Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Diabetes prevents your body from turning your food into energy. Instead glucose stays in your bloodstream, and left untreated can result in a range of complications. As a result of elevated levels of blood glucose, two problems occur: body cells become starved for energy, and, over time, the high glucose levels can damage the nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart and blood vessels. Diabetes is not an infectious disease, like a cold or flu.. Diabetes is a lifelong disease and goes on till death.
SYNONYMS OF DIABETES
Synonyms of Diabetes are as under:
1. Diabetes mellitus type 1.
2. Insulin-dependent diabetes.
3. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
4. Diabetes in childhood.
5. Juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus.
6. Ketosis-prone diabetes.
7. Autoimmune diabetes mellitus.
TYPES OF DIABETES
Type 1
Diabetes Body stops making insulin or makes only a tiny bit. and Scientists think people with certain genes develop something in their bodies that attacks the cells that make insulin or the insulin itself.
Type 2
Diabetes Body does not make enough insulin or your body does not use it, or both. Experts thank that it is caused by eating too many sweets.
Pre-Diabetes
Body has higher than normal glucose levels, but not high enough to be called diabetes. Your body is trying to control the glucose levels, but is failing. Nobody knows if pre-diabetes can be prevented
Gestational Diabetes
Body develops this type of diabetes during pregnancy, most likely during the 24th to 28th week. And it is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin.
CAUSES OF DIABETES
Body stops making insulin or makes only a tiny bit. And Scientists think people with certain genes develop something in their bodies that attacks the cells that make insulin or the insulin itself.
Other causes:-
High doses of medications, including steroids and niacin, can cause diabetes. The diabetes goes away when the medicine is stopped. Some diseases affecting the pancreas can also cause diabetes.
SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
Some of other diabetes symptoms are:
1. Frequent urination.
2. Excessive thirst.
3. Extreme hunger.
4. Unusual weight loss.
5. Increased fatigue.
6. Irritability.
7. Blurry vision.
8. Increased thirst.
9. Increased hunger.
10. Fatigue.
11. Increased urination, especially at night.
12. Weight loss.
13. Blurred vision.
14. Sores that do not heal.
DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES
The following tests are used for diagnosis:-
1. A fasting plasma glucose test measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating.
2. An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood.
The two main tests used to measure the presence of blood sugar problems are:-
1. The direct measurement of glucose levels in the blood during an overnight fast.
2. Measurement of the body's ability to appropriately handle the excess sugar presented after drinking a high glucose drink.
TREATMENT OF DIABETES
Diabetes is treated with intensive insulin therapy. Treatment for type 1 diabetes is designed to achieve near-normal blood sugars safely - while keeping the episodes of low blood sugars to a minimum.
Insulin therapy includes:-
1. Multiple Daily Injections of Insulin.
2. Use of Insulin Pens or Pumps.
The method used in treating type 2 diabetes will be based on the physiological defects experienced by the patient. The three most common problem areas are: the pancreas, the liver and the muscle. Pancreas: Abnormal response to meals. Liver: Abnormal sugar production. Muscle: Abnormal lack of sensitivity to insulin. Frequent monitoring of blood sugars is critical to the proper Controlling your blood sugar is essential to feeling healthy and avoiding long-term complications of diabetes. Some people are able to control their blood sugar with diet and exercise alone. Others may need to use insulin or other medications in addition to lifestyle changes. In either case, monitoring your blood sugar is a key part of your treatment program. Second, you might also try some of the diabetes treatment using alternative medicine.
