Endocrinology. Understanding Diabetes Mellitus

Transcription

1 Endocrinology Understanding Diabetes Mellitus

2 The Diabetes, Endocrine & Metabolism Centre offers one-stop accessible care to patients and is staffed by experienced endocrinologists, diabetes nurse educators, podiatrists and dietitians to manage patients diabetes, thyroid problems, obesity and other related disorders. Patients with lipid, calcium and bone disorders, pituitary disorders, adrenal disorders and endocrine hypertension can approach us to find out more.

3 What is diabetes mellitus? Diabetes Mellitus is a condition when a person has high blood glucose. People with diabetes mellitus do not make enough insulin or the insulin they make does not work properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Glucose is a form of sugar that is produced when the food we eat is broken down. Insulin converts glucose into energy. Due to the lack of insulin and/or insulin resistance in people with diabetes, glucose builds up in the bloodstream to cause high levels of glucose in the blood. Over time, high blood glucose can damage many parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidneys, heart and the nerves.

4 Types of diabetes Type 1 Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an auto-immune disease that usually develops in children or young adults. It occurs when the body stops making insulin completely. People with Type 1 diabetes mellitus require daily insulin injections at the time of diagnosis for survival. Type 2 About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It usually occurs in adults over the age of 40, overweight and who may have a family history of diabetes. Recently, young and obese children have also been increasingly diagnosed with it due to changing lifestyles. Type 2 diabetes mellitus can be controlled with diet modification, weight loss, physical activity and medication.

5 The impact of uncontrolled diabetes Small vessel disease Large vessel disease Eyes Diabetes can affect the eyes and cause diabetic retinopathy. Left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Kidneys Diabetes is a common cause of kidney failure. Brain Stroke is more common in people with diabetes. Heart Diabetes is a common cause of heart disease. Nervous system Diabetes affects the nervous system and can damage the nerves. Leg and feet People with diabetes are often at risk of foot problems due to damaged nerves and reduced blood flow to their legs and feet. It is common for them to feel numbness in their feet. Diabetic foot ulcers are serious foot conditions that may result in gangrene and require amputation.

6 Managing diabetes mellitus Adopt a healthy diet Exercise regularly Keep all appointments with your doctor Monitor your blood glucose regularly Stay motivated Take your medications and/or insulin Go for regular screening Eye test Blood pressure management Foot screening Blood investigations e.g. Lipid test, HbA1c Urine test Reference: Health Promotion Board. (2013). Keep Your Diabetes under Control. Singapore

7 Notes:

8 For more information Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital 1 Jurong East St 21, Singapore General enquiries: Fax: Clinical and appointment line hours (closed on Sundays and public holidays) For appointments, please call Monday - Friday 8.00am pm, Saturday 8.00am pm For dental appointments, please call Monday - Thursday 8.00am pm, Friday 8.00am pm Getting there By train Jurong East MRT Station By bus From Jurong East Bus Interchange SBS 51, 52, 66, 78, 79, 97, 97e, 98, 98M, 105, 143, 143M, 160, 183, 197, 333, 334, 335, 506 Along Boon Lay Way SBS 99, Private bus service 625 Disclaimer: The information in this brochure is meant for educational purposes and should not be used as substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please seek your doctor s advice before starting any treatment or if you have any questions related to your health, physical fitness or medical condition. Copyright JurongHealth B E June 2015