Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease wherein the body can’t produce insulin or the cells are unable to respond to insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels increase. The most common symptoms of diabetes are polydipsia (increase in thirst), polyuria (increase in urination) and polyphagia (increase in hunger). These are called the 3 P’s – the diabetic triad.

There are 3 kinds of diabetes:

First, is type 1 diabetes mellitus. This is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). In type 1 DM the body attacks its own cells which are responsible for producing insulin. As a result insulin level falls and regular insulin injections are given to control blood sugar levels. Without insulin treatment this can turn fatal. Insulin can also be administered via inhalants and insulin pumps but injection is the most common route. Most patients are able to administer the injections themselves. If you are new at this there are a lot of insulin pictures that can guide on the process. Type 1 DM patients can also opt for pancreatic transplants however this is still considered to be in the experimental stage. The cause of this condition is still yet to be understood but scientists believe that it is immunological in origin. Although its symptoms are similar to Type 2 DM, it can be differentiated through a test called C-peptide assay. Complications can be seen in many diabetes type 1 pictures in the internet.

The second type is Type 2 diabetes mellitus. This was formerly known as adult onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Unlike Type 1 DM which occurs early in life this is prevalent in adults above 40, thus the term adult onset. In type 2 DM the body has insulin but the cells are unable to use it. There is insulin resistance. Since Type 2 DM is a lifestyle disease this is managed through living a healthy lifestyle. Patients are encouraged to exercise regularly and follow a diabetic diet. If this is not enough to control blood sugar levels then medications are given. It is important to manage this condition as early as possible because if left untreated then dangerous complications can result such as kidney failure, heart attack, hypertension and amputation. If you’ll browse online diabetes type 2 pictures such as hypoglycemia pictures can tell a more vivid story.

The third type is Gestational diabetes. This is a condition wherein a pregnant women experiences high blood sugar levels. This usually occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy and is thought to be brought about by hormonal changes. Unlike type 1 and 2 DM this is not chronic for it usually resolves itself after child birth. Still, it should not be ignored because if left untreated it can progress into Type 2 DM.

If you are suffering from diabetes it is important that you gain a deep understanding of your condition. This can be done by looking at diabetes clipart, diabetes images and diabetes mellitus pictures. Diabetes posters also provide a wealth of information on the subject.

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