Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a disease or chronic metabolic disorder with multiple etiologies which is characterized by high blood sugar levels accompanied by disorders of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism as a result of insulin function insufficiency. Insufficiency of insulin function can be caused by interference or deficiency in insulin production by the Langerhans beta cells of the pancreatic gland, or caused by a lack of responsiveness of the body's cells to insulin.

Typical symptoms often felt by diabetes sufferers include polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (frequent thirst), and polyphagia (eating a lot/getting hungry easily). Apart from that, there are often complaints of blurred vision, impaired coordination of body movements, tingling in the hands or feet, itching which is often very disturbing (pruritus) and weight loss for no apparent reason.

Risk factors for diabetes that can be modified include: obesity, lack of physical activity, dyslipidemia, history of heart disease, hypertension (BP > 140/90 mmHg), and an unbalanced diet (high in sugar, salt, fat and low in fiber).

When too much sugar stays in the bloodstream for a long time, it can affect the blood vessels, nerves, eyes,  kidneys and cardiovascular system. Complications include heart attacks and strokes, severe foot infections (causing gangrene, may result in amputation), end-stage renal failure and sexual dysfunction. People with diabetes will have a higher risk factor for experiencing sexual dysfunction. Because high levels of sugar in the blood can damage the natural function of blood vessels, which can cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction in a person with diabetes occurs due to changes in the body that cause problems with the nerves and blood vessels. High levels of sugar in the blood can damage the natural function of blood vessels, so that a person cannot achieve maximum erections.

If you want to know whether you have diabetes or not, so you can avoid erectile dysfunction, especially for men, you can look at a blood sugar test. Not only one test can be done, but several tests can determine the level of sugar in your blood.

- There is the term GDS (Concurrent Blood Sugar), which is a blood sugar test that is carried out at any time, even after eating. The results will describe blood sugar levels. If the results show >200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/L), then the person is definitely suffering from blood sugar.

- There is also the term GDP (Fasting Blood Sugar), usually the GDP test is carried out deliberately and to determine blood sugar levels after 8 to 10 hours of not eating. It is recommended to do it in the morning. The GDP value should not be more than 126 mg/dl (> 7.0 mmol/L) because this will indicate diabetes. Apart from measuring via blood sugar tests, glycated hemoglobin or known as (HbA1C) can test production over the last 3 months. If it shows more than 6.5% then it can be identified as diabetes. Then there is also the OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) research method. Even though the tests are different, the accuracy is the same. This test requires fasting first and 2 hours after drinking, then glucose can be known. If the value 2 hours after drinking glucose reaches greater than or equal to 200 mg/DL (11.1 mmol/L) then a person has 5 Diabetes.

Source:
https://p2ptm.kemkes.go.id/
https://www.herminahospitals.com/id/

Author: Dr. Melinda Rambing Kong (PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory Medical Consultant Doctor Jl. Garuda No. 79 Ruko 4-5 West Mahakeret, Manado)