Diabetes mellitus 

Blood sugar plays a role in maintaining the health of the body, and diabetes is known as a disorder in the metabolic process, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels.

The reason for this increase is due to a deficiency or absence of insulin secretion, resulting from acute damage to the cells and tissues of the pancreas.

The insulin deficiency is due to acute damage to the cells and tissues of the pancreas.

Or a result of the body's resistance to insulin, due to a deficiency in hormone receptor sites on the cells.

-Insulin hormone: It is the hormone secreted by the pancreas, which controls the conversion of sugar and carbohydrates into energy within the body. When there are disturbances in the secretion of insulin, it leads to an increase or decrease in blood sugar levels, which may appear in the urine if it exceeds the normal ratio.

Types of Diabetes: 

According to the World Health Organization, it is divided into two types.

Type 1: This type is dependent on insulin and often affects children, adults, and those under 30 years old. This type is only helped by insulin injections.

Characteristics of this type:

- Age: Before 30 years.

-Symptoms appear suddenly.

-Causes: Non-hereditary.

-Presence of ketone bodies: Present.

-Symptoms: Severe thirst, frequent urination, intense hunger, weight loss.

- Insulin within the body: none.

Type 2: Non-insulin-dependent and the most common, occurring due to the ineffectiveness of insulin in moving glucose into the cells. It affects adults over 30 years old, with 90% of overweight individuals and 10% of those who do not suffer from obesity.

Characteristics of this type:

- Age: Usually after 40 years.

-Symptoms appear: Gradually.

-Causes: Genetic.

-Presence of ketone bodies: Usually absent.

-Symptoms: Usually do not appear.

Insulin is present, but the body is unable to benefit from it.

Symptoms of diabetes:

• Excessive thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Severe hunger.
• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Delay in wound healing.
• Visual disturbances and difficulty concentrating.
• Numbness in the extremities.
• Heat in the feet.
• Appearance of blisters on the body.
• Some accompanying psychological symptoms:
• Lack of self-confidence.
• Depression.
• Fear of disease exacerbation and rapid despair.
• Constant anxiety.

Diagnosis of Diabetes:

Many symptoms of diabetes may be noticed by the patient themselves, or by the doctor.

To confirm whether the symptoms indicate the presence of the disease or not, it is necessary to perform some necessary tests. These tests include:

Blood sugar level measurement

Random blood sugar test: If the result is 200 mg/dL or more, it may indicate the presence of diabetes.

Fasting blood sugar test: If the result is 126 mg/dL or more, it may indicate the presence of diabetes.

HbA1c test: This test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. If the result is 6.5% or more, it means the patient is suffering from diabetes.

The individual should go to the doctor to undergo the necessary tests as soon as they feel the symptoms mentioned earlier, as early detection is important for reducing the progression of the condition.

Causes of Diabetes:

There is no known primary cause at the moment, and there are several factors that increase the risk of developing diabetes, the most important of which are:

• Genetics: If there is a medical history in the family, it may increase the likelihood of developing diabetes.
• Obesity: Recent statistics have shown that approximately 85% of people with type 2 diabetes are obese.
• Not engaging in physical activity: Low physical activity leads to increased blood sugar levels and weight gain.
• Unhealthy diet: Consuming foods rich in carbohydrates and saturated fats.
• Inflammations: Such as pancreatitis.
• Alcohol: It works to damage the pancreas gland.
• The pregnancy: It may appear in pregnant women.
• Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and severe depression may increase the likelihood of infection.
• High blood pressure: It can be associated with the risk of infection.
• Elevated cholesterol levels: It increases the risk of infection.

Treatment and guidance for diabetic patients:

• The primary treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin injections.
• Adhering to a healthy diet.
• Controlling blood sugar levels.
• Regular exercise.
• Using some medications to increase insulin sensitivity such as (metformin) for type 2 diabetes.
• Coordinating meal times with medication schedules.
• Avoiding sources of stress and stressful situations.
• Avoid injuries and infections.
• Sleep and get enough rest.
• Regularly measure blood sugar levels.
• Consult the doctor: Patients should follow up with a speciali

-st doctor to adjust the treatment and modify the doses as needed.