Statistics show that by 2025, the number of diabetics worldwide is estimated to cross 300 million. Excerpts from the revised edition of full life with diabetes, which tells you about the disease, its symptoms and how to live with the diabetes
Statistics show that by 2025, the number of diabetics worldwide is estimated to cross 300 million. Excerpts from the revised edition of full life with diabetes, which tells you about the disease, its symptoms and how to live with the diabetes
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What is diabetes?
} Elevation of blood glucose level, due to defect in insulin secretion and / or its action is a characteristic feature of diabetes.
What happens in diabetes?
} Diabetes is the end result of a combination of different abnormalities. The mechanism of development of diabetes may be different in different individuals.
} Diabetes runs in families and occurs with a greater frequency in certain ethnic groups. This is due to the greater frequency in these individuals and groups of certain genes (hereditary factors) that make an individual susceptible to develop diabetes. Some of them have been identified.
} The first defect that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals is usually insulin resistance, that is, certain tissues or muscles or fat fail to adequately respond to the action of insulin. Thus, a normal amount of insulin fails to lead to normal glucose regulation. In itself, insulin resistance is not a disease. In fact, it may occur in normal individuals as with aging, during adolescence, and pregnancy. It also occurs with obesity, especially around the waist (belly fat), decreased exercise and with certain drugs such as steroids.
} Normally, the body overcomes the insulin resistance by secreting more insulin from the beta cells and thus keepingu00a0 glucose levels normal. In adults who develop diabetes, the number of beta cells is reduced and they do not secrete as much insulin. Thus the body is unable to overcome insulin resistance and this leads to a rise in blood glucose level. The decline in the number of beta cells continues throughout the course pf the disease. The secretion of insulin after a meal is both delayed and diminished.
} There is decrease in the response of brain centres to the satiety promoting actions of insulin and increased blood glucose after a meal. This promotes continuation of eating behaviour instead of satiety.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
} In 2000, India topped the list with 31 million diabetics. 90 to 95% of the world diabetics have diabetes type 2.
} Blurred vision due to increased blood concentration which pulls out body fluid in tissues such as lens of the eye, which affects its ability to focus.
} Infections due to decreased body resistance. Repeated urinary, genital, chest or skin infections may occur.
} Poor wound healing due to decreased body resistance and changes in blood flow to different body parts.
} Symptoms due to complications of diabetes such as burning soles, cramps in calves, leg pains, double or decreased vision.
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} Symptoms due to adverse reaction to drugs given for diabetes or associated disorders.
} It must be stressed that type 2 diabetes may not be accompanied by any symptom whatever. Thus, absence of symptoms should not be interpreted as absence of diabetes.
How is diabetes controlled?
} All persons with diabetes need a suitable diet. In the case of many individuals, especially those with excess weight, diabetes can be controlled by diet alone. Exercise is an important part of the treatment of diabetes. In addition to diet, some need anti-diabetic drugs. All diabetic individuals, their parents or spouses should understand the nature of this ailment and its implications and co-operate with their doctor.
Psychological adjustment
} Anxiety, anger, a sense of panic or frustration and denial are common when diabetes is detected. "Why me", "Will my lifestyle change?", "Will I be able to continue my job?" are some questions that haunt newly diagnosed diabetics. Others try their own ideas of effecting a cure. It is very essential that an individual with diabetes comes to terms with this condition and approaches the disease objectively. The earlier it is done the better. A sense of purpose and motivation are essential for the successful treatment of diabetes.
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