Understanding Diabetes Mellitus Opara A.C. MB;BS, FWACS

OUTLINE OF DISCUSSION Introduction Definition Causes of diabetes Recognizing diabetes Preventing diabetes Treatment of diabetes Complications of diabetes

So sweet yet so bitter pure white and deadly

Introduction 2014 review of surveys done on diabetes in US of A – 29.1 million diabetics – 86 million pre- diabetics – $245 billion cost of treatment

Definition Clinical condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. – Lack of insulin affects the metabolism of Carbohydrates Proteins Fats Water and electrolyte balance

Causes Type 1 (IDDM) Genetic factors (1/3) Environmental factors – Viruses cause β-cell damage – Diet- cow milk, nitrosamines in smoked and cured meat – Stress – Immunological diseases – Pancreatic diseases Type 2 (NIDDM) Genetic factors Environmental factors: – Lifestyle- overeating, obesity and under-activity – Malnutrition in-utero Age: middle age Pregnancy

Recognizing diabetes mellitus Asymptomatic Thirst Polyuria Nocturia Rapid weight loss Chronic fatigue Malaise Increased susceptibility to infections – Boils in the skin – Genital candidiasis – Pruritus vulvae and balanitis Features of complications

Preventing Diabetes Mellitus Check your risk status Manage your weight Exercise regularly Diet: – More fiber, whole grain Alcohol Smoking Control your blood pressure Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease See your doctor for regular check-ups Older than 45 and normal weight Overweight and less than 45

Treatment Dietary management alone Oral drugs with diet Diet with insulin – Regular exercise – Healthy diet – Reduce alcohol – Stop smoking

Complications of Diabetes Mellitus Short term Hypoglycaemia Ketoacidosis Non-ketotic hyperosmolar diabetic coma Lactic acidosis Long term Atherosclerosis Renal failure Diabetic foot and diabetic hand Retinopathy Catarcact Neuropathy

Conclusion