Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by HBW2
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the cell cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose by mediating the glucose metabolism process in body. When we talk about diabetes, we mainly talk about diabetes mellitus.
Types of Diabetes:
There are 3 types of diabetes are found mainly. These are type-1, type-2 and gestational.
1. Type- 1: Type-1 diabetes (previously known as insulin dependent, juvenile or childhood onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. Approximately 5% of people have type-1 diabetes. This type is an auto immune disease in which immune system attacks and destroys insulin producing cells in pancreas for some unknown reason.
2. Type- 2: It stops the body from using insulin properly which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated. Over time, type-2 diabetes can cause serious damage to the body, especially nerves and blood vessels. Type-2 diabetes is often preventable. Out of all diabetic person more than 95% of people are type-2 in nature. Factor that contribute to developing type-2 diabetes include over weight, not getting enough exercise and genetics
3. Gestational diabetes: This type develops in some people during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of diabetes may occur suddenly. In type-2 diabetes, the symptoms can be mild and may take many years to be noticed. Some common symptoms indicate that someone needs diagnosis.
Ø Feeling very thirsty frequently.
Ø Tendency to urinate more often than usual.
Ø Blurred vision.
Ø Feeling tired very often.
Ø Losing weight unintentionally.
Doctor may recommend one or more tests of blood for confirming the blood sugar level. These are as follows:
| Test for blood sugar level | ||||
| Results | HbA1C test | Fasting Blood Sugar Test | Post Prandial Glucose Test (PPBS) | Random Blood Sugar Test |
| Diabetes | 6.5% or above | 126 mg/dL or above | 200 mg/dL or above | 200 mg/dL or above |
| Prediabetes | 5.7 – 6.4% | 100 – 125 mg/dL | 140 – 199 mg/dL | NA |
| Normal | Below 5.7% | 99 mg/dL or below | 140 mg/dL or below | NA |
How common is diabetes?
Ø Diabetes is very common in the world. Approximately 37.3 million people in US have diabetes which is about 11% of the population of US.
Ø About 537 million adults across world have diabetes. Experts predict this number will rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million in 2045.
Ø According to WHO in India, there are estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are prediabetics. More than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status which leads to health complications if not detected and treated early.
Ø Between 2000 and 2019 there was a 3% increase in diabetes mortality rate by age. In lower-middle- income countries, the mortality rate due to diabetes increase 13%.
The ill effect of high blood sugar:
Ø Adults with diabetes have a two- to three-fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Combined with reduced blood flow, neuropathy (nerve damage) in the feet increases the chance of foot ulcers, infection, and the eventual need for limb amputation.
Ø Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina.
Ø Combined with reduced blood flow, nerve damage in the foot increases the chance of foot ulcers, infection, and the eventual need for limb amputation. Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure.
Prevention:
Type-1 diabetes can’t be prevented. But the healthy lifestyle choices can help to prevent diabetes.
v Eat healthy foods: Select foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
v Do more physical activity: Try to get about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity on most days of the week.
v Lose excess fat: If you are overweight, losing even 7% of your body weight can lower risk of diabetes. But don’t try to lose weight during pregnancy.
v If you have pre-diabetes, have your blood sugar checked at least once a year to make sure you haven’t developed type-2 diabetes.
v Sugar sweetened drinks are associated with increased risk.
v Eating white rice excessively may increase the risk of diabetes.
Medication:
Sometimes drugs are an option. Oral diabetes drugs such as metformin may lower the risk of type-2 diabetes. But before taking any drugs the matter must be consulted with a doctor.
Ayurveda and Diabetes:
Some Ayurvedic herbs as well as fruits may show a good result in lowering the blood sugar level for long run.
Amla: Amla or the Indian gooseberry is a potent Ayurvedic herb. It is rich in Vitamin-C and antioxidants. Amla is also rich in chromium. This mineral enables proper carbohydrates metabolism. Chromium also allows your body to respond to insulin, keeping blood sugar under control.
Triphala: Triphala is a powdered formula that comprises Haritaki, Amla and Bibhitaki. Using Triphala has been mentioned in the Sushrut Samhita, dating back to 1500 BC. Apart from relieving constipation and improving gut health it also acts as an Ayurvedic medicine for attaining the right blood sugar balance.
Home remedies:
Cinnamon, aloevera with buttermilk may be added a as valuable spice or health drink in daily life for betterment of blood sugar level as home remedies.