Answer
The "three polys" of diabetes mellitus (DM) refer to the classic symptoms that are often associated with uncontrolled diabetes. These symptoms are frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), and increased hunger (polyphagia). These symptoms arise due to the body's inability to properly regulate blood glucose levels, leading to elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream.
**The "Three Polys" of Diabetes Mellitus**:
1. **Polyuria**: Increased frequency of urination occurs as the kidneys attempt to filter and excrete excess glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose pulls water into the urine, leading to larger volumes of urine being produced.
2. **Polydipsia**: Excessive thirst results from the body's attempts to counteract the fluid loss caused by increased urination. The body prompts a person to drink more water to compensate for this loss.
3. **Polyphagia**: Increased hunger occurs as cells are unable to effectively use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. The body responds by signaling hunger to increase glucose intake.
**Three Clinical Findings that Typically Confirm DM**:
1. **Fasting Blood Glucose Level**: A fasting blood glucose test measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. A fasting glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on two separate occasions is usually indicative of diabetes.
2. **Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)**: An OGTT involves fasting blood glucose measurement followed by drinking a sugary solution. Blood glucose levels are then measured at intervals. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after consuming the solution is indicative of diabetes.
3. **Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test**: The HbA1c test provides an average measure of blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher is generally considered indicative of diabetes.
It's important to note that diabetes mellitus has two main types: type 1 diabetes, characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin, and type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production. The "three polys" and clinical findings mentioned above apply to both types of diabetes. If someone experiences the classic symptoms of the "three polys" or if the clinical findings confirm elevated blood glucose levels, they should seek medical evaluation and diagnosis to properly manage their condition.
Work Step by Step
The "three polys" of diabetes mellitus (DM) refer to the classic symptoms that are often associated with uncontrolled diabetes. These symptoms are frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), and increased hunger (polyphagia). These symptoms arise due to the body's inability to properly regulate blood glucose levels, leading to elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream.
**The "Three Polys" of Diabetes Mellitus**:
1. **Polyuria**: Increased frequency of urination occurs as the kidneys attempt to filter and excrete excess glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose pulls water into the urine, leading to larger volumes of urine being produced.
2. **Polydipsia**: Excessive thirst results from the body's attempts to counteract the fluid loss caused by increased urination. The body prompts a person to drink more water to compensate for this loss.
3. **Polyphagia**: Increased hunger occurs as cells are unable to effectively use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. The body responds by signaling hunger to increase glucose intake.
**Three Clinical Findings that Typically Confirm DM**:
1. **Fasting Blood Glucose Level**: A fasting blood glucose test measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. A fasting glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on two separate occasions is usually indicative of diabetes.
2. **Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)**: An OGTT involves fasting blood glucose measurement followed by drinking a sugary solution. Blood glucose levels are then measured at intervals. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after consuming the solution is indicative of diabetes.
3. **Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test**: The HbA1c test provides an average measure of blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher is generally considered indicative of diabetes.
It's important to note that diabetes mellitus has two main types: type 1 diabetes, characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin, and type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production. The "three polys" and clinical findings mentioned above apply to both types of diabetes. If someone experiences the classic symptoms of the "three polys" or if the clinical findings confirm elevated blood glucose levels, they should seek medical evaluation and diagnosis to properly manage their condition.
