Diabetes is a metabolic disease associated with abnormal amounts of insulin, by which hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar) is observed.
There are several types of diabetes, but the most common are type 1 and type 2 diabetes, both of which are extremely different from each other. The main difference between these types is that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease influenced by genetic factors, while type 2 diabetes is a preventable disease of civilization. In total, one in twenty people in Poland suffers from diabetes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of both types of diabetes are similar, but the intensity of the symptoms varies.
In patients with type 2 diabetes, the symptoms manifest very slowly, hyperglycemia is relatively low (above 200 mg/dl with a norm of 70-99 mg/dl) and the disease can develop for several years.
With type 1 diabetes, the symptoms are sudden, which can cause very high hyperglycemia (300-400 mg/dl with a norm of 70-99 mg/dl).
The first characteristic symptoms in a patient with diabetes are increased thirst and a feeling of dry mouth. This is followed by frequent urination, tiredness and lethargy (especially after meals). Further symptoms are increased (wolfish) appetite, impaired concentration and apparent difficulties in wound healing.
Treatment
Treatment in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes differs due to different factors causing the disease.
Patients with type 1 diabetes are mainly treated by repeatedly testing their sugar levels throughout the day and taking insulin according to their blood glucose levels, often using an insulin pump. Current clinical trials are aimed at gaining knowledge to help slow or halt further progression of the disease by halting the decline in pancreatic β-cell function.
For type 2 diabetes, a proper diet that excludes excessive sugars and regular exercise to reduce body weight are extremely important parts. During drug treatment,metformin – which reduces insulin resistance, is administered first.
If this treatment isn’t sufficiently effective, further antidiabetic drugs are added, such as sulfonylurea derivatives, α-glucosidase inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor and PPAR-y agonists, DPP-4 and SGLT-2 inhibitors. When glycemic levels are still high despite maximum doses of oral medications, insulin is used.
Clinical trials for patients with type 2 diabetes include new therapeutic molecules to help maintain normal blood sugar levels.Diabetes is a disease that can lead to damage to internal organs, high levels of disability and even death. However, properly diagnosed with a diabetologist, tailored appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, diabetes doesn’t have to bring many negative consequences to our lives.