DIABETES |
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What is Diabetes ?
Symptoms of Diabetes
Types of Diabetes
Diagnosis of Diabetes
Risk Factors for Diabetes
Complications of Diabetes
Treatment of Diabetes |
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What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which levels of blood sugar are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. Normally, after a meal, the body breaks food down into glucose, which is carried by blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas to convert blood glucose into energy.
People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver and fat do not use insulin properly or both. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to serious complications.
Symptoms of Diabetes
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Increased urination, especially at night
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Sores that do not heal
- Skin diseases
- Pain or numbness of extremities
- Itching of the genitals and the skin
Types of Diabetes
The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Former Name |
Preferred Names |
Type I
Juvenile diabetes
Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus
(IDDM) |
Type 1 Diabetes |
Type II
Adult-onset diabetes
Noninsulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus
(NIDDM) |
Type 2 Diabetes |
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease that occurs when the beta cells of the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels.
It is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. It is also known as Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus.
Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin shots, wise diet planning, regular exercise, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common form of diabetes. This form of diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle and liver cells do not use insulin properly.
Initially the pancreas responds by producing more insulin. But later, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.
Treatment includes taking regular medication, wise diet planning, regular exercise, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes means diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar) first found during pregnancy. The hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin causes gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is managed by insulin, diet and exercise and goes away after the baby is born.
Diagnosis of Diabetes
FASTING BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL:
Plasma Glucose Result (mg/dL) |
Diagnosis |
99 or below |
Normal |
100 to 125 |
Pre-diabetes
(impaired fasting glucose) |
126 or above |
Diabetes |
POST PRANDIAL BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL:
2-Hour Plasma Glucose Result (mg/dL) |
Diagnosis |
139 and below |
Normal |
140 to 199 |
Pre-diabetes
(impaired glucose tolerance) |
200 and above |
Diabetes |
Risk Factors for Diabetes
- Lack of physical activity / sedentary lifestyle
- Being overweight or obese
- Family history of diabetes
- History of gestational diabetes
- Having high blood pressure ( Hypertension)
- Having abnormal lipid profile (Cholesterol, Triglyceride)
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS )
- Having impaired fasting or post lunch glucose tolerance on previous testing
- Having a history of cardiovascular diseases
Complications of Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease like heart attack
- Cerebrovascular disease like stroke
- Diabetic Neuropathies: nerve damage due to diabetes
- Diabetic Retinopathy: eye disease including blindness
- Diabetic nephropathy: kidney disease due to diabetes
- Erectile Dysfunction in males
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)
- Sexual and urological problems of diabetes
- Stomach nerve damage (Gastro paresis)
Treatment of Diabetes
There is no cure for diabetes. Diet, exercise and medicines are the 3 pillars of diabetes treatment to control blood sugar and prevent complications.
DIET
With the help of your doctor and a dietician follow a well-balanced, low fat diet. Eat daily at regular timing.
EXERCISE
Regular exercise is especially important as it helps to control blood sugar and prevent diabetic complications. Consult your doctor to decide on the type, duration and intensity of the exercise suitable for you.
MEDICATION
Oral hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) drugs or insulin injections must be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Follow periodic checking of blood sugar to monitor the treatment.
FOOT CARE
Check your feet daily for any sore or infection. Protect your feet with well fitting, comfortable footwear. Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap and dry them thoroughly.
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