Basics of Diabetes Mellitus

Jul 14, 2024

Basics of Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction

  • Lecturer: Dr. Om Jai Lakhani, Consultant Endocrinologist, Sidh's Hospital in Ahmedabad
  • Topic: Basics of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus Overview

  • Definition: Diabetes Mellitus is categorized based on blood glucose levels:
    • Fasting Blood Glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL
    • Postprandial Blood Glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL
  • Non-Diabetic Levels:
    • Fasting Blood Glucose < 100 mg/dL
    • Postprandial Blood Glucose < 140 mg/dL
    • HbA1c < 5.7%

Classification of Diabetes Mellitus

  1. Type 1 Diabetes: Commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.
    • Symptoms: frequent urination, weight loss, unexplained fatigue
    • Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
  2. Type 2 Diabetes: Most common form, generally asymptomatic at first.
    • Common in adults, associated with insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction.
    • Strong genetic factor, often runs in families.

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

  • Type 1 Diabetes: acute and severe symptoms like frequent urination, extreme thirst, weight loss
  • Type 2 Diabetes: often asymptomatic, gradual onset of symptoms

Complications of Diabetes

Microvascular Complications

  • Diabetic Retinopathy: leading cause of blindness
  • Diabetic Nephropathy: leading cause of chronic kidney disease
    • Indicators: elevated urine albumin levels, decreased kidney function

Macrovascular Complications

  • Cardiovascular Disease: increased risk of heart attacks and strokes

Management of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

  • Insulin Therapy: multiple daily injections or insulin pump
    • Requires regular blood glucose monitoring

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Lifestyle Modifications: diet, exercise, and weight management
  • Medications: oral antidiabetics, sometimes insulin
  • Monitoring: regular blood glucose checks, HbA1c every 3 months

New Technologies

  • Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): real-time glucose tracking, reduces need for finger-pricks
  • Insulin Pumps: continuous insulin delivery, can be expensive

Prevention and Awareness

  • Educating patients about the importance of lifestyle changes
  • Regular screening for those with risk factors

Conclusion

  • Early diagnosis and proper management can prevent or delay complications.
  • Importance of patient education and adherence to treatment protocols.

Reminder: Stay updated with new diabetes management technologies and research.


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