Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the blood sugar level rises beyond acceptable limits due to insulin deficiency and/or insulin resistance in the human body. In this disease sugar which is the energy provider in the body remains in the blood and does not reach the body cells and tissues. As a result body is depleted of its energy stores.
Types of
Diabetes there are three different types of diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes: Also referred to insulin dependant Diabetes, it is caused due to the malfunction of the pancreases which do not produce enough insulin to keep the blood sugar levels in check. This condition is primarily seen in children and teenagers.
- Type 2 diabetes: In this form of diabetes the body develops insulin resistance i.e. the body refuses to respond to insulin there by increasing sugar content in the blood beyond acceptable levels. This is the most common type of diabetes which appears in the later stages of lie. It is referred by alternate names like adult-onset diabetes and non insulin dependant diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes: This type of Diabetes develops during pregnancy and disappears with delivery. This type of diabetes is temporary unlike the other two which are life long.
Causes of diabetes:
There are two reasons responsible for causing diabetes
- Insufficient production of insulin: Pancreases do not release sufficient amounts of insulin required by the body. It is insulin that causes the movement of the sugar molecules from the blood to the body tissues where it is converted into energy. In the absence of sufficient amounts of insulin the sugar molecules remain the blood only.
- Body does respond to insulin: In this case the body does produce sufficient amounts of insulin. But body does not use this insulin properly. The cells have lost sensitivity to insulin causing the blood sugar level to rise.
Who are at risk?
- People with a family history of diabetes
- Obese people
- People above the age of 45 years
- Few ethnic groups. For e.g. African-Americans
- Those people suffering from hypertension
- People with increased levels of triglycerides and cholesterol
Symptoms and Complications: If a person is experiencing excessive thirst, frequent urge to urinate, extreme hunger and increased appetite, unexplained weight loss and fatigue he may be suspected of having Diabetes. He may experience few or all of these
Diabetes Symptoms. Only a blood test can confirm diabetes.
Abnormally high levels of blood sugar cause the internal systems to weaken. They can therefore cause complications in the cases of heart, nerve or kidney disease. It can lead to stroke, loss of sight, kidney malfunction and nerve problems. Blood vessels get damaged cutting of blood supply to the extremities. If sugar levels are high the wounds do not heal leading to festering of wounds and ultimately surgical removal of the infected area.
Tests for
Diabetes
- Random sugar testing: If a random sample shows the sugar level as 200 mg/dL or more the person can be suspected of having diabetes.
- Fasting blood test: The result of random testing can be established with fasting blood test. If this test shows the blood sugar level to be above 126 mg/dL then diabetes is established.
Treatment and care of a diabetic person
Before treatment the type of diabetes has to be found out. For
Type 1 Diabetes medicines that increase insulin production will help. And for type-2 diabetes medicines to increase insulin sensitivity is required. It is better to consult a doctor who will prescribe suitable medicines. For gestational
Diabetes it is better not to take any medications.
It is important that a diabetic person be taught self administration of oral medicines and injections, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, taking care of other complications associated with diabetes. He must also be made aware of the need for dietary regulations and exercises. All this will help him lead a normal life.
