The group of disorders called diabetes mellitus is comprised of several similar conditions. They are characterized by either the body’s resistance to insulin action or deficient levels of insulin (Arcangelo, Peterson, Wilbur, & Reinhold, 2017). There are four general types of diabetes: “type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM),” and diabetes developed from other causes (ADA, 2015, p. 98). These four categories have individual signs, characteristics, and recommendations. Type 2 diabetes evolves in people due to the combination of genetic and environmental factors as well as the person’s life choices (ADA, 2014).
For this particular condition, health care providers develop a plan that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. One of the proposed drug treatments is Metformin – the primary choice for initial therapy (ADA, 2015). The non-pharmacological approach often includes dietary restrictions that focus on controlling glucose and lipid levels. Diabetes development changes a person’s life because it requires one to make significant lifestyle changes and creates a dependence on medications.
Types of Diabetes
As is mentioned above, one can distinguish four main categories of diabetes according to their causes and onset. The first one is type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), in which it is thought that the body destroys its pancreatic beta cells (Arcangelo et al., 2017). Then, the absence of these cells leads to insulin deficiency. This is a chronic condition, and it can occur at any age, although the majority of cases develop early. A variety of factors can influence type 1 diabetes, but all causes are not thoroughly researched or confirmed (ADA, 2014).
Another category is type 2 diabetes. In this case, the pancreas starts producing less insulin or the impact of insulin becomes less effective on the muscle and adipose cells of the body (Arcangelo et al., 2017). Thus, as a result of the insulin’s lowered impact, glucose levels in the blood rise significantly. Type 2 diabetes develops in people with time, the majority of patients being more than 30 years old (ADA, 2015). However, the rate of type 2 diabetes continues to increase in children, which may signify changes in people’s health and lifestyle (ADA, 2014; Peterson, Silverstein, Kaufman, & Warren-Boulton, 2007). Risk factors for this type include a family history of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dieting choices.
GDM occurs in pregnant women who become intolerant of glucose. It should be noted that patients can be misdiagnosed with GDM, although they have type 2 diabetes which progressed during pregnancy and became more apparent and active than before (ADA, 2014). As a contrast, some GDM cases resolve after delivery and do not require further pharmacological support. Finally, other types of diabetes include type 1 diabetes in children, drug-induced diabetes, and other uncommon developments that lead to insulin dysfunction (ADA, 2014). They require additional diagnostics to find the cause and possible solutions.
Drug Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
First of all, it is vital to note that healthcare providers can help patients to suppress or regulate the development of type 2 diabetes. To achieve this, they can create a therapy plan and include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures to control glucose levels. After type 2 diabetes is detected, the drug therapy can start with Metformin, a medication that lowers glucose production and increases the sensitivity of the body to insulin (ADA, 2015). While it does not reduce blood glucose significantly, it works in a way that supports the patient’s condition. This is a drug that is usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option because it has a low risk of side effects and a high rate of effectiveness (ADA< 2015). However, if it is not working well enough, other medications can be added to the therapy.
Dietary Considerations
Drug therapy may not be the only treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes. People often have to make other changes to their lifestyle, focusing especially on their diet. As this disorder is strongly related to the production of glucose and its levels in one’s blood, it is reasonable to suggest for patients to control their diet (Balk et al., 2015). Non-pharmacological recommendations include weight loss for overweight people and a diet that has less processed and more whole foods, including vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean meat, healthy sources of protein, and low-fat dairy (Esposito et al., 2015). Research studies indicate that plant-based diets that also restrict the consumption of processed and artificial foods improve patients’ health (Esposito et al., 2015). However, dietary considerations should be developed according to patients’ characteristics and financial abilities.
The Impact of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can alter people’s life drastically, changing their diet, lifestyle, activities, and health. For example, untreated diabetes can lead to many other issues such as cardiovascular problems, hypertension, kidney damage, vision impairment, hearing problems, and others (ADA, 2015). Short-term changes are also visible as type 2 diabetes symptoms include fatigue, increased thirst and hunger, acanthosis nigricans, and low resistance to infections (ADA, 2014). If a person treats diabetes, he or she has to control his/her diet and physical activity. Moreover, drug therapy also leads to the person becoming dependent on medication.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus is a severe problem that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The onset of type 2 diabetes depends on a variety of factors such as a person’s family history and lifestyle choices. It is a rising problem in both adults and children, especially because of its connection to unhealthy foods and obesity. Type 2 diabetes is usually treated with Metformin, a drug that increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. However, the individual should also assume control of his/her diet and physical activity to slow down the development of the disorder and avoid complications.
References
American Diabetes Association [ADA]. (2014). Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care, 37(Supplement 1), S81-S90.
American Diabetes Association [ADA]. (2015). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2015 abridged for primary care providers. Clinical Diabetes: A Publication of the American Diabetes Association, 33(2), 97-111.
Arcangelo, V. P., Peterson, A. M., Wilbur, V., & Reinhold, J. A. (Eds.). (2017). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (4th ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Balk, E. M., Earley, A., Raman, G., Avendano, E. A., Pittas, A. G., & Remington, P. L. (2015). Combined diet and physical activity promotion programs to prevent type 2 diabetes among persons at increased risk: A systematic review for the Community Preventive Services Task Force. Annals of Internal Medicine, 163(6), 437-451.
Esposito, K., Maiorino, M. I., Bellastella, G., Chiodini, P., Panagiotakos, D., & Giugliano, D. (2015). A journey into a Mediterranean diet and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analyses. BMJ Open, 5(e008222), 1-10.
Peterson, K., Silverstein, J., Kaufman, F., & Warren-Boulton, E. (2007). Management of type 2 diabetes in youth: An update. American Family Physician, 76(5), 658–664.