Diabetes
The Diabetes Epidemic in India
Diabetes is a growing health concern in India and worldwide, claiming millions of lives every year. According to recent data, approximately 589 million adults 100 million Indians are living with diabetes.
The Importance of Awareness
Despite its prevalence, many people are not aware of the causes and symptoms of diabetes. It's crucial to educate yourself and your loved ones about this silent killer to take proactive steps towards prevention and management.
Let's Take Control
By understanding the risks and taking simple precautions, you can reduce your chances of developing diabetes or manage with early diagnosis, nutrition management and simple lifestyle changes.
Stay informed, prioritize your health, and encourage others to do the same.
Understanding Diabetes: A Comprehensive Overview
Our body gets energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy, providing 50-65% of our daily energy needs.
Our food is broken down into glucose (sugar), which is then absorbed by our body cells with the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.
What Happens in Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels.
When there's a lack of insulin or the body cells become resistant to insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to abnormal blood sugar levels.
This can cause a range of health problems, including damage to organs and tissues.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus - IDDM): The body doesn't produce enough insulin, requiring insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus - NIDDM): The body cells become resistant to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter the cells.
- Hypoglycaemia: A condition where blood sugar levels drop rapidly due to:
- Not eating enough food
- Excessive insulin production or injection
- Strenuous exercise
- Alcohol consumption with anti-diabetic medications
- Ketone Bodies: When the body uses fat for energy instead of glucose, it produces ketone bodies. High levels can lead to serious health complications, including coma.
- Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually due to insulin resistance. It typically resolves after pregnancy, but can increase the risk of future diabetes.
Debunking Common Myths About Diabetes
Myth 1: Diabetes is not a serious disease
Reality: Diabetes can lead to severe complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness if not managed properly.
Myth 2: Only overweight people get diabetes
Reality: While being overweight is a risk factor, people of any weight can develop diabetes due to genetics, lifestyle, or other health conditions.
Myth 3: Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar
Reality: Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, not just sugar consumption.
Myth 4: People with diabetes can't eat carbs
Reality: People with diabetes can eat carbs, but they need to choose complex, fibre-rich carbs and monitor their portion sizes.
Myth 5: Diabetes is a contagious disease
Reality: Diabetes is not contagious; it's a metabolic disorder.
Myth 6: Only older adults get diabetes
Reality: Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age, including in children and young adults.
Myth 7: Diabetes medication is a cure
Reality: Medication helps manage diabetes, but it's not a cure. Lifestyle changes and self-management are crucial.
Importance of Managing Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including organ damage and increased risk of infections. Pregnant women with uncontrolled diabetes are at risk of abortion and health problems in the newborn.
Symptoms and Risks
Diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of age. It's essential to be aware of the risks and symptoms to take proactive steps towards prevention and management.
Common symptoms
- Increased urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained Sudden Weight Loss
- Feeling tired or Exhaustion
- Wounds or cuts that take longer to heal
- Blurred Vision
Regular Testing: A Must
Regular medical tests are crucial to detect diabetes and other health issues.
Even healthy children should be tested for diabetes every 3-4 years, especially if they have a family history or other risk factors.
| Blood Sugar mg/dl | Good | Borderline | High risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting | 110 | 111-126 | 126 |
| 200 mg/dl | |||
| Post Prandial | 140 | 140-180 | 180 |
HbA1c: A level above 6.5% may also indicate diabetes.
Root causes:
Certain factors increase the risk of developing diabetes. These include
Family History: Having a parent or sibling with diabetes increases your risk.
Physical Inactivity and Poor Diet: Sedentary lifestyle, irregular food habits, and unhealthy dietary practices contribute to obesity and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension is linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Pregnancy-Related Risks: Women who have had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Abnormal Cholesterol Levels: Low levels of good cholesterol (HDL <= 35 mg/dl) and high triglycerides (over 250 mg/dl) increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 35.
Hypothyroidism: There is a potential link between hypothyroidism and increased risk of diabetes
It's essential to note that managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of:
Prevention and Management:
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve health outcomes.
Comprehensive care requires a multifaceted approach, including blood glucose control, blood pressure management, and regular screening for complications.
Lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
By understanding diabetes and its various forms, you can take steps to manage your condition and prevent long-term complications.