Recognize and Prevent Diabetes Mellitus

What is Diabetes Mellitus (DM)?

A chronic disease characterized by blood glucose levels that exceed normal values. The term blood glucose is often known by the public as blood sugar. Diabetes is caused by a lack of the insulin hormone produced by the pancreas to reduce blood sugar levels.

 

What are the types of diabetes mellitus (DM)?
1. DM Type 1: DM caused by no production
2. Type 2 DM: DM caused by insufficient and ineffective insulin action
3. Gestational DM: DM that occurs during pregnancy
4. Other types of DM: DM caused by drug use, the immune system and disease

Who is at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes & Prediabetes?
1. Excess weight
2. Unhealthy eating patterns
3. Advanced age
4. Mager or lazy to move
5. Have a family history of diabetes

 

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) 
There are several main symptoms to watch out for:
1. Frequent urination
2. Get hungry quickly
3. Often thirsty

There are several additional symptoms, namely:
1. Rapid weight loss without apparent cause
2. Tingling
3. Gate in the female genital area
4. Vaginal discharge in women
5. Wounds are difficult to heal
6. Boils that come and go
7. Blurred vision
8. Get tired quickly
9. Easily scared
10. Impotence in men

What can be done to prevent Diabetes?
1. Maintain ideal body weight
2. Regular physical activity for 30 minutes every day
3. Eat healthy food between 3-5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and reduce your intake of sugar, salt and saturated fat
4. Test blood glucose and HbA1c levels regularly
5. Manage stress
6. Avoid tobacco use (Smoking, chewing tobacco) and avoid consuming alcohol