by: Elisse Catalan

What do you know about Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. It affects the way the body utilizes glucose for growth and energy. Carbohydrates from our diet are broken down and converted to glucose that can be used in our bodies. In order for glucose to be utilized, insulin from the pancreas is required to allow the glucose to enter the cells.

There are two types of Diabetes Mellitus

• Type 1 Diabetes, there is little or no insulin secretion
• Type 2 Diabetes, there is impaired insulin or insulin resistance

DM is a lifelong disease that should not be overlooked. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC),  More than 23 million Americans are living with diabetes and about 1.6 million new cases are diagnosed every year in the US.

Who is at risk for Diabetes?

• Family History or diabetes
• Obesity (greater than 25 kg/m2)
• habitual inactivity
• Race /Ethnicity (African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
• History of Gestational Diabetes
• Hypertension (BP greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHG)
• HDL Cholesterol level <35 mg/dL and or a triglyceride level >250 mg/dL
• History of Vascular disease

Why do you need to be concerned?

It is the leading cause of end stage renal disease, non-traumatic lower extremity amputations and adult blindness. It also predisposes to cardiovascular diseases. With an increasing incidence worldwide, DM will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity for the foreseeable future.

Next Steps?

Consult with your health care provider if you can have your blood glucose levels tested. There is much importance in knowing your glucose levels now because…

A large number of individuals who meet the current criteria for Diabetes Mellitus are asymptomatic and unaware that they have the disorder.

Epidemiologic studies suggest that type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may be present for up to a decade before diagnosis.

As many as 50% of individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus have one or more diabetes – specific complication at the time of diagnosis

When do you need to be tested?

The American Diabetes Association recommends:

• Screening all individuals >45 years every 3 years
• Screening individuals at an earlier age if they are overweight.
• Criteria for the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
• Symptoms of diabetes plus random blood sugar concentration >200mg/dL
• Fasting blood glucose  >126 mg/dL
• Two hour plasma glucose >200 mg/dL

As with all diseases early diagnosis brings about early cure. Better now than later! Know your glucose levels now, it might just save your life.