It is very common to hear about diabetes, after all, it is a disease that affects more and more people worldwide every day, including children, young people, and adults. According to research by the World Health Organization (WHO), an average of 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. In Brazil alone, a brief survey by WHO in partnership with the IBGE registered 13 million Brazilians with diabetes. However, what most people do not know is that diabetes is divided into several types and can present different symptoms as well as requiring different treatments and also posing different risks. Little is heard about the name diabetes mellitus, so let’s clarify what it means as it raises many questions. Diabetes mellitus is actually nothing more than diabetes itself; we can classify it as the “origin” or the scientific name used. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by the increase and lack of control of blood glucose, referred to as hyperglycemia.

What is Diabetes?

It can happen for two reasons: problems with insulin production or due to the body’s resistance to insulin, both produced by the pancreas, also called beta cells. The main function of insulin in the body is to allow glucose to enter the body’s cells and thus be used and managed by the body’s functioning, including energy conversion. When its function is impaired, it results in an accumulation of glucose in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia.

Types of Diabetes Mellitus

We already understand what diabetes mellitus is, but as we mentioned, it can occur for two reasons and also due to some health factors of the patient. When we talk about diabetes, we automatically relate it to problems in the pancreas and in controlling the body’s glucose, but it is necessary to know that it is divided into types, which determine its severity, its specific treatment, and even the symptoms the patient feels when they have it.

Type 1 Diabetes (DM 1)

Considered the type of diabetes that affects fewer patients worldwide. Type 1 diabetes (DM 1) mainly appears during childhood or adolescence, but there is still a chance it can occur in adulthood. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce the necessary amount of insulin for the body or simply does not produce any. This happens because the beta cells responsible for producing insulin in the body are destroyed with no chance of reversal. In this case, the patient needs to receive injectable doses of insulin to control their blood sugar, along with, of course, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and exercising to ensure control and a healthy life for the patient. Its cause is related to genetic inheritance together with external factors, like viral infections, that may affect the body’s functioning.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes (DM 1)

Normally, diabetes is diagnosed through a fasting blood glucose test, which analyzes the amount of glucose in the blood. But even before diagnosis, you may notice some clear symptoms that the body shows when something is wrong, so be alert to the signs.

  • Increased urge to urinate;
  • Constant thirst;
  • Constant hunger;
  • Fatigue;
  • Mood changes;

Other signs observed in patients with type 1 diabetes (DM 1) include excessive and rapid weight loss, even when eating a lot and following a high-calorie diet. Episodes of irritability and also unexplained nausea and vomiting are also common. These symptoms tend to appear clearly, which makes diagnosis easier. However, in the case of late diagnosis, as the body’s cells lack the glucose necessary for energy, they start to use fat and muscle to produce energy. When this stage is reached, ketone bodies are produced and enter the bloodstream, causing a chemical diabetic ketoacidosis, worsening the patient’s condition and potentially leading to coma.

Type 2 Diabetes (DM 2)

Considered the most common type of diabetes, type 2 diabetes (DM 2) can affect people of any age, but is more common in adults over 40 years old and those with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas continues to function normally and produces insulin, but the body changes and the cells become resistant to its action. There are also cases where the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs. The test used to diagnose type 2 diabetes (DM 2) is the fasting blood glucose test, which checks blood sugar levels, and the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) test, which measures the fraction of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, that is bound to glucose. This test can show blood sugar levels for at least 90 days before the exam, which is the lifespan of red blood cells, during which time hemoglobins incorporate glucose and show any changes in blood sugar. If the values are abnormal, the glycated hemoglobin test will show an average of blood hemoglobin concentrations during the last period, indicating whether the person has type 2 diabetes or not. The reference values are:

  • Healthy people: between 4.5% and 5.7%;
  • Patients diagnosed with controlled diabetes: below 7%;
  • Abnormal values at the limit: 5.8% and 6.4%;
  • Diabetic: greater than or equal to 6.5%

In this type of diabetes, the use of insulin is not indicated in all cases to control it, but rather important lifestyle changes to control the diabetes, so the patient can live a healthy and normal life. Exercising at least 3 times a week is first on the list and considered essential for treatment. Exercise helps control blood sugar and also helps with weight loss. The diet should limit consumption of carbohydrates such as breads, pasta, and sweets in general, since they have a high glycemic index. It is necessary to eat a balanced diet, prioritizing the consumption of greens, vegetables, and fruits. Reduce alcohol intake, quit smoking, and control stress. Treatment for type 2 diabetes (DM 2) is a set of factors and care that will help the patient control blood sugar levels. The ideal approach is to have specialized follow-up and, if necessary, adjust to medications or insulin as recommended by a doctor.

Does Diabetes Mellitus Affect Fertility?

Among the effects diabetes can have on a man’s and woman’s life, unfortunately, fertility is on the list. Lack of proper treatment and control of the disease can cause various other health and life problems for the patient. Some may not take treatment seriously until they learn they could become impotent, and only then realize the importance of managing the disease. Diabetes is related to several bodily changes, including cardiovascular and psychological issues, and as a result, the reproductive system may also be affected. When diabetes is not controlled, patients may experience decreased libido and orgasmic dysfunction, and may even develop erectile dysfunction. Retrograde ejaculation, where semen goes into the bladder instead of out the urethra, has also been reported in some cases. For women, dysfunctions affect hormone levels, increasing the chances of miscarriage and making conception more difficult. But all these issues can be prevented with proper diabetes control and by following recommended care instructions for a healthier life. If you want to get pregnant, with well-controlled diabetes, you can start to give your fertility an extra boost. Important Tip: Couples who do or do not have diabetes can and should take vitamins that help with proper embryo development. This is the case with Famivita’s fertility vitamins. You can learn more about them here. See also: Diet For Those With Gestational Diabetes Photo: stanias