If you suspect that you are suffering from a diabetic disorder, there are a few things you should know. There are a few different types of diabetic disorders. It is important to understand the types, symptoms and treatments of diabetic disorders.
The different types of diabetic disorders include type I diabetes mellitus (insulin dependant), type II diabetes mellitus (insulin resistant), gestational diabetes (pregnancy diabetes), central diabetes insipidus, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Type I diabetes mellitus (juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes) is caused when the pancreas does not produce the insulin hormone in sufficient amounts to metabolize blood sugar.
Type II diabetes mellitus (adult onset diabetes or insulin resistant diabetes) is caused when the body is unable to absorb the insulin it produces. With type II diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body becomes resistant to the insulin. The result is increased blood sugar because the absorption of insulin is necessary to metabolize blood sugar.
Gestational diabetes can be type I, type II, or a combination of both. This condition occurs in pregnancy. According to the ADA (American Diabetes Association), up to 18% of pregnant women end up with this condition. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes do not have a diabetic disorder before becoming pregnant. The condition usually resolves itself after child birth.
Diabetes insipidus presents with the same symptoms as diabetes mellitus. However, this condition is completely different from the other diabetic disorders listed. This diabetic disorder is caused when the kidneys cannot conserve water when they perform the function of filtering blood. A hormone called vasopressin or ADH (antidiuretic hormone), which is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, is not sufficient for the body to conserve water in this process. Central diabetes insipidus is caused by a lack of ADH. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is caused when the kidneys are unable to respond to ADH.
Diabetic Disorder Symptoms
The signs for all types of diabetic disorders can be one or a combination of many of the symptoms discussed by the ADA.
The primary signs of diabetic disorders include polydipsia (excessive thirst), quick and unexplained weight loss, polyphagia (extreme hunger), and polyuria (excessive urination).
Secondary symptoms of diabetic disorders can include rapid pulse, rapid respiratory rate, difficulty catching your breath, shortness of breath, increased sweating, and fruity smelling breath, sweat, or urine.
Diabetic Disorder Treatments
There are several treatment options for each of these diabetic disorders. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, contact your physician to discuss your symptoms. Your physician will probably recommend having some lab tests done to determine the cause of the symptoms. Once you have received a diagnosis, your physician will assist you in developing a treatment plan for your diabetic disorder.
Treatment usually includes diet and exercise changes, checking hormone levels regularly, hormone injections (if necessary) and oral medications (to help with resistance if necessary). If you are overweight or obese, your physician will probably also recommend a weight loss program.
If you suspect that you are suffering from a diabetic disorder, contact your physician immediately. Receiving a diagnosis of a diabetic disorder can be frightening, but early diagnosis and treatment will go a long way in preventing permanent damage to the body and living a long and healthy life.
