Diabetes Mellitus Causes, Symptoms and Care Plans

Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder that affects the body's ability to make or use insulin. This situation will often result in problems because insulin is a rather essential hormone when it comes to the human body. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that allows the body's cells to process glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Insulin performs many functions; it converts sugar, starches as well as other foods into the energy that we need in order to live and go about our daily chores.

Different types of diabetes exist but there are two main classifications.
Type 1 diabetes. An autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin-making cells of the pancreas and usually occurs in childhood.
Type 2 diabetes. A metabolic disorder that often involves obesity and insulin resistance. It is by far the most common kind of diabetes and usually develops in adulthood.

The causes of diabetes are complex and only partly understood. Risk factors include genetics, family history, excess weight, physical inactivity, age, race and environment.
Obesity and lack of exercise, or a poor diet, are just some of the other factors which may lead to diabetes as well. Lifestyle can also have an immense impact on the rate of progress of your disease and how bad your symptoms are.

The symptoms of diabetes mellitus as listed by the American Diabetes Association include:

1. Increased Urination - Increased blood flow through the kidneys due to high blood sugar levels contributes to this.
2. Excessive Thirst - Caused by the increased urine output that brings about dehydration.
3. Hungry All the Time - Because glucose (sugar) is unable to leave the blood stream and enter the cells due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance the cells do not get the fuel they need for energy. The body senses this energy deficit and thinks it needs more calories to fuel its metabolic processes.
4. Weight Loss - Even though the diabetic is eating more the body starts to break down its own protein and fat stores to feed the perceived lack of energy for the cells.
5. Fatigue - Decreased energy levels lead to constant feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
6. Irritability and Depression.
7. Eye Problems - High blood glucose levels cause an increase in blood volume which can cause the lens of the eye to swell.

Treatment includes diet, exercise and often medications. All people with type 1 diabetes and some people with other forms of diabetes require regular insulin therapy. Many diabetic patients are prescribed anti-diabetic agents, cholesterol drugs and blood pressure drugs.


Diabetes Mellitus Care Plans

1. Risk for Infection
2. Risk for Disturbed Sensory Perception
3. Fatigue
4. Imbalanced Nutrition Less Than Body Requirements
5. Deficient Fluid Volume