Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is an endocrine related disease.   It increases normal blood sugar level.

Normal blood sugar level ranges from 70-130 mg/dL  before meal and 180 mg/ dL after meal.

Diabetes can broadly be classified into two –

Diabetes mellitus and Diabetes insipidus .

Most common diabetes is diabetes mellitus . It is due to insulin reduction in our body produced by pancreas.

What are its types?

Diabetes mellitus has two types broadly classified into –

Type 1 diabetes (T 1D) and Type  2 diabetes (T2D).

Explain Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

It is also known as Juvenile Diabetes. It is an autoimmune state or condition of the body.

Body ‘s immune system starts attacking the beta cells  . Beta cells are a type of cell present in the pancreas which produce insulin. Thus little or no insulin is produced in one’s body.

It is present by birth or is developed at an early age .

What is the treatment for type 1 diabetes?

Insulin replacement therapy or insulin injections is the most common treatment for it.

It mimics natural insulin secretion in our body.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

It is also called adult onset diabetes. It occurs in adults aged between 25-50 sometimes even earlier. It occurs due to bad lifestyle habits such as obesity, no exercise, and eating junk food. High blood sugar, insulin resistance or lack of insulin are some characteristics.

What are the symptoms related to it?

• Very frequent urination
•  Feeling hungry frequently
• Very slow healing of wounds
• Weight loss
• Itchiness

Is there any permanent treatment of diabetes?

There is no permanent treatment but yes it can be controlled to a great extent by-

• Exercising regularly
• Performing yoga
• Eating a balanced diet
• Avoiding food containing sugar
•  Losing weight.

What are the complications related to diabetes?

Diabetes may lead to many fatal lifetime complications such as –

• Cardiovascular diseases
•  Diseases which may affect kidney,liver and eye function
• Glaucoma etc.

What diet should diabetic patients follow?

A well balanced diet. Balanced diet containing more fibers , protein and healthy fats with less carbohydrates. Sugary and processed food should be avoided. One may consult a certified Nutritionist and Dietician for a diet plan .