What is insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus?

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, according to experts, is a disease in which serious hormonal changes occur in the body, due to which glucose is not used as an energy source. This kind of situation occurs because a hormone called insulin is not produced in the required amount, therefore, the body has lost its habitual sensitivity to its action.

Causes

According to experts, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus arises from the consequent destruction of the cells of the pancreas itself, which directly and are responsible for the production of insulin. As a rule, this ailment is diagnosed at the age of up to 40 years. In plasma, the level of the hormone gradually decreases, and the amount of glucagon, on the contrary, rises. Reduce this figure is possible only through insulin.

Symptoms

With such a diagnosis, as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, patients complain of constant thirst, dry mouth, increased appetite and at the same time a serious weight loss. In addition, it is often observed increased irritability, insomnia, decreased ability to work, pain in the calf muscles, as well as in the heart.

The main stages of the disease development

At the moment, experts identify the following stages of the onset and development of a disease, such as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus:

1. Genetic predisposition.
2. The impact of negative environmental factors (very often they are the cause of the development of the disease).
3. Inflammatory processes in the pancreas itself.
4. Β-cells begin to be perceived by the immune system itself as alien objects, that is, their destruction occurs gradually.
5. Β-cells are completely destroyed. Diagnosed insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes mellitus .

Treatment

First of all, all patients without exception, doctors prescribe a special diet. Its main principles consist in the daily counting of calories and observance of the necessary proportion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, absolutely all patients almost constantly need insulin itself. As a rule, patients with "experience" quite independently cope with its introduction into the body. The operation is quite simple. Initially, it is necessary to constantly monitor blood sugar levels. For these purposes, in almost every pharmacy you can buy a special device. Then the patients, based on the concentration of glucose in the blood, select the necessary dosage of insulin. In a fairly simple way, they manage to maintain normal (recommended) sugar levels.

Conclusion

In this article, we examined what constitutes an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Disability in this case, of course, is provided to all patients without exception. However, psychologists still recommend not to lose heart and, despite such an unpleasant affliction, to fight for one's health.