Sahmie's Health Education; Diabetes Mellitus (causes, symptoms, prevention)

INTRODUCTION

Sugar is a common nutritional element present in virtually every food we eat. They serve as energy packs for those who consume them. But then, when these sugars are in excess in our bloodstream, it becomes detrimental to our health, sugar being the energy pack of life, can still be a problem.

Objectives of this Lesson;

At the end of the lesson, followers alike would have learned the following;

• What is Diabetes Mellitus?
• The common types of Diabetes Mellitus.
• What causes diabetes Mellitus?
• Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus.
• Effects of Diabetes Mellitus.
• How can you prevent yourself from Diabetes Mellitus?

With this in mind, let's go into the lesson proper, shall we?

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What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes is an ailment that affects all age groups and it occurs when the body fails to use the sugar (glucose) in the blood, hence resulting in high blood sugar levels over some time.

The Sugar in our blood is carried to the cells and stored or used as a source of energy by a hormone called Insulin. Thus, Diabetes is developed when one's pancreas doesn’t make sufficient insulin or any at all to transfer the produced glucose in the bloodstream to the tissues, or when your body isn’t reacting to the impacts of insulin properly.

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The common types of Diabetes Mellitus

There are various types of Diabetes, but the most common forms among them include:

Type 1 diabetes: This type of Diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes: This type of Diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t make enough insulin, and/or your body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin ( insulin resistance). This type is known as the most common type of diabetes.

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What causes diabetes Mellitus?

Generally, having too much glucose circulating in the bloodstream causes diabetes. The reasons for high blood glucose levels differ relying on the type of diabetes. However, one's glucose level or insulin level is affected by one of the following;

• Insulin resistance
• Autoimmune disease
• Hormonal imbalances
• Pancreatic damage
• Genetic mutations

People with Type-2 Diabetes can also be attributed to their lifestyle partners such as obesity, low physical activity, irregular and unhealthy diet, and excess consumption of sugar in the form of sweets, drinks, etc.

People living with type 2 diabetes mellitus can take medications to help improve the body’s responsiveness to insulin or to reduce the glucose produced into the bloodstream by the liver.

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Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Editted using Pixellab

The most common symptoms of diabetes include;

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Irritation
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increase in appetite, etc.
• Slow-healing sores or cuts.
• Loss of strength and stamina,

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Effects of Diabetes Mellitus

This ailment causes extreme health effects while also affecting vital body organs such as damage to the kidneys (resulting in the collection of pollutants in the body), blood vessels, and skin causing various cardiovascular and skin diseases respectively.

It also harms the heart’s blood vessels boosting the likelihood of a heart attack. Diabetes may also cause varied skin diseases in other parts of the body. The prime cause is the decrease in the immunity of body cells due to their inability to absorb glucose.

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How can you prevent yourself from Diabetes Mellitus?

Editted using Pixellab lab

As much as one can not prevent autoimmune and genetic forms of diabetes (Type-1 Diabetes). There are certain activities one can carry out to lower the risk of developing other forms of diabetes, these activities include;

• Stop smoking
• Eating a healthy diet.
• Partaking in Physical Activities, at least 20-30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.
• Learn to manage your stress levels.
• Avoid taking Alcohol.
• Get sufficient sleep (at least 7 - 9 hours daily

Note: There are some risk factors one can not change, such as genetics/family history (which tends to cause Type-1 Diabetes).

CONCLUSION

Diabetes is a severe life-threatening illness that has no regard for age, social status, or riches. Hence, it is advised we monitor our blood levels constantly and effectively subdued with proper medication and adapt to a healthy lifestyle for those diagnosed with diabetes. By having a healthy lifestyle, going for regular checkups, and proper medication we can celebrate a healthy and long life.

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Previous Class:
Mental Health

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NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.