Diabetes mellitus is a disease condition wherein the pancreas are unable to produce insulin or can’t respond to insulin. As a result, glucose can’t be absorbed by the cells and it accumulates in the blood. Common diabetes symptoms are excessive hunger, excessive thirst and frequent urination.

There are 3 kinds of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Out of the three, the most common is Type 2 DM. This is also called adult onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). This is deemed as the milder form of diabetes because it is slow in onset and can be managed with the right diet, exercise and medication. However, although it is thought of as the milder form it should not be taken lightly. If left untreated it can result in serious complications. The most frequent Type 2 Diabetes causes are lack of exercise and excessive eating. Thus, management is done by following a diabetes diet, undergoing diabetes treatment and engaging in regular exercise. Type 2 diabetes prevention strategies include eating a healthy diet that is low fat and low carbohydrate as well as working out at least three times a week. This lifestyle not only helps in preventing the onset of diabetes but it also prevents many other diseases such as hypertension, kidney disease and even cancer.

Unlike Type 2 DM which is brought about by a person’s lifestyle, Type 1 DM is due to an autoimmune disorder. Here the body attacks its own insulin producing cells which leads to an insulin deficit. This is managed by daily insulin shots. There is no clear cause for Type 1 DM but researchers believe it is triggered by a virus. Genetics also plays a role in the development of this condition. Some type 1 diabetes prevention methods are still living a generally healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy and exercising everyday always helps because it will improve your overall health and strengthen your immune function.

Gestational diabetes is hyperglycemia that happens during the last trimester of pregnancy. Unlike type 1 and type 2 DM this condition is not chronic and usually resolves by itself after child birth.

There are many factors that can predispose a person to diabetes – especially Type 2 DM which is a lifestyle disease. These are obesity, having a family member or relative who has diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol level and lack of exercise. One way to avoid this is to read diabetes prevention articles and eat diabetes prevention foods. Since diabetes is a chronic condition it will require a permanent lifestyle change. The best way to manage this is through empowering the patient to deal with it. The nurse can help in planning and organizing his diet and exercise regime. But as soon as the patient gets the hang of it he will be able to eventually do it on his own. The nurse will also be responsible for explaining each medication to the patient. Some diabetic patients do not really understand what the function of their medication is. That is why they don’t really care if they miss out on the timing or not. A good understanding will make the patient more conscious of taking his medications on time.

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