Understanding Diabetes Mellitus: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Global Impact

Diabetes Mellitus affects millions worldwide, requiring early diagnosis and consistent management to prevent serious health complications.

A chronic disease driven by insulin dysfunction, diabetes impacts millions globally, leading to severe complications without treatment. Early recognition and lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent this growing health crisis.

Dr. Abha Singh

Doctor, TMH

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, primarily due to a deficiency or dysfunction of insulin—a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar.

Diabetes Mellitus is taken from the Greek word diabetes, meaning siphon-to pass through & the Latin word mellitus, which means sweet.

It has many subclassifications, including Type 1, Type 2, maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), gestational diabetes & neonatal diabetes. Type 1 & 2 DM are the main subtypes, each with a different pathophysiology, presentation & management.

Type 1 presents in children or adolescents, while T2DM is thought to affect middle-aged & older adults who have prolonged hyperglycemia due to poor lifestyle & dietary choices. The disease is a global health crisis, affecting millions and causing various complications if left untreated.

The IDF Diabetes Atlas (2021) reports that 10.5% of the adult population, i.e., approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years old) worldwide, are living with diabetes and is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.

Annual Deaths due to diabetes contributed to over 4 million globally in 2021. The Economic Impact on global health reached $966 billion in 2021, marking a 316% increase over the past 15 years.

The various causes and Risk Factors of Diabetes depend on the type:

Type 1 DM: Genetics and possible environmental triggers such as viral infections.

Type 2 DM: Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, age, and genetics.

Gestational Diabetes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, family history of diabetes & maternal obesity.

Recognizing the symptoms early, followed by prompt management & treatment, is the mainstay to prevent complications. The common symptoms are frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss (mainly in type 1), fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of sores, and frequent infections.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe complications like cardiovascular disease, renal Nephropathy (diabetes being a leading cause of kidney failure), Eye Damage (Retinopathy) causing blindness & visual disabilities, Nerve damage (Neuropathy) leading to lower limb pain or numbness, foot problems like ulcers, infections, and possible amputation due to poor blood circulation and higher susceptibility to infections due to immune system impairment.

A diagnosis of diabetes is through any of the following: An HBA1C level of 6.5 % or higher, a fasting plasma glucose level of 126mg/dl or higher & a two-hour plasma glucose of 200 mg/dl or higher during a 75 gm Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

The American diabetes association (ADA) recommends screening adults aged 45 years and older every three yearly regardless of risk and all pregnant patients between 24 to 28 weeks of gestation with a one-hour fasting glucose challenge test.

While diabetes is a lifelong condition, it can be effectively managed with medications and lifestyle changes such as correct dietary habits, weight management & quitting smoking. Besides this, regular blood sugar monitoring is to be done to maintain levels within the target range.

To conclude, diabetes mellitus continues to pose a significant public health challenge. It is a serious but manageable condition with proper knowledge & care. Understanding the basics of diabetes, including its types, causes & risk factors, can empower people to make informed lifestyle choices that promote health & reduce the risk of complications. Prevention efforts are essential to control the rising global incidence and alleviate its economic and healthcare burden.

(Dr. Abha Singh, the author, is a doctor in TMH, Jamshedpur.)