Diabetes is rapidly assuming epidemic proportions today. Therefore, it has become absolutely necessary for everyone to know about it in order to manage it better. The following information is intended to serve this purpose.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is of two types: diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. In diabetes mellitus, the pancreas stops producing insulin at all, or produces it in very little quantity. Insulin is a hormone that enables the cells of the body to absorb glucose, a form of sugar, obtained from the digestion of food, and the primary source of energy for the body.. As a result, glucose accumulates in blood and urine resulting in frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, and disturbances of fat and protein metabolism. Diabetes insipidus is a less common condition. It results from lack of vasopressin hormone which controls urine secretion.
Types of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus, the commoner form of diabetes, is also of two types. Type I shows up in childhood itself. In it, the pancreas stops producing insulin completely. That is why it is also known as insulin dependent diabetes. Type II normally affects adults, and sometimes teenagers. In it, either the pancreas produces less insulin or it is not properly utilized by body cells. Therefore, it is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes.
People who are Vulnerable to Diabetes
Adults over 45, obese or physically inactive people, those who have family history of diabetes, African, Hispanic and Native American people or most vulnerable to diabetes. In fact, the Native Americans show the highest incidence of diabetes in the world. Among sexes, women are more prone to it.
Diagnostic Tests for Diabetes
To detect diabetes, the glucose present in the blood is measured about eight hours after the person last took food. It can also be diagnosed through an oral glucose tolerance test in which glucose level in the blood is measured before and after the person concerned has been given a certain amount of sugar. Another test which is in the process of development identifies some specific antibodies which are present only in diabetics. When developed, this test will be able to detect diabetes quite early and thus reduce the risk of complications.
Treatment of Diabetes
Treatment of diabetes involves two things: controlling the blood sugar level, and preventing complications. This is accomplished by suitable diet and lifestyle changes along with medication.
Type I
In Type I diabetes insulin injections have to be given two to four times a day. The quantity of the insulin required and the frequency of injection varies from person to person depending upon his physical activity level, diet, and other medical conditions. Typically, in this type of diabetes, blood sugar level needs to be measured many times a day using a meter and a drop of blood obtained by pricking a fingertip. On its basis, the patients adjust the quantity and frequency of insulin injected. Type I diabetics should carefully distribute their meals and snacks over the whole day so that insulin supply is not overwhelmed in helping the body cells absorb glucose. Further, they should eat foods containing complex carbohydrates that break down slowly, and therefore the blood sugar level also rises slowly.
Type II
In Type II diabetes, initially the treatment involves diet control, exercise and weight reduction. Type II diabetics often take the services of nutritionists to put together a suitable diet that does not result in too swift a rise in blood glucose level. A typical meal for a diabetic is low in fat (not more than 30% of total calories), provides moderate protein ( 10 to 20% of total calories), and contains a variety of carbohydrates, such as beans, vegetables and grains. Regular exercise is very useful to help body cells absorb glucose. Even 10-15 minutes of daily exercise can make a difference. Diet control and exercise also help in weight reduction which is believed to increase the body cells' ability to absorb insulin. However, overtime, medication may also be required.
Thus Type II diabetes can be easily managed by suitable lifestyle changes. Type I is more difficult to manage; fortunately it is less common of the two.
