Diabetes Mellitus

By: Nia Rennix B.A., B.S., M.Sc, C.N.February 24, 2011

DefinitionDiabetes is a chronic

condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugars and starches into energy for the body. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, eye problems and nerve damage.

Three Main Types of DiabetesType 1Type 2(Gestational)

Type 1Originally called juvenile onset or insulin

dependentCan occur at any ageMost often diagnosed in childhood or teen

yearsPancreas fails to produce insulinRequires insulin treatment

What causes it?Autoimmune diseaseEnvironmental stressGenesNo way currently to prevent

Type 2 Non-insulin dependent or adult onsetMost often occurs in older adultsNow more common in children and teensCaused by insulin resistance Either the body does not produce enough

insulin or the cells ignore the insulin

What increases risk for Type 2?Older ageObesity Physical inactivityFamily history of diabetesRace/ethnicityHistory of diabetes during pregnancyImpaired glucose metabolism

Prevention of Type 2Weight loss of at least 7%Maintenance of that weight loss over timePhysical activity for at least 30 minutes per

day 5 or more days per week

Cuts risk almost 60%

ManagementHealthy meal plan that controls

carbohydrates and modifies fat intakeRegular physical activityMonitoring of blood glucoseMedication if needed

What have you learned?What are the 3 main types of diabetes?Who is most likely to develop each one?Why does each one occcur?How is each one treated?