Diabetes mellitus pathophysiology simply refers to what causes the signs and symptoms that you are likely to experience, as a result of suffering from diabetes mellitus. Pathophysiology is the study of any and all alterations that are seen in normal physical, biochemical and mechanical functions that are one or the other, the result of an abnormal syndrome or caused by the disease.

Studies:  Diabetes Mellitus Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus have had multiple studies performed showing that the abnormal metabolism of insulin hormone is the main factor in causing the development of this complex disease. The triggers that are the cause the three types of diabetes are different, but they can share the same complications and symptoms.

Referring to all types of diabetes, the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus concerns the hormone insulin, which the beta cells of the pancreas secrete. Insulin main function is to maintain the glucose level in the blood.

Glucose is the main energy source of the body’s cells. When you are dealing with a diabetic person, an abnormal insulin metabolism will result in the tissues and body cells are not used. Therefore, the blood glucose level will increase with the end result being hyperglycaemia.

The problem with the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus is that you are dealing with three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. They all have different triggers and behaviours; however they have the same symptoms and example being hyperglycaemia.

Problems: Diabetes mellitus pathophysiology

One of the 3 main types is gestational diabetes, which occurs during a woman’s pregnancy and disappears when the baby is born. Later in life however, women who have suffered during the pregnancy are more susceptible to developing Type 2 diabetes. In addition, since there is an unstable blood sugar level at birth, the chances of macromasia, also known as “fat baby” and obesity later in life.

Next would be Type 2 diabetes, the most common of the three types of diabetes, is when the pancreas produces insulin; however the body cannot process it properly, react or respond.

The last of the types would be Type 1 diabetes, the worst of the three, is where the pancreas will lose its ability to produce insulin and since the body’s own immune system destroys and attacks cells in the pancreas that are the very cells that produce insulin. Since the body’s own immune system does this Type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disorder.

Diabetic symptoms include frequent urination, a constant thirst and hunger, fatigue, irritability and weight loss that cannot be explained. A correct and early diagnosis is important, if you are to be treated for the condition of diabetes mellitus, because the long-term physical effects can be quite serious.

After it has been determined that you are diabetic, your physician may prescribe medication, which can be taken orally or with injections. It all depends in which Type of diabetes you have. Life style modifications will also be in order, such as altering your diet in relation to the disease and exercise, both of which will manage the symptoms and lessen any long term effects. Those that dedicate their time to studying Diabetes mellitus pathophysiology are important in the hope of one day finding a cure.