Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Insulin, a hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreas helps in lowering the blood glucose level but; in diabetic condition the absence or insufficient production of insulin causes hyperglycemia – elevating the amount of glucose in the blood to a level that is too high for optimal health.

Diabetes mellitus is classified into four categories: type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and others. Insulin, which is a key regulator of the body's metabolism and is responsible for elevated sugar levels in diabetes of both types – Type1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and Type2 or non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In type 1 diabetes, specialized cells in the pancreas are destroyed, leading to a deficiency in insulin production. While Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and/or decreased insulin secretion. Considered as the most common type of diabetes, worldwide statistics of Type 2 diabetes confirms 90 percent of occurrence of all cases.

There also been a co-relation between women and Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This form of diabetes is referred to any level of glucose intolerance detected with the initiation of pregnancy. Studies refer to 14 percent of the pregnant population, in the United States to be affected by GDM. The other forms of diabetes are associated with genetic defects in the specialized cells of the pancreas, infections, drug side-effects & interaction or other diseases.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition which even if controlled lasts a lifetime. But if left untreated, the high levels of glucose in the blood slowly but steadily damage organs such as the eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves. Treatment includes eating a balanced diet that spreads carbohydrates throughout the day, getting regular exercise, monitoring blood sugar levels, and possibly taking medication. However, regardless of what medications are being used, diabetic patients should never forget the importance of diet and exercise.

Drug therapy is induced in diabetic patients if lifestyle changes do not prove effective. Apart from injecting insulin into the bloodstream, oral medications are recommended in addition to diet and exercise. A few common oral prescription drugs are Actos and Metformin. But these medications should be taken under medical recommendation to prevent drug interaction and possible side-effects.

• Actos (Generic Pioglitazone), is used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone is an anti-hyperglycemic agent which helps the body respond better to insulin and it reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver.
  
  
• Metformin (Generic Glucophage), is also used for treating Type2 diabetes. Metformin firstly, reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver; secondly, it reduces the amount of glucose absorbed from food intake; and thirdly, it makes the insulin produced by the body work better to reduce the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.