DIABETES MELLITUS - The “Sugary” Disease

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition, which prevents the body from using starches and sugars in a normal way.

Normally
food sugars are eaten, digested and changed into “Glucose”, which are
then acted upon by insulin (a hormone produced by a gland called
pancreas) and used for energy or stored for later use.

In diabetes, the pancreas can not produce enough insulin; or it can not properly use the insulin it produces.

As a result, excess glucose accumulates in the blood and may appear in the urine in large quantities.

In such a case, the body must draw on fats and proteins, instead of on glucose, for the energy it needs.


Are There Different Types of Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes mellitus -

Type 1 (Insulin dependent) earlier called as juvenile diabetes

Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) earlier called as maturity onset diabetes

Type 1 :

It
usually appears abruptly in childhood or young adults and can develop
rapidly. As the name suggests, insulin therapy is necessary in addition
to proper diet and exercise.

Type 2 :

Less
abrupt in onset and occurs most often occurs in overweight adults.
Progress is usually slower with lesser symptoms. Diet and exercise
alone can often manage it. Insulin therapy or medication may be
required if blood sugar levels are very high.

Can Diabetes Be Cured?

As
yet there is no cure. Once detected diabetes is a lifelong disease.
However, there is excellent treatment available. With help and advice
from the doctor, a person with diabetes can learn how to control it and
continue a healthy, active life.

Why do people develop diabetes?

Our
insulin requirement is determined by genetic factors and is more in
overweight persons. The demand increases with age and is temporarily
increased in pregnancy and during infections and illnesses.

Our insulin supply is determined by genetic factors and it decreases with age, dropping rapidly in the elderly.

It
can disappear suddenly in the young, producing type 1 diabetes.
Otherwise, diabetes mellitus manifests when the demand outstrips the
supply.

This
is specially noticed in pregnancy and during illness, but occurs
insidiously in the majority, as the age advances (type 2 diabetes).

Thus
diabetes mellitus occurs when there is an absolute or relative lack of
insulin, because of which glucose can not be adequately transferred to
the liver and muscles (therefore weakness and wasting).

More
glucose remains in the blood, flooding the organs where glucose can go
freely, viz. eyes, nerves, kidneys, and blood cells, which get damaged
or impaired in function.

As the level in the blood crosses a threshold (usually 180 mg / dl) glucose leaks into the

Am I Likely to Develop Diabetes? If you have diabetic relatives (Direct blood relations) If you are above forty years of age If you are overweight and inactive If you are a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 4Kgs (9lbs or more) Symptoms of Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes often feel unwell for long periods without knowing why. They may also experience other symptoms such as:

Simple Tests Can Help Detect Diabetes! If the doctor is suspecting diabetes, then he will probably ask you to take two tests- Urine test - Urine is checked for presence of glucose Blood test - This is more precise and tells you the exact level of glucose in the blood In borderline cases, you may be given a sugary drink and then your blood will be collected at certain intervals to check for glucose levels. What is diabetes control? Diabetes control can mean different things to different people. While to the patient with diabetes, control of symptoms and blood sugar may seem adequate, the doctor may want to ensure that associated problems such as blood fats, blood pressure etc. are also kept in check to ensure that long term complications are prevented or their progression halted. To achieve good control, you must understand the disease. The doctor can help you in this. Remember that you are the key person in the management of the disease.

There are three aspects of diabetes treatment -

Diet

Exercise

Medications

Diet :

Eat the RIGHT AMOUNT

Eat at REGULAR TIMES

You
can help control diabetes with proper diet. Proper diet forms an
essential part of treatment. At times diet alone can control type 2
diabetes.

Your doctor or dietitian can suggest you the right
diet plan for you. Your diet plan depends upon your age, weight, and
sex, exercise pattern and the type of diabetes that you have.

Avoid sweets and oily foods. Meals are eaten at regular intervals to maintain a proper blood sugar level.

Exercise :

No
matter what treatment is used, exercise is the key in leading a
healthy, normal life. Exercise burns body sugar quickly and improves
the body’s ability to use insulin.

Exercise also helps overweight people shed excess pounds - and keep them off.

Medication :

Medication can be of two types -

Oral tablets -

They
are useful in some cases of type 2 diabetes. Based on your blood sugar
levels doctor will advise you the right tablet and proper dosage of the
same.

Insulin -

People
with type 1 diabetes always require insulin. Those with type 2 diabetes
are prescribed insulin when neither diet nor oral medication is
sufficient to control diabetes.

There are several types of insulin. Each varies in speed and action.

A physician prescribes the correct type and amount, matching it with diet, exercise and the lifestyle.

The treatment plan is highly individualized and one has to follow it religiously in order to achieve good diabetic control.

What Happens if My System Gets Out Of Balance?

Too little a sugar in the blood or too much sugar in the blood is harmful to the body.

Hypoglycemia : Too little sugar in the blood. Delaying or skipping a meal, more exercise than usual or larger insulin dose than usual, may cause this. Hyperglycemia : Very high blood sugar levels. Increased eating, infection or illness or skipping a dose of medication causes this The warning signs are: Hypoglycemia Hyperglycemia Sudden Onset Gradual Pale, moist Skin Flushed, dry Weak,dizzy Behavior Drowsy Normal Breath Fruity odour Normal to shallow Breathing Deep labored Absent Vomiting Present Present Hunger Absent Absent Thirst Present

Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia conditions require emergency treatment. So a physician needs to be contacted urgently. Diabetes often affects other organs. Complications slowly progress over a period of time. It can affect - Blood vessels Heart Eyes Kidneys Nerves Can I Prevent It? Though there is no full proof method for preventing diabetes, exercise and weight loss will atleast postpone diabetes in overweight persons with strong family history. Care to be taken Once detected, diabetes is a lifelong disease. To lead healthy life and to prevent the occurrence of complications, be sure to - Test blood sugar at regular intervals Strictly follow your physician’s advice Medications and dosage time should be strictly adhered to Follow the diet and exercise plan properly Take care of your eyes and feet as advised to you by your physician So A Person With Diabetes Can Learn how to control it Continue a healthy, active life Follow the above mentioned tips to lead a healthy and a happy life. ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR