Why Type I Diabetes Mellitus - 2475 Words

Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases which affect the amount of glucose in the blood. The high blood glucose levels are caused by the body not being able to produce enough insulin to meet its metabolic needs. Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas which controls the amount of glucose in the blood. When there is too much glucose in the blood insulin will be released which will move glucose into the cells. Once in the cells the glucose is used as an energy source or it is stored as glycogen. There are two diseases which fall under diabetes mellitus which are type I and type II. In type I diabetes the body cannot produce insulin due to the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. Type II diabetes is†¦show more content†¦Polydipsia is also caused by hyperglycemia and due to dehydration as a result of polyuria. The fatigue and weakness is thought to be caused by caused by muscle breakdown as a result of insulin deficiency. Lastly, blurred vision is caused b y the effects of hyperglycemia on the lens and the vitreous humor. The excessive amount of glucose causes swelling of the lens, which results in vision problems. Gastrointestinal symptoms include: right upper quadrant pain and autonomic neuropathy if in late stage. Right upper quadrant pain in associated with acute fatty liver disease which is one of the complications of untreated type I diabetes. It is also caused by being overweight. Lastly, autonomic neuropathy is a nerve disorder that affects involuntary body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration and digestion. It refers to damage to the autonomic nerves, which disrupt signals between the brain and portions of the autonomic nervous system, such as the heart, blood vessels and sweat glands. This leads to abnormal performance of involuntary body functions. This symptom usually presents itself after many years of chronic prolonged hyperglycemia.