DIABETES MELLITUS (DM)

Definitions 

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases (clinical syndrome) that is characterized by an increase in plasma blood glucose (hyperglycaemia). It is a condition where there is an elevated or abnormal glucose/sugar level in the blood which may be due to either of the two mechanisms;

Inadequate production of insulin 

Inadequate sensitivity of cells to the action of insulin

Type of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent): This occurs when there is no enough insulin production or when there is no insulin production.

Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent): This occurs when there is enough insulin production but the cells that should act upon it are not normally sensitive to its action (insulin resistance)

Gestational diabetes: This occurs during pregnancy when there is accumulated or excessive sugar/glucose in the blood.

How to diagnose or know one have diabetes mellitus

The easiest way to know this is using glucometer to test for glucose/sugar in blood. Other ways are;

Urinalysis

Glucose tolerance test

Liver Function Test (LFT)

Laboratory analysis 

Random blood sugar test

Fasting blood sugar, 

Glycated haemoglobin (A1C) test

Oral glucose tolerance test. 

Contributory/Risk factors of diabetes mellitus

They are things that are capable of bringing about diabetes mellitus e.g.

Age

Race

Stress 

Lifestyle

Dietary factors

Physical inactivity

High blood pressure

Environmental factors

High sugar consumption

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Obesity/Excessive body weight

Heredity/Genetic/Family history

Certain chronic medical conditions

Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Possible signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus

Frequent urination

Increased thirst

Extreme hunger

Fatigue 

Irritability

Slow wound healing

Unexplained weight loss

Blurred vision

Headache

Numbness of hands and feet

Burning sensation in the leg

Night sweating

Excessive sweating

Altered behaviour

Frequent urination at night

Preventive measures

Trust in God

Seek medical counsel

Physical activity

Genetic modification

Lifestyle modification

Regular medical check-up

Reduce sugar intake

Use drugs based on prescriptions

Reduce body weight if you are obese

Complications

If one is diagnosed with diabetes without proper treatment can resulted to;  

Cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attack, chest pain, etc.)

Nerve damage (neuropathy)

Kidney damage (nephropathy)

Eye damage (retinopathy) e.g. blindness, cataracts, glaucoma 

Foot damage/Diabetic foot

Skin condition

Hearing impairment

Alzheimer’s disease

Death

Limb amputation

Stroke

Erectile dysfunction


Adeyemi Omoge, founder of 3Ps Health Initiative International, Nigeria, is a Public Health Specialist committed to improving healthcare access and literacy for underserved populations. He has led impactful campaigns on disease prevention, reproductive health, and maternal and child health, benefiting thousands. He holds an MBA in Hospital Administration (JSS Academy, India), an MPH in Epidemiology and Research (University of Nicosia, Cyprus), an MPH in Disaster Management (University of Oviedo, Spain), and an MBA in Project and Human Resources Management (Academy Europe, Germany), alongside a B.Sc. in Public Health (Adeleke University, Nigeria) and other public health certifications. Adeyemi has published over 15 research papers and is an active member of organisations such as the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (UK) and the World Federation Against Drugs (Sweden). He has earned awards like the ALMA Malaria Youth Ambassador Award and scholarships including Erasmus Mundus, Commonwealth, and iLearn. Passionate about mentoring, capacity building, and public health, Adeyemi continues to inspire and contribute globally.

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