Diabetes Mellitus

Definition of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is a term that is an umbrella for the more commonly used terms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Mellitus means that there is either a diminished production of insulin (Type 1) or an increased resistance to insulin (Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes). The end result of both of these situations is excess sugar in your blood stream and lack of sugar/energy in the cells of your body.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are partially inherited. Other factors that can contribute for Type 2 Diabetes are: smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. For Type 1 Diabetes, there is some question as to causality, but there is belief that some sort of environmental trigger is necessary to set it off.

Prognosis

Patient knowledge, comprehension and involvement are of extreme importance when discussing prognosis for the patient. With the patient taking an active role in their treatment and health care, it is possible to control the diabetes and minimize complications. Part of patient awareness needs to be on what other factors can make the complications from diabetes even worse(smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure). By being aware of and controlling behaviors that are within the patient's control (eating correctly, exercising, stopping smoking), the patient can help reduce the possibility of complications from diabetes. Remember, as the patient, you are in the driver's seat. The physician is your advisor, counsellor, cheerleader, but it is your responsibility to take the necessary steps to improve your health.