What is diabetes?
What is diabetes?
The term diabetes was coined by Aretaeus of Cappadocia. It is derived from the Greek word “a siphon.” which means one that straddles because diabetes involves excessive discharge of urine.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases exemplify by high blood sugar levels, which result from defects in insulin secretion due to the fault in insulin generating gland called Pancreases. The food we consumed is broken down into glucose by our digestive organs and insulin transforms this glucose to different part of our body which works as a human body fuel.
But in diabetic patient either his beta cells are seriously damaged that it cannot produce any insulin (especially in type1 diabetes) or the body cells do not respond to the insulin produced in our body.
Though diabetes is being studied from an ancient time but still its core reason is not yet understood. Researches and experiments are still going on.
What are the types of diabetes?
Generally, there are three types of diabetes. They are:
Type1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly manufactures antibodies and inflammatory cells that are directed against body tissues hampering the pancreas. If you have this type of diabetes, your body does not make insulin, so you must undertake insulin treatment every day. This is a lifelong condition for a diabetic patient. .
Type2 diabetes:
Type2 diabetes occurs mostly in individuals over 30 years old and the prevalence increases with the growing age.
When type2 diabetes is diagnosed, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for unknown reasons the body cells do not respond to the insulin or the body cannot use the insulin effectively this condition is called insulin resistance.
After several years, insulin production decreases. The result is the same as for type 1 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes:
Gestational diabetes transpires during pregnancy. This type of diabetes occurs in about 1 in 20 pregnancies. The reason may be genetic or obesity but gestational diabetes are temporary and usually seen in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy because after the pregnancy period the diabetes disappears. But, the high probability of type2 diabetes remains in the patient in future.
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Blood glucose targets for most women with gestational diabetes |
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| On awakening | not above 95 mg/dL |
| 1 hour after a meal | not above 140 mg/dL |
| 2 hours after a meal | not above 120 mg/dL |
What is my probability for diabetes?
Type1 and type2 diabetes:
Diabetes is non-communicable disease but the probability is high if you fall in the following types:
Obesity:
Obesity is one of the major factors known for any type of diabetes. The unnecessary fat in our body disturbs the body system hindering the beta cells and pancreas in insulin productions. Obesity is the root of diabetes and many other diseases. Gestational diabetes is expected to appear due to obesity in pregnant women.
Physically inactive:
Physical inactivity is a good reason for an unhealthy body. Physical exercise like: jogging, swimming, etc are necessary because it helps to build a strong immune system with an excellent fitness in our body. Researches have shown that people with low physical workouts are more likely to suffer from diabetes and other diseases then of those who are active. Type2 diabetes earns more probability in the absence of physical exercise and drills.
Poor diet:
Our diet is a complex of vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet with necessary minerals is the need of our body. But, we often strike with poor diets which may be spice and delicious but may contain high cholesterol and calories then our body requires. These types of groceries surely lead us to diabetes and other diseases sooner or later.
Family history:
Family history or heredity is a predictable cause of diabetes. In most of the cases, people with diabetic family background are seen developing diabetes in them. The reason is possibly genetic.
Age:
Age factor is an important count for diabetic cause. Though type1 diabetes can appear at any age but it is more ever seen in the people below 30. Similarly, type2 diabetes is seen in those people who are above 40.
Is diabetes a fatal disease?
No! Diabetes is not a fatal disease until and unless you treat diabetes in a proper manner. But, your negligence and ignorance can lead to death and even more deadly side effects like:
Blindness:
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina. It is the leading cause of blindness in diabetic people ages 20 to 74.
Heart disease:
People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease and damage to the blood vessels in the heart. This increases their risk of heart attack and stroke. People suffering from high blood pressure also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Hampering nerve vessels:
Hampering blood vessels in the legs can limit the supply of blood to the nerves in the legs and feet. This can make it difficult to feel injuries such as foot sores. Damage to the blood vessels can also put you at risk for infections and sores that don’t heal. In severe cases, parts of the foot or lower leg may have to be removed.
Kidney in risk:
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. By which then can’t filter out the body’s waste. In some people, the kidneys stop working completely. Therefore, people suffering from high diabetes and kidney failure require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Diabetes effects on our nerves and heart.
6 general Symptoms of diabetes:
Unusual thirst:
A person suffering from diabetes encounters unusual thirst. You may have noticed this if you have diabetes but unaware of it. Doctors and professional suggest drinking lots of water so that the patient won’t suffer from dehydration and kidney failure.
Frequent urination:
Frequent urination is a common symptom seen in a diabetic patient. If you are a diabetic then your body throws all the glucose from your body in the form of urine and sweats.
This is due to the cells in the body which are not responding to the insulin generated by the pancreas.
Abnormal weight loss:
Weight loss is good but the abnormal weight loss can be the reason of diabetes. A diabetic patient looses his weight abnormally and the feeling of weakness seen. If you are losing your weight abnormally without doing any physical work out then it’s better to visit your doctor.
Blurry vision:
Diabetes also assails our eye nerves which makes our vision blurry and fuzzy. In many diabetic patients blurry vision is common but if not treated in time the nerves may get completely destroyed leading you to a blind life.
Felling of weakness:
Diabetes means the loss of energy due to the loss of glucose present in our body. Glucose is our body fuel. When our body cells do not respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas then glucose are wasted which makes us weak and dizzy. Sometimes a diabetic patient may faint due to weakness.
Sores on feet:
Diabetes obstructs the blood components. Our blood contains platelets which is responsible for clotting wounds. But, in case of diabetic patient the wounds do not heal or it takes a long time. Sores on feet, blisters, swelling are some common symptoms of diabetes.
Are their any ways to prevent diabetes?
Yes, diabetes can be prevented and controlled too.
- Balanced and healthy diet.
- Eat lots of fruits, and vegetables.
- Balance your fat, carbohydrates and protein in a roughly 30/40/30 ratio.
- Choose foods low in fat and cholesterol.
- Limit your salt intake to less than 2,300 mg each day.
- If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than one drink a day.
- Eat at least 5 or 6 small meals a day
5 techniques to avoid and control diabetes:
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Park at the far end of the parking lot and walk.
- Get off the bus or subway a few stops early and walk the rest of the way.
- Walk or bicycle whenever you can.
- Monitor your blood glucose level.
What is Diagnosis?
Diagnosis is the simple test performed by the doctors and specialists to conform diabetes. Diabetes diagnosis varies according to the type and verifications:
Fasting plasma glucose:
Fasting Plasma Glucose test is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes due to its expediency and ease.
The test is more dependable when done in the morning. If the fasting glucose level is found between 100 to 125 mg/dL then you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose, meaning that you are more likely to develop type2 diabetes but do not have it yet.
But, if a level of 126 mg/dl or above is encountered then the test is confirmed by repeating the tests on another day, if the result is same then you are a diabetic.
The oral glucose tolerance test:
Oral glucose tolerance test is done to verify if the person is suffering from diabetes or not. When diabetes is suspected but the fasting glucose tolerance test fails to prove then we can undergo oral glucose tolerance test. For this test, you are asked to go to the lab after fasting, and a blood glucose level is taken. Then you are given a sweet drink that contains 75 grams of glucose. Blood glucose is rechecked after two hours. If the blood glucose level is greater than 11.0 mmol/L, then the diagnosis is again made.
Random test:
The random blood glucose test measures the blood glucose level any time of day without regard to drinking or eating. A single sample of your blood is taken which is send to a lab for examination.
A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher with diabetes symptoms means it’s likely you have diabetes. The doctor will confirm the diagnosis with an additional test, which is often a fasting plasma glucose test or fasting blood glucose test.
How can be diabetes managed?
Managing diabetes is not an easy task, especially for beginners. Most people misunderstand diabetes and most of them think it all over now. Diabetes is just a disease and not the death sentence. If diabetes is well managed then you don’t even notice any difference like you are a diabetic.
Consult your doctor:
If you are a diabetic then you must consult your doctor at least 4 times a year. Choose your own doctor who can give you time with proper solutions to your questions. Beside this, monitoring your blood glucose level is very essential. The glucose level randomly rise and fall if you depending on your diets and physical workout. So your diabetes doctor can help you with persuasions and solutions.
Visit your dentist:
Dental problem is one of the complications of diabetes including cavities and gum disease. When diabetes is poorly controlled, the levels of sugar in our saliva are as high as in your blood, which causes tooth decay and other dental problems. Keeping the blood sugar level normal we can avoid these problems.
Read for your diabetes:
If you are a diabetic then only one person can help you to fight your disease and it’s ‘You’.
Reading about diabetes and its prevention in books and internet is the best way to resolve you problems. Making research can help you to know more and know better.
Suggestions and guiding tips can be found in diabetes related topics which will guide you like your personal doctor through out your life.
Diabetes care is constantly changing. Important new products that can help you control your diabetes come on the market virtually every month.
Be optimistic:
Many people misunderstand diabetes and they consider diabetes as a death sentence. But, this idea is completely wrong. People get depressed when they suffer from diabetes which sinks their will to work for better health. If you or someone in your circle is depressed due to his/her diabetes then he/she must be counseled by professionals and even antidepressant medications can all help get you back on track.
Be organized:
Being organized is the better way of preparation. Collect the supplies you need including your insulin or other drugs your physician may have prescribed, and a blood glucose meter. Decide when you’re going to exercise and what you’re going to eat. If you are heading somewhere else then you must keep in mind that you have packed all the necessary accessories of diabetes.
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