Diabetesmellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by excess glucose at the blood and on urine, which arises when the pancreas stops producing or reduces the production of insulin, or even when insulin is not able to act properly.
The word "diabetes" has a Greek origin and means "siphon". The disease received this designation due to the polyuria that characterizes it, since the fluid ingested by the diabetic patient quickly passes through the kidneys before being eliminated in the urine.
Diabetes can be classified, according to its pathogenesis, in:
- Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus;
- Type 2 or insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus;
- Gestational diabetes;
- Diabetes insipidus.
Insulin
THE insulin it is a hormone synthesized by the pancreas, whose function is to transport and control the entry of glucose (sugar) into cells.
Glucose is a carbohydrate whose function is to supply the body with energy. Without insulin, glucose is not absorbed and is concentrated in the blood, causing diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
At the type 1 diabetes, the pancreas loses its full ability to produce insulin due to a problem with the immune system, which causes antibodies to attack the cells that produce insulin.
The diagnosis is usually made in childhood or adolescence and its treatment consists of the daily application of injectable insulin.
The symptoms that characterize type 1 diabetes are: polyuria (increased frequency of urination), polyphagia (excessive hunger), polydipsia (excessive thirst), weight loss and visual changes.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes may suffer chronic complications such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and
to become more susceptible to infections such as anthrax and generalized furunculosis.
Type 2 diabetes
At the type 2 diabetes, the pancreas reduces the production of insulin or the body reduces its ability to use it correctly (insulin resistance).
It is a common disease in people. over 40 years old, obese, sedentary or with family history. Treatment is done with specific medications, diet and regular exercise.
Gestational diabetes
THE Gestational diabetes arises during pregnancy, when there is a high concentration of sugar in the blood due to the lack of increased insulin production to meet the baby's needs.
Usually arises from the half the pregnancy onwards or when the pregnant woman's hormonal changes interfere with the action of insulin.
Diabetes Insipidus
O diabetes insipidus it is characterized by a disturbance in the synthesis, secretion or action of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which can result in polyuric syndromes with increased excretion of hypotonic urine.
Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus are two distinct diseases that are similar only because of their established polyuria.
