Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by increased level of blood sugar, and is due to defect in insulin secretion or insulin action or both.
Classification of DM
TYPE 1- IDDM- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
TYPE 2 –NIDDM-non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
AETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF DIABETES
In both types of diabetes, environmental factors interact with the genetic susceptibility to determine which people develop the clinical syndrome, and the timing of its onset. However, the underlying genes, participating in environmental factors and pathophysiology differ substantially between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes was previously termed ‘insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus'(IDDM) and dependent diabetes mellitus’ (IDDM) and is invariably associated with profound insulin deficiency requiring replacement therapy. Type 2 diabetes was previously termed ‘non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus'(NIDDM mellitus’(NIDDM) because patients retain the capacity to secrete some insulin, but exhibit impaired sensitivity to insulin (insulin resistance) and can usually be treated without insulin replacement therapy. However, up to 20% of patients with type 2 diabetes will ultimately develop profound insulin deficiency requiring replacement therapy so that IDDM and NIDDM were misnomers.
TYPE 1 DIABETES
In type 1 DM the body fails to produce the sufficient amount of insulin. It is usually seen in children and young adults.
Causes
Genetic factors
Autoimmunity
Environmental factors like-
a-Viruses-congenital rubella, mumps, etc.
b-Chemicals like Nitrosourea, Rodenticide, etc. are associated with increased risk.
c-Stress in early life.
d-Bovine serum albumin is one of the important constituents of the cow’s milk, and it is said to a triggering factor for type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Type 2 DM
It is due to defective production of insulin and also due to increased tissue resistance to insulin.
Causes
Genetic factors
Obesity
Increased dietary intake
Physical inactivity
Low level of vitamin D, copper and chromium
Clinical features
Increased urine output.
Increased thirst
Increased appetite
Pruritis of external genital part of female
Erectile dysfunction or loss of libido
Blurring of vision
Investigation
Random blood glucose-it can be done on any day, and the level should be below 140 mg.
FBS-fasting blood-glucose level-blood examination is done after 12 hours of fasting. Normal level is below 110 mg.
PPBS-post prandial blood glucose- measured after 2 hours after a meal. Normal level is below 140 mg.
Oral glucose tolerance test-done in patients with no symptoms of diabetes but having family history of DM, type 2, women with diabetes during pregnancy (Gestational diabetes) , women who gave birth over-weight babies, and obesity with belly fat.
HbA1c-it gives the blood-glucose level of over last 3 months.
Management of diabetes mellitus
Type 1 diabetes is incurable. Along with insulin supplementation, homeopathic medicines can be tried to boost up the immunity of children. By this, the patients can be kept healthy and the quality of life can be improved. Besides this, unwanted infection can also be prevented.
Type 2 DM
The primary aim should be lifestyle modification. For that regular exercise at least half an hour per day for most of the days and with strict diet control.
All kinds of fatty foods and sugars should be avoided. Plenty of fiber foods, especially vegetables should be included in the diet.
Try stress reducing techniques like yoga and meditations.
The aims of homeopathic medicines are to control the blood-sugar level and prevent complication, thereby to improve the quality of life. First approach is to try homeopathic remedies like uranum nitricum, potentised insulin, acid phos, syzygium, etc. to control the blood-sugar level.
The second approach is after controlling the blood-sugar level, a constitutional/ /miasmatic remedy is selected by considering of the physical, mental peculiarities, also giving importance to family history. By this approach, the blood sugar can be kept within controlled level and also can prevent the complications. But one thing should be kept in mind that DM of both types is at present incurable. The only thing by treatment, whatever system it may be, is to keep the level of blood glucose within the normal limits, and thereby make the person to lead a normal ‘healthy life’
