You notice that you have lost weight since few months. You are getting exhausted quiet often, your thirst has increased, and you are urinating frequently. These symptoms suggest that you could be suffering from a condition known as Diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes mellitus is a condition which occurs when glucose in the body is not utilized properly. The pancreas secrete insulin hormone which helps in converting the glucose into energy that is utilized by all the cells of the body. In diabetes, the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin or the body is unable to respond to the insulin made. Hence, the glucose does not get converted into energy, and it accumulates in the blood causing a rise in the blood sugar level.
More about diabetes mellitus
Diabetes occurs as different types.
Type 1 Diabetes
The type 1 diabetes occurs most often in children and adolescents, but adults may also have it. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produce very little or no insulin at all. Insulin injections have to be taken regularly throughout life. It is caused due to autoimmune problems, viral infections or genetic reasons.
Type 2 Diabetes
The type 2 Diabetes is the more common form of diabetes that occurs in adults. In this condition, either the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin or the cells of the body become unresponsive to insulin. As a result, the blood glucose levels become high. This condition is on the rise nowadays due to obesity problems. It is reported to be found commonly in Asian Americans, African Americans, North Americans, Latinos, Pacific islanders and native Hawaiians.
Pre diabetes
Pre diabetes is a state where your blood sugar levels are slightly above normal, and it is going towards becoming a Type 2 diabetes condition. You are considered to be a pre diabetic if your blood sugar level is above 100mg/DL and below 126mg/DL. It is estimated that around 57 million people in the United States are in the pre diabetic condition. Damaging effect on circulatory system and heart would have already started during this condition. You can reverse the process in this stage by eating healthy, and making healthy changes in your lifestyle.
Gestational Diabetes
The diabetes that occurs during pregnancy in women, who were previously non-diabetic, is called Gestational diabetes. It disappears after the birth of a child but there is a risk of the women developing Type 2 diabetes after a few years. The high sugar levels that develop during gestational diabetes may affect the health of the baby. Proper monitoring of the sugar levels is essential. By exercising regularly and healthy eating, women who had gestational diabetes can avoid getting type 2 diabetes in the future.
Diabetes in Youth
According to research funded by the Centre for disease Control and prevention, an estimated 15,000 youth have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the United states between 2002-2003.Every year around 3,700 youth are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The cases of Type 1 diabetes are more common in non Hispanic white youth. Individuals younger than 10 years have rarely been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes- Pros and Cons
You may have increased risk of developing diabetes if you are obese, of age above 45 years, have a positive family history, belong to ethnic races like African American, Hispanic American, Native American and Pacific Islander, have a history of gestational diabetes, have heart disease, polycystic ovary disease, and have a previous history of impaired glucose tolerance.
Diabetes causes serious health complications if not monitored. It affects all parts of the body. Diabetes causes heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, amputations, stroke, complicated pregnancy, birth defects in children born of women with diabetes, increase in dental cavities and ulcerations on legs.
Managing Diabetes
Diabetes can be managed by making healthy changes in your life, and working closely with your health care team. It is important that you make healthy choices in your food. Healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skimmed milk, low fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Your food should have less of salt and fat. Include fiber rich products like pasta, rice, crackers, breads, and cereals in your diet.
Make it a habit to exercise regularly for 30 minutes per day. This helps in checking unhealthy weight gain. Try to avoid stressful situations as they tend to increase blood sugar levels. Deep breathing is a good relaxation technique to counter stress. Avoid smoking as it aggravates blood pressure. Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups as high sugar level has been reported to cause dental caries. If you find any changes in your vision, inform your doctor about it. If there are any sores, blisters, cuts and swelling you need to consult your doctor immediately. Ask your doctor if you need to take aspirin or carry any emergency tablet since diabetics have a chance of getting a heart attack. Talk to your health care team regarding regular blood sugar testing and blood pressure checkups.
ABC’s of Diabetes
There are three check points for diabetes- commonly called as ABC. The A of diabetes stands for The A1C test which shows the blood sugar level in last 3 months. The A1C reading for a diabetic should be below 7. The B of diabetes stands for blood pressure that has to be around 120/80.The C of diabetes stands for Cholesterol. The LDL or bad cholesterol value should be less than 100 while the HDL or good cholesterol value should be more than 40.A report regarding your ABC should be maintained by you for careful monitoring of your condition with the help of your health care team.
Preventing Diabetes
Diabetes can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. To prevent diabetes you must exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, avoid smoking and alcohol, take your medication without fail, control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, check your feet for cuts and bruises, and brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Living with Diabetes
Living with diabetes can be challenging but by making healthy changes in your life, and constantly monitoring the ABC’s of diabetes you can lead a normal healthy life. You should seek support from your family, friends, and the support groups. By controlling your diabetic condition today you can prevent complications involving other organs of the body.
