Diabetes mellitus - symptoms, first signs, causes, treatment, nutrition and complications of diabetes. When Diabetes is Diagnosed How Diabetes is Diagnosed

When conducting a blood test, the patient may find out that he has high sugar. Does this mean that a person has diabetes mellitus and does diabetes always have increased blood glucose levels?

As you know, diabetes mellitus is a disease that occurs when there is a lack of insulin production by the body or due to poor absorption of the hormone by cellular tissues.

Insulin, in turn, is produced by the pancreas, it helps to process and break down sugar in the blood.

Meanwhile, it is important to understand when sugar can increase not due to the presence of a disease. This can occur due to pregnancy, during severe stress or after a serious illness.

In this case, increased sugar lasts for some time, after which the indicators return to normal. Such criteria can serve as a signal for the approach of the disease, but diabetes mellitus is not diagnosed by doctors.

When the patient first rises, the body tries to communicate that it is necessary to reduce the consumption of foods containing carbohydrates.

It is also necessary to undergo an examination to check the condition of the pancreas. To do this, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound scan, a blood test for the presence of pancreatic enzymes, and a urine test for the level of ketone bodies.

In order to prevent the development of diabetes mellitus in a timely manner, it is necessary at the first signs of the approach of the disease to change the diet and switch to a diet.

A week after the increase in sugar, you need to re-take a blood test. If the readings remain elevated and exceed 7.0 mmol/liter, the doctor may diagnose prediabetes or diabetes mellitus.

Including there are cases when a patient has latent diabetes, while the level of glucose in the blood on an empty stomach is within the normal range.

The disease can be suspected if a person feels pain in the abdomen, often drinks, while the patient's weight decreases sharply or, conversely, increases.

To reveal the hidden disease, it is necessary to pass a glucose tolerance test. In this case, the analysis is taken on an empty stomach and after taking a glucose solution. The indicators of the second analysis should not exceed 10 mmol / liter.

The development of diabetes can lead to:

• Increased body weight;
• Diseases of the pancreas;
• The presence of severe diseases;
• Improper nutrition, frequent eating of fatty, fried, smoked foods;
• Experienced stressful situation;
• climax period. Pregnancy, consequences of abortion;
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• The presence of an acute viral infection or intoxication;
• hereditary predisposition.

Blood test for sugar

If doctors have diagnosed diabetes mellitus, the first step to detect the disease is a blood test for sugar levels. Based on the data obtained, subsequent diagnostics and further treatment are prescribed.

Over the years, blood glucose levels have been revised, but today modern medicine has established clear criteria that not only doctors, but also patients should be guided by.

At what level of blood sugar does a doctor recognize diabetes mellitus?

1. The normal fasting blood sugar levels are from 3.3 to 5.5 mmol / liter, two hours after eating, the glucose level can rise to 7.8 mmol / liter.
2. If the analysis shows results from 5.5 to 6.7 mmol / liter on an empty stomach and from 7.8 to 11.1 mmol / liter after a meal, impaired glucose tolerance is diagnosed.
3. Diabetes mellitus is determined if the readings on an empty stomach are more than 6.7 mmol and two hours after eating more than 11.1 mmol / liter.

Focusing on the criteria presented, it is possible to determine the alleged presence of diabetes mellitus not only within the walls of the clinic, but also at home, if you conduct a blood test using a glucometer.

Similarly, these indicators are used to determine how effectively diabetes treatment is being carried out. In case of illness, the ideal option is considered if the blood sugar level is below 7.0 mmol / liter.

However, it is very difficult to achieve such data, despite the efforts of patients and their doctors.

Degree of diabetes

The above criteria are used to determine the severity of the disease. The doctor determines the degree of diabetes mellitus based on the level of glycemia. Associated complications also play a significant role.

• With diabetes mellitus of the first degree, blood sugar levels do not exceed 6-7 mmol / liter. Also, in a diabetic, glycated hemoglobin and proteinuria are normal. Sugar in the urine is not detected. This stage is considered the initial stage, the disease is fully compensated, treated with a therapeutic diet and medicines. Complications in the patient are not detected.
• With diabetes mellitus of the second degree, partial compensation is observed. In a patient, the doctor detects a violation of the functioning of the kidneys, heart, visual apparatus, blood vessels, lower extremities, and other complications. Blood glucose levels range from 7 to 10 mmol / liter, while blood sugar is not detected. Glycosylated hemoglobin is normal or may be slightly elevated. Severe violations of the working capacity of internal organs are not detected.
• With diabetes mellitus of the third degree, the disease progresses. Blood sugar levels range from 13 to 14 mmol / liter. In the urine, protein and glucose are detected in large quantities. The doctor reveals a significant lesion of the internal organs. The patient has a sharp decrease in vision, high blood pressure, numb limbs and a diabetic loses sensitivity to severe pain. is kept at a high level.
• With diabetes mellitus of the fourth degree, the patient has severe complications. At the same time, blood glucose levels reach a critical limit of 15-25 mmol / liter and above. Hypoglycemic drugs and insulin cannot fully compensate for the disease. A diabetic often develops kidney failure, a diabetic ulcer, and gangrene of the extremities. In this state, the patient is prone to frequent diabetic coma.

Complications in the disease

Diabetes itself is not fatal, but the complications and consequences of this disease are dangerous.

One of the most severe consequences is considered, the signs of which appear very quickly. The patient experiences inhibition of reaction or loses consciousness. At the first symptoms of a coma, a diabetic must be hospitalized in a medical facility.

Most often, ketoacidotic coma occurs in diabetics, it is associated with the accumulation in the body of toxic substances that have a detrimental effect on nerve cells. The main criterion for this type of coma is the persistent smell of acetone from the mouth.

In hypoglycemic coma, the patient also loses consciousness, the body is covered with cold sweat. However, the cause of this condition is an overdose of insulin, which leads to a critical decrease in blood glucose.

Due to impaired kidney function, diabetics develop swelling of external and internal organs. Moreover, the more severe the diabetic nephropathy, the stronger the swelling on the body. In the event that the edema is located asymmetrically, only on one lower leg or foot, the patient is diagnosed with diabetic microangiopathy of the lower extremities, supported by neuropathy.

With diabetic angiopathy, diabetics feel severe pain in their legs. Pain increases with any physical activity, so the patient has to make stops while walking. Diabetic neuropathy causes nocturnal pain in the legs. In this case, the limbs become numb and partially lose sensitivity. Sometimes a slight burning sensation may be observed in the lower leg or feet.

A further stage in the development of angiopathy and neuropathy is the formation of trophic ulcers on the legs. This leads to the development of diabetic foot. In this case, it is necessary to start treatment at the first signs of the disease, otherwise the disease can cause amputation of the limb.

Due to diabetic angiopathy, small and large arterial trunks are affected. As a result, blood cannot flow to the feet, which leads to the development of gangrene. The feet turn red, severe pain is felt, after a while cyanosis appears and the skin becomes covered with blisters.

The diagnosis "" is made on the basis of a laboratory blood test; its criteria have been established in medicine.

Having recognized the disease in time, measures are taken for its progression.

Letters from our readers

Topic: Grandma's blood sugar returned to normal!

From: Christina [email protected])

To: site administration

Kristina
Moscow city

My grandmother has been suffering from diabetes for a long time (type 2), but recently there have been complications in her legs and internal organs.

At rates greater than 7.0 mmol / liter, a diagnosis is made - diabetes mellitus. When the disease develops, little insulin is produced or it is not fully absorbed by the cells.

Glucose rises as a result of excessive emotional stress, pregnancy, diseases of internal organs. High rates hold for some time, then normalize. At 7.0 mmol/liter, diabetes begins.

Signs of the disease:

• pain in the abdomen;
• infections of the genitourinary system;
• numbness of the limbs;
• sudden change in body weight.

• overweight;
• pathology of the pancreas;
• excessive consumption of sweet, fatty, high-calorie;
• hormonal disorders in women;
• alcohol abuse;
• genetic predisposition;
• acute viral infection, poisoning.

Diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus.

1. Symptoms appear, readings >11 mmol/liter (measured during the day).
2. Result> 7 mmol/liter (the study is carried out on an empty stomach).
3. Coefficient >11 mmol/liter (the patient consumes a glucose solution, after 2 hours donates blood).

At the first increase, they consume less, follow a special diet. After 7 days, re-take the analysis.

Sugar remains normal regardless of food, but changes due to the load of glucose on the body. This condition usually occurs with regular excessive consumption of sugary foods. The body resists excess glucose, it accumulates in the body.

There are degrees of secondary diabetes:

• mild - treated with a strict diet;
• medium - mixed treatment: medication and diet;
• severe - a large dose of insulin is needed.

Laboratory criteria for secondary diabetes mellitus are carried out in the same way.

Prevention must begin before the onset of the disease.

Preventive measures include:

• It is necessary to monitor nutrition (especially children). Eat less flour products, potatoes, granulated sugar. Give preference to slow carbohydrates: legumes, cereals, leafy vegetables. Nutrition should be varied and balanced.
• Maintain normal body water balance. It is recommended to drink two glasses of clean drinking water in the morning and before each meal. You should be aware that carbonated drinks, tea and coffee do not replenish the water balance.
• If you are overweight, it is better to stop eating after 18.00, give up meat, dairy and flour products.
• Prevention of various diseases is physical activity (15 minutes every day is enough). An alternative to sports is the refusal of the elevator, long walks, active games.
• Try to avoid stressful situations. To do this, you need to contact less with pessimistic people. It is recommended to master several auto-training techniques for relaxation or visit a psychologist.

Good day, dear readers. Today I want to dot all the i's. Many are already so confused in the numbers that they no longer know who to believe. I mean the numbers that doctors rely on when making a diagnosis. You all know that there is the World Health Organization (WHO), which sets certain norms and standards for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

This measure is necessary in order for doctors from any country to understand each other, as well as to prevent possible errors. Of course, standards prevent thinking doctors from sometimes going beyond the limits of treatment, but they thereby protect people's health from obvious “gags” and harmful or even dangerous methods of treatment.

So, the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is based on the patient's complaints, general examination, anamnesis of life and disease, and, of course, on laboratory data. There are cases when a person has no complaints or symptoms of diabetes mellitus, and “bad tests” are discovered by chance, for example, during a dispensary examination. In this case, diabetes mellitus is diagnosed according to the results of the tests obtained.

Some people ask: “Are laboratory tests different for children and adults?” My answer is: “No. The difference in diagnosis is only in the formulation of gestational diabetes mellitus, i.e. during pregnancy”

Currently, the following tests are needed to make a diagnosis:

1. blood for fasting sugar
2. glucose tolerance test or blood sugar test 2 hours after eating
3. blood test for c-peptide or insulin (if necessary)
4. blood test for antibodies (if necessary)
5. genetic analysis (if necessary)

The first three points are necessary to make a direct diagnosis of diabetes. The rest are for clarification. As a rule, the diagnosis of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus is not difficult, but there is a problem with the diagnosis of rare types.

It is in the formulation of diabetes itself that problems arise, because for some reason doctors use different numbers. Next, I give a beautiful table that displays the reliable figures adopted by WHO. The table is relevant for children and adults, and I also separately give numbers for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Note that in the table, the diagnosis is not only diabetes, but also borderline conditions. I really hope that the information will be useful to you.

One more moment. For diagnosis, as I said, the indications of glycated hemoglobin should also be taken into account. Thus, the level of GG above 6.5% indicates the presence of diabetes mellitus. The decision to diagnose diabetes mellitus is made on the basis of the presence of at least two altered indicators, i.e., for example, elevated fasting sugar and elevated HG levels. However, there are complex controversial cases, and in this case, the doctor decides on the diagnosis on his own.

In the future, an analysis for glycated hemoglobin will need to be done every three months, which may decrease as a result of lifestyle changes and following a certain diet for diabetes, which I talked about in the article. I recommend that you read as well to get only up-to-date information on diabetes and a healthy lifestyle.

With warmth and care, Dilyara Lebedeva

With warmth and care, endocrinologist Lebedeva Dilyara Ilgizovna

Watching diabetics, reading their questions to doctors, where they ask to comment on their examination results, I came to the conclusion that sometimes the diagnosis is made by appearance and by accidentally determining the level of sugar in the blood above normal, that is, above 6.1 mmol / l.

Here are some excerpts from the internet about blood sugar levels.

The indicators should be as follows: fasting sugar level - more than 6.1 mmol / l or "random" level, i.e. taken at any time of the day - more than 11.1 mmol / l. http://www.iokb.ru/endocrinology/info1.htm

To accurately diagnose diabetes, the doctor must know exactly the patient's blood sugar level. With a fasting blood sugar level of less than 7.0 mmol / l, but more than 5.6 mmol / l. http://doctorpiter.ru/diseases/54/

Doctor Myasnikov.

Sugar 5.5 is the norm. From 5.6 to 6.9 mmol / l is pre-diabetes. Above 7.0 diabetes

Well, that's about it. And the norm of an acceptable fork is considered to be approximately from 3.5 to 5.5 mmol / l.

And now let's figure it out. I always ask doctors to name one number, so to speak, ideal, golden, which suits me, and from which you can build up and down. After all, from such an indicator, when changing, certain steps of the permissible are determined, pre-diabetes, diabetes.

And they tell me that there is no such indicator and cannot be. There is this fork and it is the same for everyone. That is, they mixed not only women, but also men. But we are all different and this is confirmed by at least blood types. But the doctors stand their ground. But I found these indicators and everything turns out wonderfully. Doctors can't or don't want to. After all, it is much more profitable to make a diagnosis that does not exist. I ask one endocrinologist. For example, when measuring his sugar level, he showed 3.5 mmol / l. This is a good indicator for me. ? Answers that it is acceptable, but the lower bar is acceptable. Yep, not very good. But acceptable. And what a good ? There has to be a middle ground, though. They are silent. Or they say no.

I propose to add steps to diabetes and diabetes. And so, mine, as they determined, is an ideal indicator of 3.5 mmol / l, and the level of 5.5 and up to 6.1 is an acceptable level, that is, after 0.6 mmol you have diabetes. So, logically, I should add 0.6 mmol to my ideal level and it turns out that my diabetes should start at 4.1 mmol. But this does not happen, and I will not be diagnosed with diabetes with such indicators. Then the question arises, why, with an ideal level of 5.5, such a diagnosis is made ? I had a suspicion that these permissible steps are written by doctors from a lantern. After all, from somewhere a certain indicator of the sugar level of 11.1 mmol appeared. This is apparently the final barrier behind which diabetes definitely sits. But they say no to us and make a diagnosis after 6.1 mmol.

But that's not all. It turns out that 5.5 mmol is good, and 5.6 is pre-diabetes, or rather glucose tolerance. Is glucose tolerance good or bad? I'm sure the answer is bad. And I think that by creating tolerance the body saves us. Moves us away from diabetes.

I again doubted the doctors. Or maybe it’s right that you are given diagnoses that are not yet there in order to somehow scare you. After all, if you tell you that the sugar level has risen, but within the normal range. You won’t even lift your ear to think about it and start changing something in your life. Better yet, take care of your pancreas.

It's bad that people are being put on pills.

And finally. Before agreeing to the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, pass urine for the presence of sugar. No sugar, no diabetes. Good luck.

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases of the endocrine system that develop due to a lack or absence of insulin (a hormone) in the body, resulting in a significant increase in the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood (hyperglycemia). It is manifested by a feeling of thirst, an increase in the amount of urine excreted, increased appetite, weakness, dizziness, slow healing of wounds, etc. The disease is chronic, often with a progressive course.

A timely diagnosis gives the patient a chance to delay the onset of severe complications. But it is not always possible to recognize the first signs of diabetes. The reason for this is the lack of basic knowledge about this disease and the low level of patients seeking medical help.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the endocrine system caused by an absolute or relative deficiency in the body of insulin, a pancreatic hormone, resulting in hyperglycemia (a persistent increase in blood glucose).

The meaning of the word "diabetes" from the Greek language is "outflow". Therefore, the concept of "diabetes mellitus" means "losing sugar." In this case, the main symptom of the disease is displayed - the excretion of sugar in the urine.

In the world, about 10% of the population suffers from diabetes, however, if we take into account the hidden forms of the disease, this figure can be 3-4 times higher. It develops as a result of chronic insulin deficiency and is accompanied by disorders of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.

At least 25% of people with diabetes are unaware of their disease. They calmly go about their business, do not pay attention to the symptoms, and at this time, diabetes gradually destroys their body.

High blood sugar levels can cause dysfunction in almost all organs, up to and including death. The higher the blood sugar level, the more obvious the result of its action, which is expressed in:

• obesity
• glycosylation (saccharification) of cells;
• intoxication of the body with damage to the nervous system;
• damage to blood vessels;
• the development of secondary diseases affecting the brain, heart, liver, lungs, organs
• Gastrointestinal tract, muscles, skin, eyes;
• manifestations of fainting, coma;
• lethal outcome.

Causes

There are a lot of causes of diabetes mellitus, which are based on a general disruption of the functioning of the endocrine system of the body, based either on a deficiency of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, or on the inability of the liver and body tissues to properly process and absorb glucose.

Due to the lack of this hormone in the body, the concentration of glucose in the blood constantly increases, which leads to metabolic disorders, since insulin performs an important function in controlling the processing of glucose in all cells and tissues of the body.

One of the reasons is a predisposition that is inherited. If a person has diabetics in the family, then he also has a certain risk of getting this disease, especially if he leads an unhealthy lifestyle. The reasons for the development of diabetes, even in those who do not have a predisposition to it, can be:

• malnutrition and abuse of sweets;
• stress and various psycho-emotional stress; suffered a serious illness;
• disruption of the liver; lifestyle change;
• excess weight;
• hard work, etc.

Many people think that diabetes occurs in sweet tooth. This is more of a myth, but there is also some truth, if only because excessive consumption sweetly leads to excess weight, and later obesity, which can be an impetus for type 2 diabetes.

The risk factors contributing to the development of this disease in children, in some respects, are similar to the above factors, however, they also have their own characteristics. Let's highlight the main factors:

• the birth of a child to parents with diabetes mellitus (if one or both of them have this disease);
• frequent occurrence of viral diseases in a child;
• the presence of certain metabolic disorders (obesity, etc.);
• birth weight of 4.5 kg or more;
• reduced immunity.

Important: The older a person becomes, the higher the likelihood of the disease in question. According to statistics, every 10 years the chances of developing diabetes double.

Types

Due to the fact that diabetes mellitus has many different etiologies, signs, complications, and of course, the type of treatment, experts have created a fairly voluminous formula for classifying this disease. Consider the types, types and degrees of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, which is associated with an absolute deficiency of the hormone insulin, usually appears acutely, abruptly, quickly turns into a state of ketoacidosis, which can lead to ketoacidotic coma. Most often manifested in young people: as a rule, most of these patients are under thirty years old. Approximately 10-15% of the total number of diabetic patients suffer from this form of the disease.

It is almost impossible to completely recover from type 1 diabetes, although there are cases of restoration of pancreatic functions, but this is possible only under special conditions and natural raw food.

To maintain the body, it is required to inject insulin into the body with a syringe. Since insulin is destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract, taking insulin in the form of tablets is not possible. Insulin is administered with meals.

type 2 diabetes

The second type, previously called insulin-independent, but this definition is not accurate, since with the progression of this type, insulin replacement therapy may be required. In this type of disease, insulin levels initially remain normal or even higher than normal.

However, body cells, primarily adipocytes (fat cells), become insensitive to it, which leads to an increase in blood glucose levels.

Degrees

This differentiation helps to quickly understand what happens to the patient at different stages of the disease:

1. 1 degree (mild). Diabetes mellitus of the 1st degree is at the initial stage, that is, the glucose level does not exceed more than 6.0 mol / liter. The patient does not have any complications of diabetes mellitus, it is compensated with the help of diet and special medications.
2. 2nd degree (medium). Type 2 diabetes is more dangerous and severe as glucose levels begin to exceed the normal amount. Also, the normal functioning of organs is disrupted, more precisely: the kidneys, eyes, heart, blood and nerve tissues. Also, the blood sugar level reaches more than 7.0 mol/liter.
3. 3 degree (severe). The disease is at a more acute stage, so it will be difficult to cure it with the help of medications and insulin. Sugar and glucose exceed 10-14 mol / liter, which means that the work of blood circulation deteriorates and blood rings can collapse, causing diseases of the blood and heart.
4. 4 degree . The most severe course of diabetes mellitus is characterized by a high level of glucose - up to 25 mmol / l, both glucose and protein are excreted in the urine, the condition is not corrected by any drugs. With this degree of the disease in question, kidney failure, gangrene of the lower extremities, and diabetic ulcers are often diagnosed.

The first signs of diabetes

The first signs of diabetes are usually associated with high blood sugar levels. Normally, this indicator in capillary blood on an empty stomach does not exceed 5.5 mM/l, and during the day - 7.8 mM/l. If the average daily sugar level becomes more than 9-13 mM / l, then the patient may experience the first complaints.

According to some signs, it is easy to recognize diabetes mellitus at an early stage. A slight change in the condition, which anyone can notice, often indicates the development of the first or second type of this disease.

Signs to look out for:

• Excessive and frequent urination (about every hour)
• Itching of the skin and genitals.
• Intense thirst or an increased need to drink plenty of fluids.
• Dry mouth.
• Poor wound healing.
• First, a lot of weight, followed by a decrease in it due to a violation of the absorption of food, especially carbohydrates.

If signs of diabetes are detected, the doctor excludes other diseases with similar complaints (sugar insipidus, nephrogenic, hyperparathyroidism, and others). Next, an examination is carried out to determine the cause of diabetes and its type. In some typical cases, this task is not difficult, and sometimes additional examination is required.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The severity of symptoms depends entirely on the following parameters: the level of decrease in insulin secretion, the duration of the disease, the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

There is a complex of symptoms characteristic of both types of diabetes. The severity of the symptoms depends on the degree of decrease in insulin secretion, the duration of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient:

• Constant thirst and frequent urination. The more the patient drinks, the more he wants;
• With increased appetite, weight is quickly lost;
• A “white veil” appears before the eyes, as the blood supply to the retina of the eye is disturbed;
• Disorders of sexual activity and a decrease in potency are common signs of the presence of diabetes mellitus;
• Frequent colds (ARVI, acute respiratory infections) occur in patients due to a decrease in the functions of the immune system. Against this background, there is a slow healing of wounds, dizziness and heaviness in the legs;
• Constant cramps of the calf muscles are the result of a lack of energy during the work of the muscular system.

How does diabetes manifest itself in women?

• Sudden weight loss- a sign that should be alarming if the diet is not followed, the previous appetite remains. Weight loss occurs due to a deficiency of insulin, which is necessary for the delivery of glucose to fat cells.
• Thirst. Diabetic ketoacidosis causes uncontrolled thirst. In this case, even if you drink a large amount of liquid, dry mouth remains.
• Fatigue . Feeling of physical exhaustion, which in some cases has no apparent cause.
• increased appetite(polyphagia). A special behavior in which saturation of the body does not occur even after taking a sufficient amount of food. Polyphagia is the main symptom of impaired glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus.
• Violation of metabolic processes in the body of a woman leads to a violation of the microflora of the body. The first signs of the development of metabolic disorders are vaginal infections, which are practically not cured.
• Non-healing wounds, turning into ulcers - the characteristic first signs of diabetes in girls and women
• Osteoporosis - accompanies insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, because the lack of this hormone directly affects the formation of bone tissue.

Signs of diabetes in men

The main signs that diabetes is developing in men are the following:

• the occurrence of general weakness and a significant decrease in performance;
• the appearance of itching on the skin, especially this applies to the skin in the genital area;
• sexual disorders, progression of inflammatory processes and development of impotence;
• the occurrence of a feeling of thirst, dryness in the oral cavity and a constant feeling of hunger;
• the appearance of ulcerative formations on the skin, which do not heal for a long time;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• tooth decay and hair loss.

Complications

By itself, diabetes mellitus does not pose a threat to human life. Its complications and their consequences are dangerous. It is impossible not to mention some of them, which are either often encountered or pose an immediate danger to the life of the patient.

First of all, it should be noted the most acute forms of complications. For the life of every diabetic, such complications pose the greatest danger, because they can lead to death.

Acute complications include:

• ketoacidosis;
• hyperosmolar coma;
• hypoglycemia;
• lactic acid coma.

Acute complications during diabetes are identical in both children and adults

Chronic complications include the following:

• encephalopathy in diabetic form;
• skin lesions in the form of follicles and structural changes directly in the epidermis;
• diabetic foot or hand syndrome;
• nephropathy;
• retinopathy.

Prevention of complications

Preventive measures include:

• weight control - if the patient feels that he is gaining extra pounds, then you need to contact a nutritionist and get advice on compiling a rational menu;
• constant physical activity - the attending physician will tell you how intense they should be;
• constant monitoring of blood pressure.

Prevention of complications in diabetes mellitus, it is possible with constant treatment and careful monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Diagnostics

Diabetes mellitus manifests itself gradually in a person, therefore, doctors distinguish three periods of its development.

1. In people who are prone to the disease due to the presence of certain risk factors, the so-called pre-diabetes period manifests itself.
2. If glucose is already assimilated with disturbances, but signs of the disease do not yet appear, then the patient is diagnosed with a period of latent diabetes mellitus.
3. The third period is the development of the disease itself.

If there is a suspicion of diabetes mellitus, this diagnosis must be either confirmed or refuted. There are a number of laboratory and instrumental methods for this. These include:

• Determination of the level of glucose in the blood. The normal value is 3.3-5.5 mmol / l.
• The level of glucose in the urine. Normally, sugar in the urine is not detected.
• Blood test for glycosylated hemoglobin. The norm is 4–6%.
• IRI (immunoreactive insulin). The normal value is 86-180 nmol / l. In type 1 diabetes, it is reduced; in type 2 diabetes, it is normal or elevated.
• Urinalysis - to diagnose kidney damage.
• Skin capillaroscopy, Doppler ultrasound - for the diagnosis of vascular damage.
• Examination of the fundus - to diagnose retinal lesions.

Blood sugar

What levels of sugar are considered normal?

• 3.3 - 5.5 mmol / l is the norm for blood sugar, regardless of your age.
• 5.5 - 6 mmol / l is prediabetes, impaired glucose tolerance.
• 6. 5 mmol / l and above is already diabetes.

To confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, repeated measurement of blood sugar at different times of the day is required. Measurements are best carried out in a medical laboratory and self-monitoring devices should not be trusted, as they have a significant measurement error.

Note: in order to exclude false positive results, it is necessary not only to measure the level of sugar in the blood, but also to conduct a glucose tolerance test (a blood sample with a sugar load).

The norms are given in the table (measurement value - mmol / l):

All patients with diabetes should be consulted by such specialists:

• Endocrinologist;
• Cardiologist;
• neuropathologist;
• Ophthalmologist;
• Surgeon (vascular or special doctor - pediatrician);

How to treat diabetes in adults?

Doctors prescribe complex treatment for diabetes mellitus in order to maintain normal blood glucose levels. In this case, it is important to consider that neither hyperglycemia, that is, an increase in sugar levels, nor hypoglycemia, that is, its fall, should be allowed.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to conduct an accurate diagnosis of the body, because. a positive prognosis of recovery depends on this.

Treatment for diabetes aims to:

• lowering blood sugar levels;
• normalization of metabolism;
• prevention of complications of diabetes.

Treatment with insulin preparations

Insulin drugs for the treatment of diabetes are divided into 4 categories, according to the duration of action:

• Ultrashort-acting (onset of action - after 15 minutes, duration of action - 3-4 hours): insulin LizPro, insulin aspart.
• Rapid action (the onset of action is after 30 minutes–1 hour; the duration of action is 6–8 hours).
• The average duration of action (the onset of action is after 1-2.5 hours, the duration of action is 14-20 hours).
• Long-acting (onset of action - after 4 hours; duration of action up to 28 hours).

Insulin regimens are strictly individual and are selected for each patient by a diabetologist or endocrinologist.

The key to effective diabetes management is careful control of blood sugar levels. However, it is impossible to take laboratory tests several times a day. Portable glucometers come to the rescue, they are compact, easy to take with you and check the glucose level where it is needed.

Makes it easier to check the interface in Russian, marks before and after meals. The devices are extremely easy to use, while they differ in measurement accuracy. Keep your diabetes under control with a portable glucometer

Diet

The main principles of diet therapy include:

• strictly individual selection of daily calorie content, complete exclusion of easily digestible carbohydrates;
• strictly calculated content of physiological amounts of fats, proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates;
• fractional meals with evenly distributed carbohydrates and calories.

In the diet used for diabetes, the ratio of carbohydrates, fats and proteins should be as close to physiological as possible:

• 50-60% of total calories should come from carbohydrates
• 25 - 30% for fats,
• 15 - 20% for proteins.

Also, the diet should contain at least 4 - 4.5 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight, 1 - 1.5 grams of protein and 0.75 - 1.5 grams of fat in a daily dosage.

The diet in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (table No. 9) is aimed at normalizing carbohydrate metabolism and preventing fat metabolism disorders.

Physical exercise

Regular exercise will help lower your blood sugar levels. In addition, physical activity will help you lose weight.

It is not necessary to make daily runs or go to the gym, it is enough to do at least 30 minutes 3 times a week to do moderate physical activity. Walking daily will be very useful. Even if you work on your garden plot several days a week, this will have a positive effect on your well-being.

Folk remedies

Before using folk methods for diabetes, it is possible only after consultation with an endocrinologist, because. there are contraindications.

1. Lemon and eggs. Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon and mix 1 raw egg well with it. Drink the resulting remedy 60 minutes before meals, for 3 days.
2. Burdock juice. Juice from crushed burdock root, dug up in May, effectively reduces sugar levels. It is taken three times a day, 15 ml, diluting this amount with 250 ml of cool boiled water.
3. In case of diabetes mellitus, simmer ripe walnuts (40 g) in 0.5 liters of boiling water over low heat for 1 hour; take 3 times a day, 15 ml.
4. psyllium seeds(15 g) is poured into an enamel bowl with a glass of water, boiled over low heat for 5 minutes. The cooled broth is filtered and taken 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day.
5. Baked onion. You can normalize sugar, especially in the initial phase of the disease, with the daily use of a baked onion in the morning on an empty stomach. The result can be tracked after 1-1.5 months.
6. Millet against infection. Against infection and for the prevention of diabetes, you can use the following recipe: take 1 handful of millet, rinse, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave overnight and drink during the day. Repeat the procedure for 3 days.
7. Lilac buds. Infusion of lilac buds helps to normalize blood glucose levels. At the end of April, the buds are harvested in the swelling stage, dried, stored in a glass jar or paper bag and used all year round. Daily rate of infusion: 2 tbsp. spoons of dry raw materials pour 0.4 liters of boiling water, insist 5-6 hours, filter, divide the resulting liquid into 4 times and drink before meals.
8. Helps lower blood sugar and regular bay leaf. You need to take 8 pieces of bay leaf and pour it with 250 grams of "cool" boiling water, the infusion must be infused in a thermos for about a day. The infusion is taken warm, each time you need to strain the infusion from the thermos. Take 1/4 cup twenty minutes before meals.

Lifestyle of a person with diabetes

Basic rules to follow for a diabetic patient:

• Eat foods rich in fiber. These are oats, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
• Reduce your cholesterol intake.
• Use a sweetener instead of sugar.
• Eat often, but in small quantities. The patient's body can cope better with a small dose of food, since it requires less insulin.
• Check your feet several times a day for damage, wash every day with soap and dry.
• If you are overweight, weight loss is the first step in managing diabetes.
• Be sure to take care of your teeth to avoid infection.
• Avoid stress.
• Get your blood tested regularly.
• Do not buy medicines without prescriptions

Forecast

Patients with diagnosed diabetes mellitus are registered with an endocrinologist. With the organization of the right lifestyle, nutrition, treatment, the patient can feel satisfactory for many years. Aggravate the prognosis of diabetes mellitus and reduce the life expectancy of patients with acute and chronically developing complications.

Prevention

To prevent the development of diabetes, the following preventive measures are required:

• healthy eating: diet control, dieting - avoiding sugar and fatty foods reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 10-15%;
• physical activity: normalize blood pressure, immunity and reduce weight;
• control of sugar levels;
• exclusion of stress.

If you have characteristic signs of diabetes, then be sure to go to an appointment with an endocrinologist, because. early treatment is the most effective. Take care of yourself and your health!