What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when your blood glucose/blood sugar is too high. It occurs either when the body does not produce enough insulin1 or the cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced by the body.
What are its types?
- Type 1/ Insulin-dependent Diabetes:
Results from the body’s failure to produce insulin. Hence the person needs to inject insulin. Most diagnosed are older than age 20.
- Type 2 /Non-Insulin-dependent Diabetes: Results from insulin resistance, when cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency. More common than type 1. Usually occurs in adulthood.
- Gestational Diabetes: High blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who never had diabetes before.
What are its symptoms?
In type 1 diabetes symptoms develop rapidly In type 2 diabetes its more slowly or absent.
The common symptoms are:
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Increased hunger
- Unquenchable Thirst
- Frequent Urination
- Losing weight without trying
- Having blurred eyesight
- Tingling or Numbness in Hands, Legs, or Feet
- Slow-healing wounds
- Dry skin
What are the causes of Diabetes?
Hereditary or Inherited Traits
Diet
Obesity and Fat Distribution:
Age
Stress
Infection
What is Blood Sugar Level?
It is the amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood
What is the Normal Blood Sugar Value of Non-Diabetes?
Fasting: 60 to 100 mg%
After food (2hrs): 80 to 120 mg%
What is the Normal Blood Sugar value of Controlled Diabetes?
Fasting: 80 to 110 mg%
Post Prandial: 140 to 160 mg%
(2 Hrs after food with drugs)
How can you prevent it?
It can be prevented or controlled by some simple lifestyle modifications like:
Diet:
fiber-rich, low-sugar and low-fat diet can greatly help
Meal Size:
Weight Management
Weight reduction can prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.
Exercise
At least 30 minutes of exercise everyday is vital for the prevention of diabetes
Supplements and regular check-up
Omega 3 fatty acids help in the prevention of diabetes as it aids to prevent insulin resistance. Sugar levels, cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings need to be reviewed at regular intervals.