Diabetes mellitus, this word has been shaking the world from ages. At the same time it became highly prevalent too. Millions of people are suffering with diabetes and its complications. Statistics show that almost 9.3% of the world’s adult population is affected with diabetes. So approximately half a billion people are living with diabetes as of now and the number is only going to increase in the coming days. Studies show that four out of ten main causes for death are diabetes.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease where blood sugar levels become higher. This happens due to an imbalance in insulin levels. There are four main types of diabetes. They are as given.
- Diabetes Type1
This is also known as juvenile diabetes. It attacks by itself. Almost 5-10% of the people with diabetes have type1. It can be hereditary also.
- Diabetes Type2
If there is imbalance in sugar levels then this condition arises. This attacks due to lifestyle changes and food habits.
- Gestational diabetes
This occurs during pregnancy. In pregnancy hormonal changes take place. These changes can affect the production of insulin too. But after delivery, this condition can subside.
- Pre-diabetes
This condition is also known as impaired glucose tolerance. Here blood sugar levels are more. But they are not as high as in type2 diabetes.
The causes for diabetes are different from each person. But commonly observed causes are aging, food habits, heredity, alcoholism, lifestyle, obesity and high cholesterol levels. Till date, it has no cure. It can only be managed. Compared to type1 diabetes, type2 diabetes is more prevalent.
Diabetes care
International Diabetes Federation statistics show that about 80% of all those who suffer from diabetes globally are from middle and low income countries. The main reason for this is the health care system for diagnosis and treatment is limited. Apart from diabetes its complications are also accounting for many deaths. This is due to lack of knowledge. Studies show that only 4.6% of the people are getting the total care of diabetes that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends.
Initially try to educate yourself about diabetes, its causes, diagnosis tests, medication to manage it and lifestyle changes to cope up, dietary changes and physical activity to be done. Get a clear picture of all these. It can help you to know your position and ways to manage. Know about the risk factors too. Some methods to take care of your diabetes.
- Always go for a regular check up to a general physician or a diabetologist. If not possible at least get an online consultation. But do not skip.
- Use medications as prescribed by the health care specialists. Keep proper dosage and timing.
- Stay away from smoking, other tobacco products and alcohol. This can alter your blood pressure which leads to serious complications like heart stroke and nerve disorders. Talk to a general physician or diabetologist on how to get rid of those habits.
- Always try to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in control. To do so, you need to monitor your diet and go for blood tests at regular intervals.
- Diagnosis tests for blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are to be done at least 2-4 times in a year. This can help you to understand the position of your health.
- Check your diet. There can be cravings for sweet or junk food. But get it into limits. That not only protects your health but also gives self control. Take the help of a dietitian and a diabetologist to know properly what to eat and what to avoid. Prefer fresh vegetables, fiber rich diet.
- Physical activity is always necessary. These days there are 7 minute workout sessions too. Allotting 7 minutes in 24 hours is not a big deal. This can make you active and burn out calories, which help in reducing toxins.
- Every patient will have different symptoms and different complications. The body condition will also be different. So there are personalized diabetes care programmes also. Give it a try to maintain your health.
- In Ayurveda and Homeopathy also there are herbal remedies to control insulin levels and avoid complications of diabetes. If needed, speak to a homeopathic doctor or an ayurvedic general physician to know what suits your body.
- Taking treatment is important not only to control sugar levels but also to reduce other risk factors like cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, eye related problems like glaucoma and nerve disorders which might become lethal.
Complications of diabetes
Diabetes gives a lot of other complications. The maintenance of insulin can decide many factors. Right from clotting of blood to heart functions many will be affected. Some main complications are as given.
- Cardiovascular diseases. This is the main risk factor. There are many types of cardiovascular diseases. Heart stroke, heart failure, peripheral disease and cardiomyopathy are some main problems related with diabetes.
- Glaucoma. This is due to damage of the optic nerve which is the result of a group of eye conditions. This chronic condition can come due to diabetes.
- Diabetic Nephropathy. It is a kidney problem that arises due to uncontrolled diabetes. This can even damage the kidneys completely.
- Diabetic Neuropathy. The nerves are damaged due to high glucose levels in blood. Mostly the nerves of legs and feet are damaged. This might cause severe pain and numbness.
- Diabetic macular edema. This is a condition where blood and fluids ooze from very minute bulges into the retina. This causes edema (swelling) in the macula. Macula is the central part of the retina.
- Peripheral artery disease. Also called peripheral vascular disease. This is a condition where arteries are narrowed by which the blood flow gets reduced to arms and legs. Often it is seen in legs. This happens due to atherosclerosis, the blood vessels blockage due to plaque.
- In pregnant women if gestational diabetes is left unattended it can cause premature birth or even stillbirth.
- Urination issues. Excessive urine and burning sensation during passage of urine is prevalent in many diabetic patients.
If any of the above stated risk factors are seen, visit a diabetologist or concerned healthcare specialist. If not, at least take online consultation.
Insulin @ 100
Therapeutic insulin was first developed in 1921 by three great scientists namely Sir Fredrick G Banting, Charle153aqas H Best, and JJR McLeod. It was a path breaking development in medical history. It is an occasion to celebrate and to rethink. This is giving a new life to many diabetic patients but still it is out of reach to many people suffering with diabetes. In the later days many innovations came in this too. Still insulin is difficult to afford in low and middle income countries. Biosimilars and heat stable insulin also came into usage. Still there is a lot of inequity in usage, availability and affordability of insulin.
Several analogues and biosimilars were added by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to the list of essential medicines. All these are to be available to the patients with diabetes world wide. Indian authorities were also informed to include different formulations like pen devices, cartridges and analogues of insulin to the National List of Essential Medicines.
Even though technology has developed and many modifications came in the medical field, many are not in a position to afford it. So to be cautious and prevent the disease is much better. Once affected with diabetes, there is no other option than to manage it. But please note that it can be managed with self initiative. An intention to cope up and self control can only make it possible.
