Diabetes mellitus: types, causes and treatment methods

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. It was established by the International Diabetes Federation jointly with the World Health Organization in 1991, and since 2007 it has been celebrated under the auspices of the UN. Why diabetes has become so common and what are the features of this disease – in the Kommersant certificate.

Types of diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic endocrine disease that develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels) or when the body’s cells become insensitive to insulin.

Currently, there are two types of diabetes mellitus. The first type (formerly insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood) occurs due to damage to the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. This results in the body being unable to regulate blood glucose levels on its own. Patients with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily to maintain normal sugar levels.

The second type of diabetes is associated with impaired tissue sensitivity to insulin. This occurs due to various factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, stress and other diseases. Treatment for type 2 diabetes may include lifestyle changes, medications, and insulin injections. More than 95% of diabetics are people with type 2 diabetes.

Pregnant women may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. In this case, the woman has an increased risk of complications during childbirth and an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can come on suddenly and include excessive urination (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision and fatigue. Type 2 diabetes is mainly the result of excess weight, aging and lack of physical activity. Symptoms may be similar to those of type 1 diabetes, but are often less severe. Therefore, the disease can be diagnosed several years after its onset, after complications have arisen. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was observed only among older people, but now it also occurs in children.

Symptoms of diabetes may also include:

– slow healing of wounds and scratches;

– weight loss for no apparent reason;

– itchy skin;

– nervousness and anxiety;

– sleep disturbance;

– increased appetite;

– soreness of muscles and joints;

– frequent infections and illnesses;

– shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat;

– high blood pressure;

– problems with memory and concentration;

– swelling of the limbs and face;

– stomach and intestinal disorders;

– allergic reactions to certain foods.

Methods of treating the disease

Currently, diabetes cannot be completely cured, but it can be controlled and you can still live a full life. Treatment methods for this disease may include non-drug and drug therapy, and prevention of complications. Non-drug therapy includes a diet that consists of reducing the consumption of readily available carbohydrates, as well as preferring foods containing dietary fiber.

Drug therapy may include insulin injections, which help normalize metabolism. In some cases, especially type 1 diabetes, insulin injections may be the main treatment.

Preventing complications includes monitoring blood glucose levels, regular medical examinations, and following your doctor’s recommendations. If necessary, gastrointestinal surgery is used.

Consequences of diabetes

The main danger of this disease is its numerous complications. Among them:

– cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke and arterial hypertension;

– kidney diseases such as chronic renal failure;

– eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy;

– problems with the nervous system, such as neuropathy and diabetic dementia;

– problems with the digestive system, such as gastritis, stomach ulcers and intestinal obstruction;

– skin diseases, damage to joints and bones, formation of ulcers;

– problems with the respiratory system (bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis).

Diabetes statistics

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 537 million adults worldwide live with diabetes, that is, one in ten. The organization expects this number to rise to 643 million by 2030 and to 783 million by 2045. Diabetes accounted for at least $966 billion in healthcare spending in 2021—9% of total global healthcare spending.

According to WHO, between 1980 and 2014, the number of people with diabetes worldwide increased from 108 million to 422 million. In low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of this disease is increasing faster than in high-income countries.

In Russia, according to the Ministry of Health for 2022, more than 10 million people suffer from diabetes.