Dealing with Diabetes. Part I. Definition. Classification.

Today we will start a series on Diabetes, better known to Antiguans & Barbudans as simply Shugah. 
These topics coincide with November being the month for Diabetes awareness.



First of all, do you understand what is meant by diabetes?

When you go to the hospital or visit your doctor you may hear the term Diabetes Mellitus.
Here's a super short history:



I'll just let that last line sink in for a moment...

courtesy www.lewisliveshere.com

 

Definition of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is a term representative of a range of symptoms and signs that stem from an increased level of sugar in the blood; this high sugar content is caused by either a total depletion of the body's insulin, or a significant decrease of the body's insulin compared to what is considered normal.

A mouthful really, but now you know what shugah really is in its simplest form.
Let's learn a bit about how its classified.
The bare essentials of course.

Diabetes Mellitus can come about under different circumstances in different people.
Here is a brief overview of a classification based on three groups.
  • The Primary Group
  • The Other (Specific Types)Group
  • The Gestational Group
 

PRIMARY

 This is one of, if not the most popular groups that many people know about. Maybe not particularly grouped like this, but by its parts. The primary group is made up of:
  1. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
  2. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
N.B.
Diabetes Mellitus type 1 is also known as Juvenile Diabetes, since it usually is found in young adults and children. 

 OTHER

 This group basically encloses many other factors that directly cause Diabetes Mellitus. Examples of these are the following:


  • Certain medications,for example corticosteroids.
  • Pancreatic Diseases
  • Increase of the body's production of hormones that influence a decrease in insulin production.
  • Certain Genetic Syndromes, for example Down's Syndrome.

Last but not least, another group that is well known to Wadadlian's would be the...

GESTATIONAL

courtesy  www.about.com


 During pregnancy there is a vast amount hormonal changes occur, for some women, they become less responsive to insulin, and this causes an increase in blood sugar that can either end after their baby is born or continue on throughout their lives.



 courtesy healthline.com

There you have it. Diabetes Mellitus defined and classified. 
If you are interested in learning about how your body controls the sugar levels in the blood, click here.
Next up you'll learn about the symptoms and signs.
Stay #wadadlianstrong
Blessings to you and yours,


©November 2015