Pathophysiology is the study of the changes seen in normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions that are either caused by a disease or the result of an abnormal syndrome. The pathophysiology of a given disease or syndrome describes its causes, symptoms and effects.

The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus is a bit complicated. Diabetes mellitus, most commonly known only as diabetes, is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels called hyperglycemia. There are three primary types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Each is with different behaviors and triggers but all are related and characterized by shared symptoms such as hyperglycemia.

Gestational diabetes is one of the three main types. This occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. Women suffering from gestational diabetes while pregnant have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. There are also other risks associated with gestational diabetes for both the infant and mother such as unstable blood sugar at birth, obesity later in life and macromasia or the condition known as “fat baby”.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body cannot react, respond or process it properly.

Type 1 diabetes is the last type which results when the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin. It is considered an autoimmune disorder because the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Symptoms of diabetes include excess thirst and hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, irritability, and unexplained weight loss. Diabetes can cause serious long term physical effects if not treated properly. Early detection is important. Treatment for diabetes can include changes to diet and lifestyle paired with medications, may it be insulin injections or oral insulin medications, depending on the type diagnosed.

Trying to help a friend quit smoking is perhaps almost as difficult as quitting itself, but that help may be the very thing that keeps someone on the non-smoking path.

There are some things anyone trying to help a friend quit smoking should understand, however. First, no one else can make someone decide to quit smoking. That decision belongs to the smoker alone. If a friend is toying with the idea of smoking, it is all right to encourage him or her, but the original notion has to be there in the first place.

There will be symptoms of physical addiction to deal with as well as mental addiction. Do some research on programs and techniques used to help others quit smoking, and learn about all the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. These facts will help when the resolve of that friend starts to waver.

It is important to avoid using guilt or coercion to “help” a friend trying to quit smoking. Remain calm and show only support for the decision to give up smoking. The role of a friend is to support, not to direct or guide. Be available for phone calls, should that friend need to talk. A balance must be struck so quitting is not always the topic at hand. Too much talk about smoking could only increase the cravings.

The physical addiction is the most difficult part for many. Being there to keep a friend from going to a bar or some other place where smoking is common may be a great help there. For the mental addiction, being there to help a friend vent his or her frustrations could be important.

A friend who has quit already could be the best help possible. Someone like this can relate directly to the difficulty of quitting and provide some practical advice. It is important to understand, however, that what works for one person may not work at all for another. The ultimate choice in how to quit must belong to the one who is attempting to quit. Whatever the program, keep a positive attitude and be supportive above all.

No one can cause someone else to stop smoking, and this may be the hardest fact to understand. Even if the friend trying to quit has some lapses, try to remain and support the decision to quit anyway. It can take three or four unsuccessful attempts before one finally takes hold. Patience is very important. If it ever becomes too difficult, consult a professional counselor or doctor.