Diabetes Definition Cause Symptoms Diagnosis And Treatment

Diabetes:

Definition:

Diabetes is a defect in the body’s ability to convert glucose (sugar) to energy. Glucose is the main source of fuel for our body. When food is digested it is changed into fats, protein, or carbohydrates. Foods that affect blood sugars are called carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, when digested, change to glucose. Examples of some carbohydrates are: bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, corn, fruit, and milk products. Individuals with diabetes should eat carbohydrates but must do so in moderation.Glucose is then transferred to the blood and is used by the cells for energy. In order for glucose to be transferred from the blood into the cells, the hormone - insulin is needed. Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas (the organ that produces insulin). Diabetes develops when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient quantities of insulin.

Types of diabetes: 

There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes:

 Its occurs most frequently in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes in the United States. There does appear to be a genetic component to Type 1 diabetes, but the cause has yet to be identified. 

•  Type 2 diabetes:

 It is much more common and accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes. Type 2 diabetes primarily affects adults, however recently Type 2 has begun developing in children. There is a strong correlation between Type 2 diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity.

Cause of Diabetes:

Nobody knows the exact cause of diabetes yet. There are several reasons  may become diabetic.

•  Genetic predisposition,
•  Obesity can cause insulin resistance,
•  Previous diseases such as Cushings Disease, hyperthyroidism & pancreatitis.
•  Some medications (steroids) may also play a role.

symptoms:

•  Blurred vision
•  Unusual thirst
•  Frequent urination 
•  Slow-healing cuts
•  Unexplained tiredness 
•  Rapid weight loss
•  Erectile dysfunction
•  Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

How is diabetes diagnosed:

The diagnosis of diabetes is made by a simple blood test measuring your blood glucose level. 

Usually these tests are repeated on a subsequent day to confirm the diagnosis. 

A diagnosis of diabetes is a frightening and bewildering experience because there is so much information to take in 

and the diagnosis may come as a shock. 

People with Type 2 diabetes may hear their condition described as “mild,” but Type 2 diabetes is not a “mild” medical condition. 

Both forms and all stages of diabetes are serious, with many possible complications, including eye, heart, kidney, and nerve damag.

 Treatment for diabetes:

As yet, there is no “cure” for either type of diabetes, although there are many ways of keeping diabetes under control. Diabetes treatments are designed to help the body to control the sugar levels in the blood. Studies have shown that good control of blood sugar is the key to avoiding diabetic complications. 

•  Type 1 diabetes requires insulin.  Injected insulin replaces the insulin missing in the body.

•  Type 2 diabetes treatment will vary dependent on blood sugar levels. 
•  Many patients are counseled to change their lifestyle .and lose weight.
•  Treatment begins with changing certain food choices and beginning an exercise program.
•  Diabetes is a progressive disease, and the treatment may change over time, requiring oral medication.  sometimes insulin injections are also required
• Check up with doctor every three months until blood sugar is in control,   reviewed every six months.
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Dietary Treatments for Diabetes:

• Avoid sugar in any form - rice, potato, banana, cereals & fruits containing high percentage of sugar content.
• Include at least one bitter dish in every meal
• Take plenty of green vegetables, black gram, soy, fish etc
• Vegetables such as Bitter Gourd, string beans, cucumber, onion and garlic, fruits such as Indian Gooseberry, Jambul Fruit and Grapes and grains like Bengal gram and black gram should be included in the diet.
• Raw vegetables & herbs play a part in stimulating the pancreas and enhancing insulin production.
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Diabetes Life style

• Avoid sleeping during daytime
• Avoid smoking
• Take adequate eye care
• Do exercise regularly
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Complications of Diabetes:

• Bladder Control Problems for Women
•  Heart Disease and Stroke
•  Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage 
•  Retinopathy (Eye Disease)
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Erection Problems

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)
• Kidney Disease

• Sexual and Urologic Problems
• Stomach Nerve Damage (Gastroparesis)