing a therapy. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the features of each species separately and highlight their key characteristics.

In any case, the occurrence of which lies in a violation of carbohydrate metabolism and a constant increase in blood glucose, is a serious illness. Elevated blood sugar is called hyperglycemia in medicine.

The hormone insulin does not fully interact with tissues. It is he who lowers the content of glucose in the body by carrying it into all cells of the body. Glucose is an energy substrate that helps maintain the life of the body.

If the system is disrupted, then glucose does not take part in the normal metabolic process and is collected in excess in the blood. These are the causal mechanisms that are the start of the development of diabetes mellitus.

It should be noted that not every rise in blood sugar is true diabetes. The disease is triggered by a primary disorder of insulin action.

Under what conditions is hyperglycemia noted?

Hyperglycemia can occur with the following conditions:

  • Pheochromocytoma. She presents benign tumor in the adrenal glands, which promotes the production of insulin antagonist hormones.
  • Glucagonoma and somatostatinoma - the proliferation of cells that synthesize competitors of insulin.
  • Increased adrenal function.
  • Increased function thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
  • Cirrhosis of the liver.
  • Violation of carbohydrate tolerance (their reduced absorption after meals with a normal index on an empty stomach).
  • Transient hyperglycemia.

The expediency of isolating such conditions is due to the fact that the hyperglycemia arising in them is of a secondary nature. She acts as a symptom. Therefore, by eliminating the underlying disease, it is possible to achieve the normalization of blood glucose levels.

If a violation is observed in the body for a long time, then this gives reason to diagnose a disease such as diabetes mellitus. In this case, it occurs against the background of pathological processes in the body.

Disease symptoms

The clinical manifestation of the disease is characterized by a gradual increase in the leading rarely debuts with lightning speed, it develops gradually.

The onset of the disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • feeling of dry mouth;
  • constant thirstthat cannot be satisfied;
  • increased number of urination;
  • drastic weight loss or obesity;
  • itching and dry skin;
  • the formation of small pustules on the skin;
  • poor wound healing;
  • muscle weakness;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • increased sweating.

Usually, these complaints are the first call for the onset of diabetes. If such symptoms appear, it is recommended to immediately consult an endocrinologist.

As the course of the disease worsens, conditions may appear that adversely affect work. internal organs... With a critical development of the disease, even a disturbance of consciousness with severe poisoning and multiple organ failure can be observed.

Factors provoking the disease

What causes diabetes mellitus? The reasons for the development of the disease are varied.

The provoking factors of diabetes are as follows:

  • Unfavorable genetic background. In this case, other factors are reduced to nothing.
  • Weight gain.
  • A number of pathological processes in the body that contribute to the defeat of beta proteins. As a result, insulin production in the body is disrupted.
  • A pancreatic tumor, pancreatitis, pathological disorders of the endocrine glands can provoke the development of the disease.
  • Diseases of an infectious nature, for example, rubella damage to the body, chickenpox, hepatitis and even the common flu. These diseases can serve as a trigger for the development of the disease, especially in people at risk.
  • Nervous stress. Emotional stress has a detrimental effect on the functionality of the pancreas.

Does age play a role

Does age play a role in the development of a disease such as diabetes mellitus? Paradoxically, the answer is yes. Scientists have found that every 10 years the risk of damage to the body by an illness doubles. Moreover, diabetes mellitus can be diagnosed even in infants.

Why are there two types of disease

This distinction is important, since different therapy is selected for one form or another.

The longer diabetes mellitus lasts, the less clear-cut the division into subspecies has. With a protracted course, the same treatment will be carried out, regardless of the causes of the onset of the disease.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

This type causes a lack of insulin. Most often, this type of disease affects people under the age of 40 years with severe diabetes. Insulin is required to stop the disease. The reason is that the body produces antibodies that destroy the cells of the pancreas.

In the presence of type 1 diabetes, complete cure is not possible, although cases are very rare full recovery pancreatic function. But this state can only be achieved by including a specific diet with the use of natural raw foods.

To maintain the body, a synthetic analogue of the hormone insulin is used, which is injected intramuscularly. Since insulin is subject to destruction in the gastrointestinal tract, taking it in the form of tablets is impractical. The hormone is injected with food. In this case, it is important to adhere to a specific diet. Products containing sugar and carbohydrates are completely excluded from the diet.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Why does this diabetes mellitus occur? The cause is not a lack of insulin. Most often, people after 40 years of age who have a tendency to be overweight suffer from this ailment. The cause of the disease lies in the loss of cell sensitivity to insulin due to increased content nutrients in the body.

The administration of the hormone insulin is not applicable to every patient. Only a doctor can choose the right treatment regimen and, if necessary, determine the daily dose of the hormone.

First of all, such patients are encouraged to review their diet and adhere to a diet. It is very important to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. It is advised to gradually lose weight (3 kg per month). Weight should be monitored throughout life, avoiding its gain.

If the diet does not help, special drugs are prescribed to lower the sugar level, and only in very extreme cases resort to the use of insulin.

What pathological processes are triggered in the body when insulin rises

The higher the blood sugar and the longer the disease itself, the more severe its manifestations. The consequences of diabetes can be severe.

To release excess glucose, the body triggers the following pathological mechanisms:

  • Glucose is transformed into body fat, which leads to obesity.
  • Glycolization of cell membrane proteins occurs, which causes a violation of the functionality of all systems in the human body.
  • The sorbitol pathway of glucose release is activated. The process causes the appearance of toxic compounds that damage nerve cells. It is the basis of diabetic neuropathy.
  • Small and large vessels are affected, which is caused by an increased content of cholesterol in the blood during glycosylation of proteins. As a consequence, this process causes diabetic microangiopathy of internal organs and eyes, as well as angiopathy. lower limbs.

Based on the foregoing, it can be stated that an increase in the level of glucose in the blood promotes damage to internal organs with a predominant damage to one system.

Symptoms of Complicated Diabetes

  • a sharp deterioration in vision;
  • migraines and other functional disorders of the nervous system;
  • pain in the region of the heart;
  • enlarged liver;
  • pain and numbness in the lower extremities;
  • decreased skin sensitivity in the feet area;
  • arterial hypertension;
  • the appearance of the smell of acetone from the patient;
  • loss of consciousness.

The appearance of vivid symptoms of diabetes mellitus should be a signal of alarm. Such manifestations indicate a deep development of the disease and its insufficient correction by means of medicines.

Complications caused by diabetes

The disease itself does not pose a threat to human life. Its complications are more dangerous. Some of them should be noted. These consequences of diabetes mellitus are quite common.

The most serious condition is loss of consciousness or a high degree of inhibition of the patient. Such a patient should be hospitalized immediately.

The most common diabetic coma is ketoacidotic. It is caused by the accumulation of toxic substances during metabolic processes that have a detrimental effect on nerve cells. The main indicator of coma is the smell of acetone when breathing. Consciousness in this state is darkened, the patient is covered with profuse sweat. At the same time, there is a sharp decrease in blood sugar, which can be caused by an overdose of insulin. Other types of coma are extremely rare.

Puffiness can be both local and extensive. This symptom is an indicator of impaired kidney function. If the edema is asymmetric and spreads to one lower leg or foot, then this process is evidence of diabetic microangiopathy of the lower extremities caused by neuropathy.

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure is also an indicator of the severity of diabetes. The condition can be assessed in two ways. In the first case, attention is drawn to the indicator of total pressure. An increase indicates a progressive course of diabetic nephropathy. With this complication, the kidneys release substances that increase pressure.

On the other hand, there is often a drop in pressure in the vessels and lower extremities. The process is determined by performing sound Doppler. It indicates the presence of angiopathy of the lower extremities.

Pain in the legs is an indicator of the development of diabetic angio- or neuropathy. Microangiopathy is characterized by pain during exercise and walking.

Emergence pain at night indicates the presence of diabetic neuropathy. As a rule, this condition is characterized by numbness with a decrease in sensitivity. Some patients have a local burning sensation in certain areas of the lower leg or foot.

Trophic ulcers are the next stage of diabetic angio- and neuropathy after pain. The type of wounds in different forms varies. For each individual case, individual treatment methods are provided. In a difficult situation, the smallest symptoms should be taken into account, since it depends on this whether the patient's limb is preserved.

Neuropathic ulcers are caused by decreased sensitivity of the feet against the background of neuropathy with deformity of the foot. At the main points of friction in the areas of bone protrusions, calluses are formed, which are not felt by patients. Hematomas appear under them, in which pus is further collected. The foot begins to greatly disturb a person only when swelling and an ulcer occurs on it.

Gangrene is usually caused by diabetic angiopathy. In this case, small and large vessels are affected. Usually the process is localized in the area of \u200b\u200bone toe. If the blood flow is disturbed, a sharp pain appears in the foot, then redness occurs. Over time, the skin becomes bluish, becomes cold and swollen, then becomes covered with blisters with cloudy contents and black skin necrosis.

Such changes are not treatable. In this case, amputation is indicated. Its optimal level is the lower leg area.

How to prevent the development of complications

Prevention of complications is based on early detection of the disease and its correct therapy... The doctor should outline correct treatment, and the patient strictly follow the instructions.

Lower limbs with diabetes mellitus need daily proper care... If damage is found, you should immediately contact a surgeon.

Prevention of diabetes mellitus

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent the development of the disease. Indeed, often the trigger is genetics and viruses that infect every person.

The condition in the presence of type 2 diabetes is assessed in a completely different way. It is often associated with the wrong lifestyle.

TO preventive measures in this case, the following activities can be attributed:

  • weight normalization;
  • blood pressure control;
  • eating foods low in carbohydrates and fats;
  • moderate physical exercise.

Conclusion

So, what causes diabetes? The disease is a violation of the body's glucose uptake mechanism.

A complete cure is impossible. The exception is type 2 diabetes mellitus. To stop it, a certain diet is used in combination with moderate physical activity. It should be remembered that the risk of recurrence of the disease in case of violation of the regime is extremely high.

Diabetes is a disease that develops in the endocrine system, which is expressed in an increase in human blood sugar and chronic insulin deficiency.

This disease leads to impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. According to statistics, the incidence of diabetes is increasing every year. This disease affects more than 10 percent of the total population in different countries the world.

Diabetes mellitus occurs when there is a chronic lack of insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone produced in an area of \u200b\u200bthe pancreas called the islets of Langerhans.

This hormone directly becomes a participant in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism in human organs. Carbohydrate metabolism depends on the entry of sugar into tissue cells.

Insulin activates sugar production and increases liver glucose stores by producing a special carbohydrate compound called glycogen. Additionally, insulin helps prevent the breakdown of the carbohydrate.

Insulin affects protein metabolism primarily by increasing the release of proteins, nucleic acids and preventing protein breakdown.

Insulin acts as an active conductor of glucose to fat cells, enhances the secretion of fatty substances, allows tissue cells to obtain the necessary energy and prevents the rapid breakdown of fat cells. Including this hormone promotes the entry of sodium into the cellular tissues.

The functional functions of insulin can be impaired if the body experiences an acute shortage of insulin during excretion, and the effect of insulin on organ tissues is impaired.

Lack of insulin in cellular tissues can be formed if the pancreas malfunctions, which leads to the destruction of the islets of Langerhans. Which are responsible for replenishing the missing hormone.

What causes diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus of the first type occurs precisely when there is a lack of insulin in the body, caused by the malfunctioning of the pancreas, when less than 20 percent of the tissue cells that are capable of fully functioning remain.

The second type of disease occurs if the effect of insulin is disturbed. In this case, a condition develops, which is referred to as insulin resistance.

The disease is expressed in that it is permanent, but it does not affect the tissues properly due to loss of cell sensitivity.

When there is not enough insulin in the blood, glucose cannot fully enter the cell, resulting in a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. Due to the emergence of alternative ways of processing sugar, sorbitol, glycosaminoglycan, glycated hemoglobin accumulate in tissues.

In turn, sorbitol often provokes the development of cataracts, disrupts the functioning of small arterial vessels, and depletes the nervous system. Glycosaminoglycans damage joints and impair health.

Meanwhile, alternative options for assimilating blood sugar are not enough to get the full amount of energy. Due to the violation of protein metabolism, the synthesis of protein compounds decreases, and protein breakdown is also observed.

This becomes the reason that a person has weakness in the muscles, the functionality of the heart and skeletal muscles is disrupted. Due to the increased peroxidation of fats and the accumulation of harmful toxic substances, vascular damage occurs. As a result, the level of ketone bodies in the blood increases, which act as metabolic products.

The causes of diabetes

The reasons for the development of diabetes mellitus in humans can be of two types:

  • Autoimmune;
  • Idiopathic.

Autoimmune causes of diabetes mellitus are linked to malfunction immune system... With weak immunity, antibodies are formed in the body, which damage the cells of the islets of Langerhans in the region of the pancreas, which are responsible for the secretion of insulin.

The autoimmune process occurs due to the activity of viral diseases, as well as as a result of the action on the body of pesticides, nitrosamines and other toxic substances.

Idiopathic causes can be any processes associated with the onset of diabetes, which develop independently.

Why type 2 diabetes occurs

In the second type of disease, hereditary predisposition, as well as leading an unhealthy lifestyle and the presence of minor diseases, are most often called the cause of the development of diabetes mellitus.

The factors for the development of type 2 diabetes are:

  1. Human genetic predisposition;
  2. Overweight;
  3. Improper nutrition;
  4. Frequent and prolonged stress;
  5. The presence of atherosclerosis;
  6. Medicines;
  7. The presence of diseases;
  8. Pregnancy period; alcohol dependence and smoking.

Human genetic predisposition. This reason is the main one among all possible factors. If the patient has a family member who had diabetes mellitus, there is a risk that diabetes mellitus may appear due to genetic predisposition.

If one of the parents suffers from diabetes, the risk of developing the disease is 30 percent, and if the father and mother have the disease, in 60 percent of cases to the child. If heredity is present, it can begin to manifest itself already in childhood or adolescence.

Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor the health of a child with a genetic predisposition in order to prevent the development of the disease in time. The earlier diabetes mellitus is detected, the lower the chance that the grandchildren will pass this disease on. You can resist the disease by following a certain diet.

Overweight... According to statistics, this is the second reason that leads to the development of diabetes. This is especially true for type 2 diabetes. When overweight or even obese, the patient's body has a large amount of fatty tissue, especially in the abdomen.

Such indicators lead to the fact that a person has a decrease in the sensitivity to the effects of insulin of cellular tissues in the body. This is what causes diabetes mellitus most often in obese patients. Therefore, for those people who have a genetic predisposition to the onset of the disease, it is important to carefully monitor their diet and eat only healthy foods.

Improper nutrition... If a patient's diet includes a significant amount of carbohydrates and no fiber is observed, this leads to obesity, which increases the person's risk of developing diabetes.

Frequent and prolonged stress... Let's note the patterns here:

  • Due to frequent stress and psychological experiences in the blood of a person, there is an accumulation of substances such as catecholamines, glucocorticoids, which provoke the onset of diabetes mellitus in a patient.
  • Especially the risk of developing the disease is in those people who have increased body weight and genetic predisposition.
  • If there are no factors for excitement by heredity, then a strong emotional breakdown can provoke diabetes mellitus, which will launch several diseases at once.
  • This can ultimately lead to a decrease in insulin sensitivity of the body's cellular tissues. Therefore, doctors recommend in any situation to be as calm as possible and not to worry about trifles.

The presence of prolonged atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, ischemic disease hearts.Long-term illnesses lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of cell tissues to the hormone insulin.

Medicines... Some medications can trigger the development of diabetes. Among them:

  1. diuretics
  2. glucocorticoid synthetic hormones,
  3. especially thiazide diuretics,
  4. some antihypertensive drugs,
  5. antineoplastic drugs.

Also, long-term use of any medications, especially antibiotics, leads to disorders in the utilization of sugar in the blood, the so-called develops.

The presence of diseases... Such autoimmune disease, as chronic insufficiency adrenal cortex or autoimmune thyroiditis can provoke the onset of diabetes. Infectious diseases are becoming the main cause of the onset of the disease, especially among schoolchildren and preschoolers, who are often sick.

The reason for the development of diabetes mellitus against the background of infection, as a rule, is the genetic predisposition of children. For this reason, parents, knowing that someone in the family suffers from diabetes mellitus, should be as attentive as possible to the health of the child, not start treatment for infectious diseases and regularly carry out tests for blood glucose levels.

Pregnancy period... This factor can also cause the development of diabetes mellitus if the necessary preventive and treatment measures are not taken in time. Pregnancy as such cannot provoke diabetes, while an unbalanced diet and genetic predisposition can do their insidious job.

Despite the arrival of women during pregnancy, you need to carefully monitor your diet and not allow you to get too carried away with fatty foods. It is also important not to forget to lead an active lifestyle and do special exercises for pregnant women.

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases of the endocrine system that develop due to a lack or absence of insulin (hormone) in the body, as a result of which the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood increases significantly (hyperglycemia). It is manifested by a feeling of thirst, an increase in the amount of excreted urine, increased appetite, weakness, dizziness, slow healing of wounds, etc. The disease is chronic, often with a progressive course.

A timely diagnosis gives the patient a chance to delay the onset of severe complications. But it is not always possible to recognize the first signs of diabetes. The reason for this is the lack of basic knowledge about this disease in people and the low level of patients seeking medical help.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the endocrine system caused by absolute or relative deficiency in the body of insulin, a hormone of the pancreas, resulting in hyperglycemia (persistent increase in blood glucose).

The meaning of the word "diabetes" from the Greek language is "expiration". Therefore, the term "diabetes mellitus" means "losing sugar". In this case, the main symptom of the disease is displayed - the excretion of sugar in the urine.

In the world, about 10% of the population suffers from diabetes mellitus, however, if we take into account the latent forms of the disease, this figure may be 3-4 times higher. It develops as a result of chronic insulin deficiency and is accompanied by disorders of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.

At least 25% of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition. They calmly go about their business, do not pay attention to the symptoms, while diabetes gradually destroys their body.

High blood sugar can cause dysfunction of almost all organs, up to and including death. The higher the blood sugar level, the more obvious the result of its action, which is expressed in:

  • obesity;
  • glycosylation (saccharification) of cells;
  • intoxication of the body with damage to the nervous system;
  • damage to blood vessels;
  • the development of minor diseases affecting the brain, heart, liver, lungs, organs
  • Gastrointestinal tract, muscles, skin, eyes;
  • manifestations of fainting, coma;
  • lethal outcome.

Causes of occurrence

There are a lot of causes of diabetes mellitus, which are based on general violation the functioning of the endocrine system of the body, based either on a deficiency of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, or on the inability of the liver and body tissues to process and absorb glucose in the proper volume.

Due to a lack of this hormone in the body, the concentration of glucose levels in the blood constantly increases, which leads to metabolic disorders, since insulin performs an important function of controlling the processing of glucose in all cells and tissues of the body.

One of the reasons is a hereditary predisposition. If a person has diabetics in the family, then he has a certain risk of getting this disease too, especially if he leads the wrong lifestyle. The reasons for the development of diabetes mellitus, even in those who do not have a predisposition to it, can be:

  • unhealthy diet and abuse of sweets;
  • stress and various psycho-emotional stress; suffered a serious illness;
  • disruption of the liver; lifestyle change;
  • excess weight;
  • hard work, etc.

Many people think that diabetes occurs in those with a sweet tooth. This is more of a myth, but there is also some truth, if only because excess weight is sweet from excess consumption, and later obesity, which may be the impetus for type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors contributing to the development of this disease in children, in some respects, have similarities with the above factors, however, there are some peculiarities here. Let's single out the main factors:

  • the birth of a child to parents with diabetes mellitus (if one of them or both have this disease);
  • frequent occurrence of viral diseases in a child;
  • the presence of certain metabolic disorders (obesity, etc.);
  • child's weight at birth from 4.5 kg or more;
  • reduced immunity.

Important: the older a person becomes, the higher the likelihood of the disease in question. According to statistics, every 10 years the chances of developing diabetes mellitus double.

Types

Due to the fact that diabetes mellitus has many different etiologies, signs, complications, and, of course, the type of treatment, experts have created a fairly voluminous formula for the classification of this disease. Consider the types, types and degrees of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Type 1 diabetes, which is associated with an absolute deficiency of the hormone insulin, usually appears acutely, abruptly, quickly turns into a state of ketoacidosis, which can lead to a ketoacidotic coma. It most often manifests itself in young people: as a rule, most of these patients are under thirty. This form of the disease affects approximately 10-15% of the total number of patients with diabetes.

It is almost impossible to completely cure type 1 diabetes, although there are cases of restoration of the functions of the pancreas, but this is possible only in special conditions and natural raw food.

To maintain the body, it is required to inject insulin into the body with a syringe. Since insulin is destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract, it is not possible to take insulin in pill form. Insulin is administered with food intake.

Type 2 diabetes

The second type, previously called insulin-independent, but this definition is not accurate, since with the progression of this type, insulin replacement therapy may be required. In this type of disease, insulin levels initially remain normal or even exceed normal.

However, the cells of the body, primarily adipocytes (fat cells), become insensitive to it, which leads to an increase in blood glucose levels.

Degrees

This differentiation helps to quickly understand what is happening to the patient at different stages of the disease:

  1. Grade 1 (easy)... Diabetes mellitus 1 degree is at an early stage, that is, the glucose level does not exceed 6.0 mol / liter. The patient does not have any complications of diabetes mellitus at all, he is compensated with the help of diet and special medications.
  2. 2 degree (medium)... Grade 2 diabetes is more dangerous and severe as glucose levels rise above normal amount... Also, the normal functioning of organs is disrupted, more precisely: kidneys, eyes, heart, blood and nerve tissues. Also, blood sugar levels reach over 7.0 mol / liter.
  3. Grade 3 (severe)... The disease is at a more acute stage, so it will be difficult to cure it with medications and insulin. Sugar and glucose exceed 10-14 mol / liter, which means that the work of blood circulation deteriorates and blood rings can collapse, causing blood and heart disease.
  4. 4 degree. The most severe course of diabetes mellitus differs high level glucose - up to 25 mmol / l, both glucose and protein are excreted in the urine, the condition is not corrected by any drugs. With this degree of the disease in question, it is often diagnosed renal failure, gangrene of the lower extremities, diabetic ulcers.

The first signs of diabetes

The first signs of diabetes are usually associated with high blood sugar levels. Normally, this indicator in capillary blood on an empty stomach does not exceed 5.5 mM / L, and during the day - 7.8 mM / L. If the average daily sugar level becomes more than 9-13 mM / l, then the patient may have the first complaints.

According to some signs, it is easy to recognize diabetes mellitus in early stage... A slight change in the condition that anyone can notice often indicates the development of the first or second type of this disease.

Signs to watch out for:

  • Excessive and frequent urination (about every hour)
  • Itching of the skin and genitals.
  • Intense thirst or an increased need to drink plenty of fluids.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Poor wound healing.
  • First, a lot of weight, then a decrease in it due to a violation of the absorption of food, especially carbohydrates.

If signs of diabetes are detected, the doctor excludes other diseases with similar complaints (insipidus, nephrogenic, hyperparathyroidism, and others). Next, an examination is carried out to determine the cause of diabetes and its type. In some typical cases, this task is not difficult, and sometimes additional examination is required.

Symptoms of diabetes

The severity of symptoms depends entirely on the following parameters: the level of decrease in insulin secretion, the duration of the disease, the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

There is a complex of symptoms common to both types of diabetes. The severity of signs depends on the degree of decrease in insulin secretion, the duration of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient:

  • Constant thirst and frequent urination. The more the patient drinks, the more he wants;
  • With increased appetite, weight is quickly lost;
  • A "white veil" appears before the eyes, as the blood supply to the retina is disrupted;
  • Disorders of sexual activity and decreased potency - frequent signs the presence of diabetes mellitus;
  • Frequent colds (ARVI, ARI) occur in patients due to a decrease in the functions of the immune system. Against this background, there is a slow healing of wounds, dizziness and heaviness in the legs;
  • Constant cramps in the calf muscles are the result of a lack of energy during the work of the muscular system.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus Patients may complain of the following symptoms in type I diabetes:
  • feeling of dry mouth;
  • constant unquenchable thirst;
  • a sharp decrease in body weight with normal appetite;
  • an increase in the number of urinations per day;
  • unpleasant acetone breath;
  • irritability, general malaise, fatigue;
  • blurred vision;
  • a feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs;
  • convulsions;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • reduced temperature;
  • dizziness.
Type 2 diabetes Type II diabetes is characterized by: general complaints:
  • fatigue, blurred vision, memory problems;
  • problem skin: itching, frequent fungi, wounds and any damage do not heal well;
  • thirst - up to 3-5 liters of fluid per day;
  • the person often gets up to write at night;
  • ulcers on the legs and feet, numbness or tingling in the legs, pain when walking;
  • in women - thrush, which is difficult to treat;
  • in the later stages of the disease - losing weight without dieting;
  • diabetes occurs without symptoms - in 50% of patients;
  • loss of vision, kidney disease, sudden heart attack, stroke.

How is diabetes mellitus manifested in women?

  • A sharp decrease in body weight - a sign that should be alarming, if the diet is not followed, the same appetite remains. Weight loss occurs due to a deficiency in insulin, which is required to deliver glucose to fat cells.
  • Thirst. Diabetic ketoacidosis causes uncontrollable thirst. Moreover, even if you drink a large amount of liquid, dry mouth remains.
  • Fatigue. A feeling of physical exhaustion, which in some cases has no apparent reason.
  • Increased appetite (polyphagia). A special behavior in which the body does not become full even after eating enough food. Polyphagia is the main symptom of impaired glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus.
  • Violation of metabolic processes in a woman's body leads to a violation of the body's microflora. The first signs of the development of metabolic disorders are vaginal infections, which are practically not cured.
  • Non-healing woundsturning into ulcers - the characteristic first signs of diabetes in girls and women
  • Osteoporosis accompanies insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, because the lack of this hormone directly affects the formation of bone tissue.

Signs of diabetes in men

The main signs that diabetes is developing in men are as follows:

  • occurrence general weakness and a significant decrease in performance;
  • the appearance of itching on the skin, especially this applies to the skin in the genital area;
  • sexual dysfunction, progression of inflammatory processes and the development of impotence;
  • the occurrence of a feeling of thirst, dryness in oral cavity and constant hunger;
  • the appearance on the skin of ulcerative formations, which long time do not heal;
  • frequent urge to urinate;
  • tooth decay and baldness.

Complications

Diabetes itself does not pose a threat to human life. Its complications and their consequences are dangerous. It is impossible not to mention some of them, which are either often encountered, or carry an immediate danger to the patient's life.

First of all, it should be noted the most sharp forms complications. For the life of every diabetic, such complications pose the greatest danger, because they can lead to death.

Under acute complications imply:

  • ketoacidosis;
  • hyperosmolar coma;
  • hypoglycemia;
  • lactacidotic coma.

Acute complications during diabetes mellitus are identical in both children and adults.

Chronic complications include the following:

  • encephalopathy in diabetic form;
  • skin lesions in the form of follicles and structural changes directly in the epidermis;
  • diabetic foot or hand syndrome;
  • nephropathy;
  • retinopathy.

Prevention of complications

Preventive measures include:

  • weight control - if the patient feels that he is gaining extra pounds, then you need to contact a nutritionist and get advice on how to draw up a rational menu;
  • constant physical activity - how intense they should be, the attending physician will tell;
  • constant monitoring of the level of blood pressure.

Prevention of complications with diabetes it is possible with constant treatment and careful monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Diagnostics

Diabetes mellitus manifests itself in a person gradually, therefore, doctors distinguish three periods of its development.

  1. People who are prone to illness due to the presence of certain risk factors go into the so-called prediabetes period.
  2. If glucose is already assimilated with impairment, but signs of the disease have not yet emerged, then the patient is diagnosed with a period of latent diabetes mellitus.
  3. The third period is the direct development of the disease.

If there is a suspicion of diabetes mellitus, this diagnosis must be either confirmed or refuted. For this there are a number of laboratory and instrumental methods... These include:

  • Determination of blood glucose levels. The normal value is 3.3–5.5 mmol / L.
  • Urine glucose. Normally, sugar in the urine is not detected.
  • A blood test for the content of glycosylated hemoglobin. The norm is 4–6%.
  • IRI (immunoreactive insulin). The normal value is 86-180 nmol / l. In type I diabetes it is reduced, in type II diabetes it is normal or increased.
  • Urinalysis - to diagnose kidney damage.
  • Skin capillaroscopy, ultrasound doppler - to diagnose vascular damage.
  • Examination of the eye day - to diagnose retinal lesions.

Blood sugar

What sugar indicators are considered the norm?

  • 3.3 - 5.5 mmol / L is the blood sugar norm regardless of your age.
  • 5.5 - 6 mmol / l is prediabetes, impaired glucose tolerance.
  • 6. 5 mmol / l and above is already diabetes mellitus.

To confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, a repeated measurement of plasma sugar is required at different times of the day. Measurements are best carried out in a medical laboratory and should not be trusted with self-monitoring devices, as they have significant measurement errors.

Note: in order to exclude false positive results, it is necessary not only to measure the blood sugar level, but also to conduct a glucose tolerance test (a blood sample with a sugar load).

The norms are given in the table (measurement value - mmol / l):

Result evaluation capillary blood deoxygenated blood
  • Norm
Fasting blood glucose test
  • 3,5-5,5
  • 3,5-6,1
After taking glucose (after 2 hours) or after eating
  • less than 7.8
  • less than 7.8
  • Prediabetes
On an empty stomach
  • from 5.6 to 6.1
  • from 6 to 7.1
After glucose or after meals
  • 7,8-11,1
  • 7,8-11,1
On an empty stomach
  • more than 6.1
  • more than 7
After glucose or after meals
  • over 11.1
  • over 11.1

All patients with diabetes mellitus must be consulted by such specialists:

  • Endocrinologist;
  • Cardiologist;
  • Neuropathologist;
  • Ophthalmologist;
  • Surgeon (vascular or special pediatrician);

How is diabetes mellitus treated in adults?

Doctors prescribe complex treatment diabetes mellitus in order to maintain normal blood glucose levels. In this case, it is important to take into account that neither hyperglycemia, that is, an increase in sugar level, nor hypoglycemia, that is, its fall, should be allowed.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to carry out an accurate diagnosis of the body, because a positive prognosis of recovery depends on it.

Diabetes treatment focuses on:

  • lowering blood sugar levels;
  • normalization of metabolism;
  • prevention of the development of complications of diabetes.

Insulin therapy

Insulin drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus are divided into 4 categories, according to the duration of action:

  • Ultra-short-acting (onset of action - after 15 minutes, duration of action - 3-4 hours): insulin LizPro, insulin aspart.
  • Rapid action (onset of action - after 30 minutes – 1 hour; duration of action 6–8 hours).
  • Medium duration of action (onset of action - after 1–2.5 hours, duration of action 14–20 hours).
  • Long-term action (onset of action - after 4 hours; duration of action up to 28 hours).

Insulin prescription regimens are strictly individual and are selected for each patient by a diabetologist or endocrinologist.

The key to effective diabetes management is careful control of blood sugar levels. However, it is impossible to take laboratory tests several times a day. Portable blood glucose meters come to the rescue, they are compact, they are easy to take with you and check your glucose level where necessary.

Facilitates checking the interface in Russian, markings before and after meals. The devices are extremely simple to use, while they differ in the accuracy of measurements. You can keep your diabetes under control with a portable blood glucose meter

Diet

The basic principles of diet therapy include:

  • strictly individual selection of daily calorie content, complete exclusion of easily digestible carbohydrates;
  • strictly calculated content of physiological amounts of fats, proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates;
  • fractional meals with evenly distributed carbohydrates and calories.

In the diet used for diabetes, the ratio of carbohydrates, fats and proteins should be as close to physiological as possible:

  • 50-60% of the total calories should be carbohydrates,
  • 25 - 30% for fats,
  • 15 - 20% for proteins.

Also, the diet should contain at least 4 - 4.5 g of carbohydrates, 1 - 1.5 g of protein and 0.75 - 1.5 g of fat per one kilogram of body weight in a daily dosage.

The diet for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (table No. 9) is aimed at normalizing carbohydrate metabolism and preventing fat metabolism disorders.

Physical exercise

Regular exercise will help lower your blood sugar levels. In addition, exercise can help you lose weight.

It is not necessary to do daily jogging or go to the gym, it is enough to do moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week. Daily walks will be very helpful. Even if you work on your garden plot several days a week, it will positively affect your well-being.

Folk remedies

Before using traditional methods for diabetes mellitus, it is possible only after consulting an endocrinologist, because there are contraindications.

  1. Lemon and eggs. Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon and mix well 1 raw egg with it. Drink the resulting product 60 minutes before meals, for 3 days.
  2. Burdock juice. Juice from crushed burdock root dug out in May effectively reduces sugar levels. It is taken three times a day, 15 ml each, diluting this amount with 250 ml of cool boiled water.
  3. In case of diabetes mellitus, simmer the partitions of ripe walnuts (40 g) in 0.5 liters of boiling water over low heat for 1 hour; take 3 times a day, 15 ml.
  4. Plantain seeds (15 g) is poured into an enamel bowl with a glass of water, boiled over low heat for 5 minutes. The cooled broth is filtered and taken 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day.
  5. Baked onions. It is possible to normalize sugar, especially in the initial phase of the disease, with the help of daily consumption of a baked onion in the morning on an empty stomach. The result can be tracked after 1-1.5 months.
  6. Millet against infection. Against infection and for the prevention of diabetes, you can use the following recipe: take 1 handful of millet, rinse, pour 1 liter of boiling water, insist overnight and drink during the day. Repeat the procedure for 3 days.
  7. Lilac buds. Infusion of lilac buds helps to normalize blood glucose levels. At the end of April, the buds are harvested in the swelling stage, dried, stored in a glass jar or paper bag and used all year round. Daily rate infusion: 2 tbsp. spoons of dry raw materials pour 0.4 liters of boiling water, leave for 5-6 hours, filter, divide the resulting liquid by 4 times and drink before meals.
  8. Helps Lower Blood Sugar and Common Bay Leaves... You need to take 8 pieces of bay leaf and pour 250 grams of "cool" boiling water over it, the infusion should be insisted in a thermos for about a day. The infusion is taken warm, each time you need to strain the infusion from a thermos. Take 1/4 cup twenty minutes before meals.

The lifestyle of a person with diabetes mellitus

The basic rules that a patient with diabetes should adhere to:

  • Eat fiber-rich foods. These are oats, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
  • Reduce your cholesterol intake.
  • Use a sweetener instead of sugar.
  • Eat food often, but in small quantities. The patient's body will cope better with a small dose of food, since it requires less insulin.
  • Examine your feet several times a day to ensure that there is no damage, wash with soap and water every day and wipe dry.
  • If you are overweight, weight loss is the first priority in diabetes management.
  • Be sure to watch your teeth to avoid infection.
  • Avoid stress.
  • Get blood tests done regularly.
  • Don't buy medicines without a prescription

Forecast

Patients with diagnosed diabetes mellitus are registered with an endocrinologist. With the organization of the correct lifestyle, nutrition, treatment, the patient can feel satisfactory long years... Aggravate the prognosis of diabetes mellitus and shorten the life expectancy of patients with acute and chronic complications.

Prevention

To prevent the development of diabetes mellitus, the following preventive measures are required:

  • healthy eating: control of the diet, adherence to the diet - avoiding sugar and fatty foods reduces the risk of diabetes by 10-15%;
  • physical activity: normalize blood pressure, immunity and reduce weight;
  • control of sugar levels;
  • elimination of stress.

If you have characteristic signs diabetes mellitus, then be sure to go to an appointment with an endocrinologist, because treatment in the early stages is most effective. Take care of yourself and your health!

Diabetes ( diabetes mellītus, diabetes mellitus) - a chronic metabolic disease, manifested in the form of absolute or relative deficiency of the protein hormone of the pancreas in the blood called insulin, and is characterized by impaired metabolism of dextrose in the body - persistent hyperglycemia, which subsequently leads to metabolic disorders of fats, proteins, mineral salts and water.

Types of diabetes mellitus (classification)

Classification of diabetes mellitus due to the occurrence:

  1. Type 1 diabetes mellitus - characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin in the blood
    1. Autoimmune - antibodies attack β - cells of the pancreas and completely destroy them;
    2. Idiopathic (without a clear cause);
  2. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a relative lack of insulin in the blood. This means that the quantitative indicator of the level of insulin remains within the normal range, but the number of hormone receptors on the membranes of target cells (brain, liver, adipose tissue, muscles) decreases.
  3. Gestational diabetes is an acute or chronic condition that manifests itself as hyperglycemia when a woman is carrying a fetus.
  4. Other (situational) causes of diabetes mellitus are impaired glucose tolerance caused by causes not related to the pathology of the pancreas. May be temporary and permanent.

Types of diabetes:

  • drug;
  • infectious;
  • genetic defects in the insulin molecule or its receptors;
  • associated with other endocrine pathologies:
    • adrenal adenoma;
    • graves disease.

Classification of diabetes mellitus by severity:

  • Light form - characterized by hyperglycemia of no more than 8 mmol / l, slight daily fluctuations in sugar levels, absence of glucosuria (sugar in urine). Does not require pharmacological correction with insulin.

Quite often at this stage clinical manifestations diseases may be absent, however, during instrumental diagnostics, the initial forms of typical complications with damage to peripheral nerves, micro-vessels of the retina, kidneys, and heart are already detected.

  • Moderate severity - the level of glucose in the peripheral blood reaches 14 mmol / l, glucosuria appears (up to 40 g / l), - a sharp increase in ketone bodies (metabolites of fat breakdown).

Ketone bodies are formed due to energy starvation of cells. Almost all glucose circulates in the blood and does not enter the cell, and the cell begins to use fat stores to produce ATP. At this stage, glucose levels are controlled by diet therapy, the use of oral antihyperglycemic drugs (metformin, acarbose, etc.).

Clinically manifested by impaired renal function, cardiovascular vascular system, vision, neurological symptoms.

  • Heavy current - blood sugar exceeds 14 mmol / l, with fluctuations up to 20 - 30 mmol, glucosuria over 50 mmol / l. Complete dependence on insulin therapy, serious dysfunction of blood vessels, nerves, organ systems.

Classification by the level of compensation for hyperglycemia:

Compensation - this is conditionally - the normal state of the body, in the presence of a chronic incurable disease. The disease has 3 phases:

  1. Compensation - diet or insulin therapy allows you to achieve normal numbers blood glucose levels. Angiopathies and neuropathies do not progress. General state the patient remains satisfactory for a long time. There is no violation of the metabolism of sugar in the kidneys, the absence of ketone bodies, acetone. Glycosylated hemoglobin does not exceed 5%;
  2. WITHsubcompensation - treatment does not completely correct blood counts and clinical manifestations of the disease. Blood glucose is not higher than 14 mmol / l. Sugar molecules damage erythrocytes and glycosylated hemoglobin appears, damage to micro-vessels in the kidneys manifests itself in the form of a small amount of glucose in the urine (up to 40 g / l). Acetone in urine is not detected, however, mild manifestations of ketoacidosis are possible;
  3. Decompensation - the most severe phase of diabetes patients. Usually occurs in the late stages of the disease or total damage to the pancreas, as well as insulin receptors. It is characterized by a general serious condition of the patient up to coma. The glucose level cannot be corrected with the help of the farm. drugs (over 14 mmol / l). High numbers of sugar in urine (over 50g / l), acetone. Glycosylated hemoglobin significantly exceeds the norm, hypoxia occurs. With a prolonged course, this condition leads to coma and death.

The causes of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (abbreviated as DM) is a polyetiological disease.

There is no single factor that would cause diabetes mellitus in all people with this pathology.

The most significant causes for the development of the disease:

Type I diabetes mellitus:

  • Genetic causes of diabetes:
    • congenital insufficiency of β - cells of the pancreas;
    • hereditary mutations in genes responsible for insulin synthesis;
    • genetic predisposition to autoaggression of immunity to β - cells (close relatives are sick with diabetes);
  • Infectious causes of diabetes mellitus:
    • pancreatotropic (affecting the pancreas) viruses: herpes type 4, B, C. Human immunity begins to destroy pancreatic cells along with these viruses, from which diabetes mellitus occurs.

Have type II diabetes following reasons occurrence:

  • heredity (the presence of diabetes in the next of kin);
  • visceral obesity;
  • Age (usually over 50 - 60 years old);
  • low fiber intake and high intake of refined fats and simple carbohydrates;
  • hypertonic disease;
  • atherosclerosis.

Provoking factors

This group of factors in itself does not cause the disease, but significantly increases the chances of its development, in the case of a genetic predisposition.

  • hypodynamia (passive lifestyle);
  • obesity;
  • smoking;
  • excessive alcohol consumption;
  • the use of substances that affect the pancreas (for example, drugs);
  • excess fat and simple carbohydrates in the diet.

Symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, so symptoms never come on suddenly. Symptoms in women and symptoms in men are almost the same. With the disease, manifestations of the following are possible to varying degrees clinical signs.

  • Constant weakness, decreased performance - develops as a result of chronic energy starvation of brain cells and skeletal muscles;
  • Dry and itchy skin - due to the constant loss of fluid in the urine;
  • Dizziness, headaches - signs of diabetes - due to a lack of glucose in the circulating blood of the cerebral vessels;
  • Frequent urination - occurs due to damage to the capillaries of the glomeruli of the nephrons of the kidneys;
  • Decreased immunity (frequent, prolonged non-healing of skin wounds) - the activity of T - cellular immunity is impaired, skin perform worse barrier function;
  • Polyphagia - a constant feeling of hunger - this condition develops due to the rapid loss of glucose in the urine and its insufficient transport to the cells;
  • Decreased vision -cause - damage to microscopic vessels of the retina;
  • Polydipsia - constant thirst arising from - frequent urination;
  • Numbness of the limbs -prolonged hyperglycemia leads to specific polyneuropathy - damage to sensory nerves throughout the body;
  • Pain in the region of the heart -narrowing of the coronary vessels due to atherosclerosis leads to a decrease in blood supply to the myocardium and spastic pain;
  • Decreased sexual function -directly related to impaired blood circulation in the organs that produce sex hormones.

Diabetes diagnosis

Diagnosis of diabetes is most often not difficult for a qualified specialist. A doctor may suspect a disease based on the following factors:

  • A diabetic patient complains of polyuria (an increase in the amount of daily urine), polyphagia (constant hunger), weakness, headache and other clinical symptoms.
  • During a preventive blood test, the indicator was higher than 6.1 mmol / L on an empty stomach, or 11.1 mmol / L 2 hours after a meal.

If this symptomatology is detected, a number of tests are performed to confirm / refute the diagnosis and to find out the causes of the occurrence.

Laboratory diagnosis of diabetes

Oral glucose tolerance test (PGTT)

A standard test to determine the functional ability of insulin to bind glucose and maintain normal blood glucose levels.

The essence of the method: in the morning, against the background of an 8 hour fast, blood is taken to assess fasting glucose levels. After 5 minutes, the doctor gives the patient to drink 75 g of glucose dissolved in 250 ml of water. After 2 hours, a second blood sample is taken and the sugar level is determined again.

During the same period, usually appear initial symptoms diabetes.

Criteria for evaluating the analysis of OGTT:

Determination of the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (C - HbA1c)

or HbA1 c is the hemoglobin of erythrocytes, which undergoes transformation as a result of contact with glucose. Its concentration in the blood has a direct correlation with the level of glucose, which makes it possible to judge the compensation of a patient with diabetes.

Norm - up to 6%

  • Questionable result - 6 - 6.4%;
  • With diabetes mellitus - more than 6.4%.

Determination of the level of C - peptide

C - peptide Is a fragment of a proinsulin molecule. When the C - peptide is cleaved, insulin becomes functionally active. The concentration of this substance in the blood allows you to assess the secretion of insulin in the pancreas.

Norm: 0.79 - 1.90 ng / ml (SI: 0.27-0.64 mmol / L).

Determination of proinsulin level

This test allows you to differentiate various diseases pancreas and diabetes mellitus. An increase in blood proinsulin most often indicates an endocrine tumor - insulinoma (a rather rare pathology). Also, high concentrations of proinsulin molecules may indicate type 2 diabetes.

The norm is 3.3 - 28 pmol / l.

Determination of the level of antibodies to beta cells of the pancreas

One of the most accurate tests to determine the presence and causes of diabetes. The test is carried out in risk groups (people with a predisposition to diabetes, for example, if the next of kin have this disease), as well as in patients with impaired glucose tolerance during OGTT.

The higher the titer of specific antibodies, the more likely the autoimmune etiology of the disease, and the faster beta cells are destroyed and the level of insulin in the blood decreases. In diabetics, it usually exceeds 1:10.

Norm - Titre: less than 1: 5.

  • If the antibody titer remains within the normal range, but the fasting glucose concentration is higher than 6.1, the diagnosis is made - type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Insulin antibody level

Another specific immunological analysis. It is carried out for differential diagnosis in patients with diabetes (type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes). In case of violation of glucose tolerance, blood is taken and a serological test is performed. It can also indicate the causes of diabetes.

The norm of AT to insulin is 0 - 10 U / ml.

  • If C (AT) is higher than normal, the diagnosis is type 1 diabetes. Autoimmune diabetes mellitus;
  • If C (AT) is within the reference values, the diagnosis is type 2 diabetes.

Level test antibodies to GAD (Glutamic acid decarboxylase)

GAD is a specific membrane enzyme of the central nervous system. Until now, the logical correlation between the concentration of antibodies to GAD and the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus is not clear, however, these antibodies in the blood are determined in 80% - 90% of patients. GAD antibodies are recommended in risk groups for diagnosing prediabetes and prescribing a preventive diet and pharmacological therapy.

The norm of AT GAD is 0 - 5 IU / ml.

  • A positive result with normal glycemia indicates high degree the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus;
  • Negative result for elevated level blood glucose indicates the development of type 2 diabetes.

Blood insulin test

Insulin - a highly active hormone of the endocrine pancreas, synthesized in beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. Its main function is to transport glucose into somatic cells. A decrease in insulin levels is the most important link in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Insulin concentration norm - 2.6 - 24.9 μU / ml

  • Below normal - possible development Diabetes and other diseases;
  • Above normal - a tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma).

Instrumental diagnosis of diabetes

Pancreas ultrasound

Method ultrasound scanning allows you to detect morphological changes in the tissues of the gland.

Usually, in diabetes mellitus, diffuse damage is determined (areas of sclerosis - replacement of functionally active cells with connective tissue).

Also, the pancreas may be enlarged, show signs of edema.

Angiography of the vessels of the lower extremities

The arteries of the lower extremities are the target organ in diabetes mellitus. Prolonged hyperglycemia causes an increase in blood cholesterol and atherosclerosis, which leads to a decrease in tissue perfusion.

The essence of the method is to introduce a special contrast agent into the bloodstream with simultaneous monitoring of vascular patency on a computer tomograph.

If the blood supply is significantly reduced at the level of the lower legs, the so-called "" is formed. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is based on this research method.

Ultrasound of the kidneys and ECHO KG of the heart

Methods of instrumental examination of the kidneys, allowing to assess damage to these organs in the presence of a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Microangiopathies develop in the heart and kidneys - vascular lesions with a significant decrease in their lumen, and hence a deterioration in functional abilities. The method allows you to prevent complications of diabetes.

Retinography or angiography of retinal vessels

Microscopic vessels of the retina are most sensitive to hyperglycemia, therefore, the development of damage in them begins even before the first clinical signs of diabetes mellitus.

With the help of contrast, the degree of narrowing or complete occlusion of the vessels is determined. Also, the most important sign of diabetes will be the presence of microerrosions and ulcers in the fundus.

Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is a complex measure based on the history of the disease, an objective examination by a specialist, laboratory tests and instrumental research... Using only one diagnostic criterion, it is impossible to establish a 100% correct diagnosis.

If you belong to a risk group, be sure to consult your doctor for more information: what is diabetes mellitus, and what needs to be done with such a diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of diabetes mellitus is a set of measures to correct the level of glycemia, cholesterol levels, ketone bodies, acetone, lactic acid, prevent the rapid development of complications and improve the quality of human life.

In diabetes mellitus, it is very important to use all the methods of treatment.

Methods used in diabetes therapy

  • Pharmacological therapy (insulin therapy);
  • Diet;
  • Regular physical activity;
  • Preventive measures to prevent the progression of the disease and the development of complications;
  • Psychological support.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes

Pharmacological correction with insulin

The need for insulin injections for patients with diabetes, its type and frequency of administration are strictly individual and are selected by specialists (therapist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, neuropathologist, hepatologist, diabetologist). They always pay attention to the symptoms of diabetes, conduct differential diagnosis, screening and assessment of drug efficacy.

Insulin types:

  • Fast acting (ultra-short-acting) - begins to act immediately after administration and works for 3 - 4 hours. Used before or immediately after a meal. (Insulin - Apidra, Insulin - Humalog);
  • Short acting - works in 20 - 30 minutes after administration. It is necessary to use it strictly 10 - 15 minutes before a meal (Insulin - Actrapid, Humulin Regular);
  • Average duration - are used for continuous use and act within 12 - 18 hours after injection. Allows to prevent complications of diabetes mellitus (Protafan, Humodar br);
  • Long-acting insulin - requires daily constant use. Valid from 18 to 24 hours. It is not used to lower the level of blood glucose, but only controls its daily concentration and does not allow it to exceed normal values \u200b\u200b(Tujeo Solostar, Basaglar);
  • Combinedinsulin - contains in itself in various ratios insulins of ultrashort and prolonged action. It is used mainly in intensive therapy of type 1 diabetes (Insuman Combe, Novomix).

Diet therapy for diabetes

Diet - 50% success in controlling the glycemic level of a patient with diabetes.

What foods should you eat?

  • Fruits and vegetables with low sugar levels and high concentrations of vitamins and minerals (apples, carrots, cabbage, beets
  • Meat containing a small amount of animal fat (beef, turkey, quail)
  • Cereals and porridges (buckwheat, wheat, rice, barley, pearl barley)
  • Fish (best of all seafood)
  • From drinks it is better to choose not strong tea, fruit decoctions.

What should be discarded

  • Sweets, pasta, flour
  • Concentrated juices
  • Fatty meat and dairy products
  • Spicy and smoked foods
  • Alcohol

Treatment of type 2 diabetes

On initial stages type 2 diabetes mellitus is well treated with diet therapy, the same as with diabetes 1. In case of non-compliance with the diet, as well as with a long course of the disease, pharmacological therapy with hypoglycemic drugs is used. Even less often, patients with diabetes mellitus are prescribed insulin.

Sugar-lowering drugs

  • Glibenclamide - a drug that stimulates the production of insulin in the pancreas.
  • Repaglinide - stimulates beta cells to synthesize insulin
  • Acarbose - works in the intestines, inhibits the activity of enzymes small intestinethat break down polysaccharides to glucose.
  • Pioglitazone -drug for the prevention of polyneuropathy, micro-macroangiopathy of the kidneys, heart and retina.

Folk remedies for the treatment of diabetes

The traditional methods include the preparation of various decoctions of herbs, fruits and vegetables, to one degree or another, correcting the level of glycemia.

  • Amur Krifeya - ready-made moss extract. The use of Krifei causes an increase in the synthesis of pancreatic hormones: lipase, amylase, protease. It also has antiallergic and immunomodulatory effects, reduces the main symptoms of diabetes.
  • Parsley root + lemon zest + garlic - these products contain a large amount of vitamins C, E, A, selenium and other trace elements. Everything this it is necessary to grind, mix and insist for about 2 weeks. Take 1 teaspoon orally before meals.
  • Oak acorns - contain tannin, very effective remedy with diabetes. This substance stimulates the immune system, has anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects, strengthens the vascular wall, relieves pronounced types. Acorns must be ground into powder and taken 1 teaspoon before each meal.

Exercise for diabetes

Regular exercise in diabetes mellitus is a very important aspect in the treatment and prevention of diabetes complications. Morning gymnastics, running, swimming help to avoid obesity, improve blood supply to muscles and organs, strengthen blood vessels, stabilize the nervous system.

Disease prevention

With a genetic predisposition, the disease cannot be prevented. However, people who are at risk need to take a number of measures to control glycemia and the rate of development of complications of diabetes.

  • Children with unfavorable heredity (parents, grandmothers, grandfathers are sick with diabetes), it is necessary to take a blood sugar test once a year, and also monitor their condition and the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. Also, an important measure will be annual consultations with an ophthalmologist, neuropathologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist to determine the first symptoms of diabetes, to prevent complications of diabetes.
  • People over 40 need to check their glycemic levels annually to prevent type 2 diabetes;
  • All diabetics need to use special devices to control blood sugar levels - glucometers.

You also need to find out everything about diabetes, what is possible, what is not, ranging from the type and ending with the causes of the onset of the disease specifically for you, for this you need a long conversation with the doctor, he will consult, direct you to take the necessary tests and prescribe treatment.

Recovery prognosis

Diabetes mellitus is an incurable disease, so the prognosis for recovery is poor. But, modern achievements in pharmacological therapy with insulin, they can significantly extend the life of a diabetic, and regular diagnosis of typical disorders of organ systems leads to an improvement in the patient's quality of life.

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