Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

By: dr. Sin Hariyanto Budiarta, Sp.PD-KGEH - Internal Medicine Specialist, Consultant Gastroenterology Hepatology

Diabetes mellitus is a disease associated with a metabolic disorder. This condition occurs when blood glucose (sugar) levels rise above normal limits.
Diabetes mellitus can result from abnormalities in insulin function, impaired insulin secretion, or a combination of both. Therefore, diabetes management does not focus solely on blood sugar levels; it requires a comprehensive approach tailored to each patient's specific condition.

What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels.
This rise in blood sugar can occur due to:

• Impairment of insulin action.
• Impairment of insulin secretion or production.
• A combination of impaired insulin action and secretion.

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. When insulin function or secretion is impaired, blood glucose levels can rise.

What Causes Diabetes?

Diabetes can be influenced by several factors. One of these is genetics or heredity.
However, environmental factors also play a significant role. These environmental factors primarily relate to lifestyle, including:

• Diet.
• Physical activity.

Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity are crucial parts of maintaining health and managing diabetes.

What Are the Signs or Symptoms of Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus presents with several classic symptoms. These include:

• Frequent Thirst and Increased Fluid Intake
  Patients may experience frequent thirst, leading to an increased urge to drink.
• Rapid Onset of Hunger and Increased Food Intake
  One symptom that may arise is feeling hungry quickly and eating more than usual.
• Unexplained Weight Loss
  Despite eating more, some patients may experience weight loss without an apparent cause.
• Tingling Sensations
  Another symptom that may be experienced is tingling. The video material also mentions other uncomfortable sensations.
• Erectile Dysfunction in Men
  In male patients, diabetes can be accompanied by a condition known as erectile dysfunction.
• Blurred Vision
  Vision problems, including blurred vision, may also occur.

Symptoms vary from patient to patient. Therefore, a medical examination is necessary to assess the condition and determine the appropriate treatment.

What Are the Complications of Diabetes Mellitus?

Complications of diabetes mellitus are generally categorized into two groups: acute complications and chronic complications.

• Acute Complications Due to Very High Blood Sugar
  One type of acute complication occurs when blood sugar levels rise to very high levels, accompanied by symptoms resulting from that condition.
• Acute Complications Due to Excessively Low Blood Sugar
  Another acute condition arises when blood sugar levels drop below the normal range.

Since fluctuations in blood sugar levels—whether too high or too low—can lead to complications, the patient's condition requires proper evaluation and management.

How is diabetes managed?

Diabetes management must be comprehensive and holistic. Each patient requires an evaluation tailored to their specific medical condition.
Steps involved in diabetes management include:

1. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
   The doctor conducts a thorough evaluation of the patient's health status.
2. Laboratory Tests
   Laboratory tests are performed as part of the evaluation of the patient's condition.
3. Patient Education
   Patients receive education regarding their diabetes and important considerations for its management.
4. Complication Screening
   The doctor screens for the presence of diabetes-related complications.
5. Nutritional Therapy
   Nutritional management and food selection are crucial components of diabetes care. Patients receive guidance on dietary planning and food choices tailored to their specific needs.
6. Increasing Physical Activity
   Physical activity is also recommended as part of diabetes management.
7. Medication Based on Patient Condition
   Following the evaluation, the doctor may prescribe medications tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs.

Diabetes Requires Comprehensive Management

Diabetes involves more than just high blood sugar levels. The condition is linked to lifestyle factors, requires medical evaluation, and necessitates monitoring to detect potential complications.

Comprehensive management encompasses medical evaluations, laboratory tests, patient education, complication screening, nutritional planning, increased physical activity, and tailored therapeutic interventions based on the patient's condition.

If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of diabetes or wish to have your health status evaluated, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist at RS Premier Jatinegara for an examination and treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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