If you are wondering what diabetes mellitus is, the answer is that it is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin—a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels—or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Upon receiving a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, staying informed is essential. Discover some key aspects of this condition below.
Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
Some of the most frequent symptoms of diabetes mellitus include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination or the need to urinate frequently
- Increased hunger
Other less frequent symptoms include blurred vision, drowsiness, nausea, or decreased physical endurance.
Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Depending on its cause, diabetes mellitus is classified into three types:
- Type 1 diabetes: Characterized by the absence of insulin production.
- Type 2 diabetes: Originates from the body’s inability to use insulin properly and is often caused by factors such as excess weight, low physical activity, or poor diet.
- Gestational diabetes: Occurs exclusively in some pregnant women and generally disappears after the baby is born, although it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes often present very similar symptoms when blood glucose concentrations rise significantly—a condition known as hyperglycemia.
This condition ranks second among the causes of mortality in Mexico, sitting just behind cardiovascular diseases. According to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), 15.4% of deaths in Mexico are attributed to this disease.
Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus
Untreated diabetes mellitus often leads to its own complications and can worsen other health conditions, thereby increasing risks to a person’s well-being.
Among the most frequent complications are heart disease, eye and kidney problems, nerve damage, and—as a result—potentially even the need for the amputation of a body part, such as a foot.
Although diabetes is a condition that cannot be cured once developed, actions can be taken to delay it or even achieve the prevention of diabetes mellitus.
Lifestyle changes that should be followed include losing weight or maintaining an ideal weight for each individual. Following a healthy eating plan by reducing calorie intake—specifically by cutting back on fats and sugars—is also key.
Exercising regularly has a major positive impact on personal health. Since tobacco use can contribute to insulin resistance, quitting smoking is highly recommended, as are regular doctor visits to maintain better control if you have risk factors or a family history of the disease.
At the Diabetes Clinic of Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care and information on what diabetes mellitus is. Contact us today!
Fuentes:
OMS, FMDiabetes, IMSS
