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Diabetes Insipidus VS Diabetes Mellitus: Everything You Must Know

Diabetes can be classified into two categories: Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Both have serious consequences, though they are entirely different from each other. Let’s take a look at both of them and understand the differences.

Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Insipidus is a rare disease. It is caused when there are problems related to ADH (Anti Diuretic Hormone). Someone with diabetes insipidus suffers from excessive urination. There is no increase in the blood glucose levels, unlike diabetes mellitus. A series of tests are needed to diagnose the condition. If left untreated, the condition can cause kidney damage and chronic kidney disease.

Due to excessive urination, the person feels an increased thirst leading to excessive fluid consumption. Patients are at risk of suffering from dehydration. It is of four types:

  1. Central Diabetes Insipidus
  2. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
  3. Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus
  4. Gestational Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is the more common form of diabetes. It causes elevated sugar levels in the blood. The body breaks down food into glucose that is the fuel for the cells for carrying out regular metabolic processes. When the body cannot process this glucose efficiently, it leads to high sugar levels that have serious health complications like kidney failure, vision loss, and amputations.

Diabetes mellitus is of two types.

  1. Type 1 Diabetes- In this, the pancreas, which is the seat of insulin production, do not produce enough insulin. This leads to high glucose levels.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes- In this, the body becomes resistant to the insulin present, and the cells are unable to use this insulin. It happens due to genetic and environmental factors. Most people who get this diabetes begin to suffer after hitting 40 years. The majority of diabetes cases are of this kind.

Read More: Difference Between Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased thirst and hunger, excessive urination, frequent vaginal yeast infections, slow healing of cuts and scrapes, and tingling and numbness in the feet. The disease is treated by medications that control the sugar levels and by providing synthetic insulin in the body. A healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss and timely administration of medication are the recommended course of treatment.

Diabetes Insipidus vs Diabetes Mellitus: In A Nutshell

Diabetes InsipidusDiabetes Mellitus
Caused by problems in hypothalamusCaused by problems in the pancreas
Caused by deficiency of ADHCaused by a deficiency of insulin hormone
Glucose levels are not elevatedglucose levels are elevated
Urine doesn’t have glucose presentUrine has glucose present
Urine is much diluted. It has no odourUrine of normal concentration
Excessive urinationUrination much lesser than in diabetes insipidus
No increase in blood cholesterolIncrease in blood cholesterol
Eating patterns do not changeEating patterns change with excessive hunger
Negative results when tested for ketone bodies in urinePositive results when tested for ketone bodies in urine

Both, diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus need urgent medical intervention. Consult your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms.

Diabetes insipidus is quite rare compared to diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus commonly seen post head injury , brain surgery and brain cancer.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Diabetes Diet Plan

A diabetes diet plan includes healthy food items in moderate items during regular meal times. The food items included in this diet should be naturally rich in nutrients, and low in fat and calories.  

The key elements that go into making a proper diet plan for diabetes are vegetables, fruits and whole grains. In fact, people with borderline diabetes or who have a family history should follow this diet as a part of a healthy meal plan.

Poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes insipidus may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and this might specifically be harmful if it happens during pregnancy. Keep a caution and visit your gynecologist for any associated symptoms

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Food to avoid in diabetes diet

Diabetes may increase the chances of heart-related ailments and stroke by accelerating the development of hardened artillery or blocking them. Foods containing the following can work against your goal of having a proper, balanced diabetes meal plan:

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes? Here’s What You Can Do!

Diabetes is a chronic condition that primarily affects your blood sugar levels. If left untreated, it may affect your heart, kidneys, vision and much more.

When you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, your physician may prescribe you one or more types of treatment to manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your complications. You can help yourself with simple lifestyle and diet modifications.

Further, your doctor may also provide you with a care plan for diabetes mellitus.

Knowing that you have diabetes may feel overwhelming and you may not know what to do next. The following ideas can help:

1. Understand What is Diabetes and How to Manage It

The good news is that complications from diabetes can be prevented or delayed when handled correctly. All in all, diabetes is all about managing and monitoring blood sugar levels.

2. Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes

Managing diabetes is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, exercise and weight management.

Seek the help of experts like an endocrinologist, diabetes educator and other health specialists to develop the skills to manage your diabetes. Some of the healthy behaviours are:

A person with diabetes mustn’t skip any meals, especially when on medication. 

3. Medication for Diabetes

Depending on your medical history and blood sugar levels, your physician may prescribe single or multiple medications to maintain your blood sugar in a healthy range.

One must continue these medications as instructed by their doctor and adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet. If in doubt, always discuss medication options with your diabetologist and they can help you understand the possible risks and advantages associated with them.

4. Blood Sugar Monitoring 

Keep a glucometer or blood sugar monitor to check your blood glucose levels at home. Extreme sugar levels can cause health complications. Hence, it is essential to monitor and maintain your blood sugar levels in the target range.

5. Maintain Records

Tracking, recording and maintaining your blood sugar levels, diet plan, medications, prescription and other various reports will help you and your diabetologist understand or recognise patterns in blood sugar fluctuations if any. It is essential to maintain a health journal with details, such as meals, sugar levels and exercise regimen.

Keeping the prescription in the doctor’s file makes it easy for the physician to check your history.

Moreover, keeping records helps the physician determine the progress or regress you have made. It can help the doctor in titrating your treatment plan.

6. Find Support

Knowing that others can relate with you as they have the same problems as you have is comforting. You can share your concerns with people going through the same and get ideas on what has helped them.

You can find support and guidance by joining organisations, forums or groups.

Also Read: What is Milk Thistle Good For? Exploring its Research-Backed Benefits

Conclusion

Getting diagnosed with a new disease may be challenging to accept and handle. Hence, it is essential to understand the severity of the disease and implement the changes advised by the healthcare professional.

The critical aspect of managing diabetes is making lifestyle changes and following them to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Talking to the experts and following their instructions will surely help you.

It is always beneficial to talk to people going through the same issue as it helps you prepare and prevent complications that may arise due to a misstep.

Also Read: “Diet Alert: Foods To Avoid While Taking Metformin”

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Plant-Based Diet – What Effects Does It Have On Diabetes?

If you are battling diabetes and wish to know about the best diet for diabetes, we have news for you. A vegetarian diet is healthier for diabetes. Research shows that there is a 35% lower risk of developing diabetes if you stick to a vegetarian diet. And those who adopt a vegetarian diet after being a non-vegetarian show a 53% lower risk of developing diabetes than their fellow non-vegetarians.

Food plays a significant role in managing diabetes mellitus. By opting for a vegetarian diabetic diet, you can lead a healthy life and gain maximum health benefits.

What is the Best Diet for Diabetes?

A plant-based diet for diabetes is the best. A plant-based diet includes fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds. A plant-based diet helps lower the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cancer.

Plant-based foods are rich in fibre, folate, antioxidants and phytochemicals that boost your health.

What Comprises a Vegetarian Diabetic Diet?

Dietary management of diabetes mellitus is the best way to manage diabetes. You can eat all plant-based foods but in moderation. Eating healthy for maintaining your blood sugar levels involves controlling your portion size and fulfilling your nutritional requirements.

The followings foods are to be included in your vegetarian diet for diabetes:

  1. Nuts like cashew, peanut, almonds and tahini.
  2. Seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, chia and flax.
  3. Beans and pulses like chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans and butter beans.
  4. Vegetable milk like almond, cashew, oats, soy, hempseed, etc.
  5. High-fibre grains like quinoa and millets.
  6. Soy products like tofu, soy cheese and soya milk.
  7. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, lettuce, celery, peppers, eggplants, green beans and tomatoes.
  8. Fruits like oranges, apples, papaya, watermelon and berries.

What are the Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet for Diabetes?

There are countless health benefits of a vegetarian diabetic diet. It is good for your heart as it helps lower cholesterol and LDL levels. A plant-based diet lowers your blood pressure levels and reduces the risk of a stroke and a heart attack.

Here’s a list of health benefits of a vegetarian diet for diabetes:

Plant-based foods or whole foods are rich in fibre content. This helps in the slow absorption of sugars into the blood and helps regulate your blood sugar levels.

Plant-based foods are lower in calories and higher in fibre. This increases their satiety value, thereby making you feel full for a longer time. Your daily intake of calories reduces, which helps you lose weight.

Most animal-based foods contain saturated fat. When you consume a vegetarian diet for diabetes, you consume less saturated fats, thereby reducing your risk of heart diseases and diabetes.

What are the Vegetarian Diet Tips for Diabetics?

Dietary management of diabetes revolves around plant-based foods for regulating blood sugar levels. A healthy balanced diet is the best diet for diabetes. If you are planning to get on the vegetarian diet for diabetes, you need to be mindful of the following aspects:

A. Consume a limited amount of carbohydrates with each meal. Distribute your carb intake evenly throughout the day.

B. Include a wide variety of plant-based foods in your diet to meet your daily nutritional needs.

C. Your daily diet should consist of a limited amount of carbohydrates, a portion of lean protein and healthy fat in every meal.

D. Monitor your blood sugar levels daily while you are on the vegetarian diabetic diet.

E. Include plenty of vegetables in your diet to improve your fibre intake.

Here are three tips for newbies who wish to start their vegetarian diabetic diet:

1. Portion control for carbs

Most diabetics replace meat with extra carbohydrate-rich foods. This can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels.

Try to include carbs rich in fibre to stabilise your blood sugar levels and feel full for a longer time.

Carbohydrates rich in fibre content are:

2. Plant-based proteins

It’s a myth that you can get your proteins only from animal sources. Your dietary protein requirements can be met through a vegetarian diet as well.

Include the following foods for a protein-rich vegetarian diet for diabetes:

3. Healthy fats

By swapping to the vegetarian diet for diabetes, you ensure a huge shift in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus. Avoiding animal products helps keep saturated fats out of your diet. Plant-based foods are rich in heart-healthy fats like omega 3 and omega 6, which help maintain heart health.

Include these healthy fats in your diet:

Take away

Focus on eating a healthy, balanced, nutritious meal that contains plant-based foods. This is the crux of your vegetarian diet for diabetes. Incorporate nuts and seeds as a part of your mid-day snack or snack on some veggie sticks with hummus. This helps maintain your blood sugar levels and is essential in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus.

Also Read: Is Honey Good for Diabetes? Unveiling the Research Behind the Sweet Remedy

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Diabetes Mellitus – What Impact Does It Have On Relationships And Personal Development?

A diabetes diagnosis brings about various changes in one’s lifestyle and health. While some can cope with it effectively, others may experience behavioural health issues such as anxiety, stress, mood swings and even relationship issues. Though a healthy lifestyle is advisable for everyone, those with diabetes do not have a choice.

If not managed properly, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes complications can be serious, especially in obese individuals, further impacting your behavioural health and relationships.

Diabetes Challenges faced after Diagnosis

There are certain challenges that a person faces after a diabetes diagnosis:

If such episodes get repeated a few times, you may feel anxious every time you have missed a meal or a medication. 

There may be instances when you are not able to stick to the schedule that may lead to a fluctuation of low blood sugar levels and further complications of both type 1 type 2 diabetes. 

In men, the damage to the blood vessels may result in reduced blood flow to the sexual organs resulting in loss or inability to hold the erection, a medical condition known as erectile dysfunction. In addition to this, low testosterone levels may also affect the sexual drive.

Some people find it difficult to express themselves or may feel guilty for having been diagnosed with diabetes. They feel it is their responsibility to deal with it on their own without anyone’s help. You must understand that it is alright to ask for help from your partner and family because when one is dealing with a health condition, one tends to feel vulnerable. A tendency to shun natural emotions may lead to behavioural health challenges that may impact your relationship. 

Diabetes Coping Strategies

Here are a few tips on how you and your partner can work as a team to tackle diabetes:

You may feel that you do not need help in dealing with diabetes and may not consider making your partner a part of your diabetes mellitus care plan. You must acknowledge the fact that dealing with diabetes is an integral part of your life and you will require your partner’s help constantly. Accepting is the first step to managing it.

Dealing with fluctuating blood sugar levels has an enormous physical and mental impact. It is important to communicate your feelings to your partner so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Your partner can help you if you communicate your needs and expectations.

You will have to make a conscious effort to understand your type 2 diabetes and its complications. Your doctor shall also guide you on the various measures you would be required to take to avoid emergencies.

The more informed and aware you are, the better you will be able to cope with your symptoms. 

It is always helpful to visit your doctor along with your partner so that both of you can resolve your concerns and monitor your progress together. If your partner is aware of the minute aspects such as the recent blood sugar levels, dosage of the medicine, the recommended diet, they can most effectively extend the necessary support and care.

Various studies have suggested that following a fixed schedule will help you adapt to the routine in a much coordinated manner. Humans are creatures of habit and if we add a compulsive time limit to each task, it will become a habit in no time. Hence, fix the time for your meals, medications, snacks, exercise and even for checking your blood sugar level.

Working out with your partner helps you keep motivated and aids in maintaining a healthy lifestyle to manage diabetes.

Tackle diabetes efficiently by maintaining a cordial relationship with your spouse and working as a team. If at any point you feel that you are facing relationship issues, consult a relationship counsellor or a therapist. 

Your behavioural health depends on the quality of your relationship with your spouse and family. You may have to make certain adjustments initially but if you are patient enough, inculcate cooperation and feel comfortable with each other, managing diabetes will then seem like a cakewalk.  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

All You Must Know About Diabetes Mellitus!

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that affects the pancreas. In this, the body is unable to properly process the energy released from the food leading to high sugar levels. When this happens over a period, it causes organ damage and other serious complications. There are no apparent reasons why people get diabetes, but many factors in their genes and lifestyle increase their odds of suffering from this disease. Diabetes mellitus can occur because of two reasons. Either the pancreas does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin, a hormone essential for using sugar in the body (Type 1) or because the body develops resistance to the insulin coursing through the system (Type 2). A third kind is known as Gestational Diabetes which occurs when a pregnant woman without a previous history of diabetes develops high sugar levels.

Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It may be due to impaired insulin secretion, resistance to peripheral actions of insulin, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia in synergy with the other metabolic aberrations in patients with diabetes mellitus can cause damage to various organ systems, leading to the development of disabling and life-threatening health complications, most prominent of which are microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) and macrovascular complications leading to a 2-fold to 4-fold increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Following are the most common symptoms:

Treatment

Diabetes mellitus has no cure. It is a chronic disease that can be best managed by keeping the blood sugar levels under control. However, care must be taken that the sugar levels don’t get too low as that is more harmful and can even be fatal.

Most importantly, this condition requires medical intervention, therefore, do not self-diagnose or take medications without proper consultation.People can live healthy lives with diabetes provided they keep their sugar levels in check. With a proper lifestyle and medications, many live long, quality lives.

Also Read: Desserts For Diabetics: An Expert’s Guide To Enjoying Sweet Treats Safely

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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