Diabetes

1

DIABETES

Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic disease. It happens when the pancreas does not produce adequate amount of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. In other words we can say diabetes occurs when the body does not effectively use the insulin produced by it. In diabetes the risk of dying in diabetic patient is doubled as compare to other non-diabetic patient.

Mainly there are two types of diabetes:  Type 1 diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes: The characterization of type 1 diabetes is done on the basis of lack of insulin production.

The patient of type 1 diabetes cannot live without daily administration of insulin. This is the reason that type 1 diabetes is considered as rapidly fatal.

Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body starts using insulin ineffectively. In adults, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. The main reason behind type 2 diabetes is excess body weight and physical inactivity.

How significant is this problem?    

In 2004, more than 220 million people had diabetes in the world.

According to the projection by WHO, death resulting from diabetes will be doubled by the year 2030.

People before reaching the age of 70 year dies, if they are diabetic patient.

The death rate of diabetic patients in low and middle income countries is 80%.

Implication on health: High blood sugar is a common effect of diabetes. After some time it can damage the heart, eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves. Other health complications resulting from diabetes are:  Blindness occurs due to diabetic retinopathy. It results because of accumulated long term damage done to the small blood vessel in the retina. It takes around 15 years for severe visual impairment among 10 % diabetic patients.

2

DIABETES





 

Diabetes damages nerves of human body which is called diabetic neuropathy. It affects up to 50% patients. Pain, numbness, tingling, hands and feet weakness are common symptoms.

Neuropathy in the feet increases the chance of foot ulcers when combined with reduced blood flow. That effect the feet and eventually the patient suffer from limb amputation.

Diabetes causes kidney failure. 10-20% of people who have diabetes die of kidney failure.

The risk of stroke and heart diseases increases due to diabetes. 50% of people die of cardiovascular disease, if they have diabetes.

Prevention of diabetes: Diabetes related deaths will increase by more than 50% in upcoming years, if proper action is not taken. People should follow below mentioned steps that will help them in preventing type 2 diabetes. These steps are:    

Maintain and achieve healthy weight.

At least 30 minutes of physical activity should be performed on daily basis.

Staying away from tobacco is also important to avoid complications.

Blood testing on regular basis will help in diagnosing the problem. Hence it will help in treating diabetes at early stages.

What measures to be taken when caught with diabetes?    

Insulin is required by patients who have type 1 diabetes.

Oral medication can be used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but they may require insulin as well.

Keeping blood pressure in control.

Foot care.

All these measures should be supported by physical activity on regular basis, maintaining normal body weight, healthy diet and avoiding tobacco intake.

Reference: http://www.researchomatic.com/diabetes-174720.html

3

DIABETES