DIABETES MELLITUS AND TREATMENT

Diabetes mellitus is a devastating metabolic disease caused by insufficient insulin synthesis, increased insulin disruption or ineffective insulin action. The pancreas is the organ where the Islets of Langerhans is located. The beta cells found in the islets of Langerhans aid the production of insulin. Diabetes mellitus is classified into two groups viz; Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM).and Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM).



Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) is also referred to as Type 1 diabetes or Juvenile onset diabetes. It affects people below 30years or age. Inadequate amount of insulin is secreted because the beta cells of the pancreas have been destroyed. Three factors have been implicated in this destructive process of the beta cells viz; genetics, viral infections and autoimmunity (i.e the body’s immune system destroys insulin.)


Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) is also called Type2 or maturity (adult) onset diabetes.It affects people above 35years of age. This type of diabetes is caused by the insensitivity of target tissues it insulin.It occurs mostly in obese people.



Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include hyperglycemia (high blood glucose level) caused by inadequate cellular uptake of glucose, glucosuria (i.e glucose in urine).osmotic dieresis,dehydration may affect patients despite consumption of large volumes of fluids in very severe cases, polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyphagia(excessive hunger).



When there is insufficient insulin to regulate glucose, three principal target tissues and organs (i.e. liver , adipose tissue ,and muscles) don’t absorb nutrients adequately. In severe cases of diabetes, despite increased appetite and food consumption, the failure to utilize glucose effectively results in body weight reduction.



The following methods can be used to treat both types of diabetes mellitus;diet(should include high content dietary fibres),through the use of insulin pump,beta cell replacement therapy ,pharmacotherapy(i.e sulphonyiureas ,biguanides),
alternative medicine(plant extracts).Research has shown that extracts from Loranthus bengwensis (African mistletoe) and Indian almond and several others possess hypoglycemic properties.



Diabetes mellitus is a devastating metabolic disease and should be given adequate medical attention so that it can be effectively managed and treated.