Living with any form of diabetes isn’t easy. One needs to monitor blood sugar levels, follow strict dietary guidelines and manage regular treatments like insulin. One may often find it overwhelming at times. That is why it is important to find support.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), “the number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422million in 2014”. Diabetes mellitus (DM) pertains to a group of common metabolic disorders that share the phenotype of Hyperglycemia. There are several distinct types of Diabetes that are caused due to complex interactions of genetics and environmental factors. These factors depend on the cause of the Diabetes and contribute to hyperglycemia showing reduced insulin reaction, decreased glucose utilization and increased glucose production.
What causes Diabetes?
TYPE 1 diabetes (beta cell destruction, which usually leads to absolute insulin deficiency) can be caused due to idiopathic reasons where it may arise spontaneously out of an unknown cause or it may also develop due to immune mediated reasons.
TYPE 2 diabetes may range from predominantly insulin deficiency to a predominantly insulin secretory defect with insulin resistance.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance in a pregnant lady who is otherwise not diabetic.
Diabetes Symptoms
The symptoms of Diabetes include excessive eating (polyphagia), excessive drinking of water (Polydepsia), and excessive urinating (Polyuria). Besides, diabetes is also marked by physical inactivity, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) disorder, hypertension, and a history of cardiovascular diseases.
Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes treatment consists of glucose lowering agents in the body. There needs to be physical activity, which can range from mild to moderate and along with it, there should be low intake of carbohydrates. Insulin mixture is also advised as part of the treatment.
Lifestyle modifications should include changes in diet, physical activity, anti-smoking, quitting alcohol, weight management, controlling blood pressure and such like. Besides, antiglycemic drugs help in the management of underlying conditions due to diabetes.
Thus, living with diabetes is surely tough. However, with a bit of care and organized approach, one can also lead the sweet life!
