Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder which occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or when the insulin level produced does not work effectively, resulting in an abnormally high glucose level in blood.
What causes it?
It is not fully understood what triggers diabetes mellitus, but the following risk factors increase the chances of someone developing diabetes mellitus:
Being overweight or obese
Physical inactivity
Certain drugs or diseases that damage the pancreas and affect its ability to produce insulin
Increasing age- most people develop diabetes mellitus after age 45
Family history- it can run in families
Diabetes mellitus remained as one of the top ten causes of death in Hong Kong. In 2006, 511 deaths were due to this disease and 45% of them were in men. According to the Heart Health Survey 2004/05 of the Department of Health, 8.3% of men aged 15-84 had diabetes, but over 50% of the affected men were unaware that they had diabetes.
What are the common symptoms?
When the level of glucose in the blood becomes too high, the following symptoms will appear:
Passing urine frequently, especially at night
Abnormal thirst
Tiredness and fatigue
Loss of weight
Blurred vision
Frequent infections
Many sufferers do not show any symptoms and remain unaware they have diabetes mellitus unless complications develop.
Diabetes mellitus is not infectious. However, you are at risk if your immediate family member has the disease. Regular body check can uncover the hidden disease as early as possible.
What are the complications?
Persistent high blood glucose levels will lead to:
You can lower your risk of having diabetes mellitus by:
Eat a healthy and high-fibre diet, and avoid high-sugar food.
Take suitable exercise regularly.
Control your weight.
Get adequate rest and avoid stress.
What is the treatment?
Diabetes mellitus can be treated by medication along with lifestyle changes and a range of therapies from experts such as nurses, dietitians, or podiatrists.
The choice of an appropriate treatment is based on the severity of the symptoms, the extent to which they affect the patient's life, and the presence of any other medical conditions.
If the blood sugar level is only slightly raised, it is usually treated by diet and exercise alone, without resorting to medication.
If diet and exercise fail to control the blood glucose level, the doctor will prescribe some oral tablets to lower the blood sugar level. In more serious cases, insulin injection will be used, alone or in combination with oral drugs.
How can I help myself?
Consult a doctor if you have any suspicions. The doctor would check your history and arrange the necessary examination to make a diagnosis.
If you have a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of complications. All the preventive advice applies.
To control your diabetes and to yield satisfactory results from the drug treatment, you have to take the medication as prescribed. Never stop or skip taking them on your own without consulting your doctor first, even when symptoms disappear or when your blood glucose is under control. It is important to visit your doctor regularly to have your condition monitored. You may take special care of your feet and have regular eye examinations.
If you have any suspicions, you should seek medical advice.
Be a healthy man
To reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus, you should have a balanced diet and avoid foods that are too sweet, salty or oily. Exercise regularly can also help to control body weight.
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