Things You Should Know About Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the sugar levels in the blood increases beyond acceptable limits due to various factors. Presence of sugar in the blood is very important for the bodily functions as sugar is one of the prime sources of energy and fuel for the body. That’s why it is said that if you are down and out, have a chocolate, a sweet or some honey to perk you up. The reason being sugar is instantly absorbed into the blood, producing energy to lighten up things.

So then, why do high levels of sugar cause diabetes?

To understand this, we must first look at the causes of sugar levels becoming high in the blood.

Many vital things happen during digestion. Those related to sugar levels being: Sugar (glucose) enters the blood stream. Glucose is one the main energy producing substances of the body. An organ in the abdomen produces a hormone called insulin. The primary role of insulin is to move glucose from the blood to fat, muscles and liver cells, where it is utilized as energy. In moving the glucose from the blood to other parts, insulin is also regulating the levels of glucose in blood. When this process goes on normally, then “all is well”. Trouble starts when sugar (glucose) in the blood is not moved by insulin to other parts and starts accumulating in the blood, causing a steep rise in sugar levels. This situation is called diabetes.

Why insulin does not move sugar from blood to other parts, as it normally should?

• Decreased production of insulin by pancreas.

• Muscles, fat and liver cells, to which the glucose is moved by insulin, do not respond to the insulin.

• It could be a combination of both the above factors

 

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes: In this condition the body produces very less or no insulin, making it compulsory for insulin to be given from external sources normally through injections.

Causes: This condition could be prevalent since childhood and could possibly be caused due to viruses, genetics or autoimmune problems.

 

Type 2 diabetes: This condition constitutes a majority of diabetic cases. It usually occurs during adulthood though young people are also getting increasingly affected by it. In this situation, the production level of insulin decreases, making it difficult to regulate the glucose levels, thereby leading to an increase in the sugar levels.

Causes: The probable causes are excessive weight, lack of exercise and irregular food habits among others.

 

Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar usually develops in women during pregnancy.

Metabolic syndrome: In this, certain risk factors occur together to increase the possibility of type 2 diabetes along with the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.

Causes: Increase in weight around the abdominal area and ineffective utilization of insulin by the body, leading to need of insulin from external sources.

 

Who could be at risk for developing type 2 Diabetes?

• Those above 45 years

• Blood relations are diabetic

• Those with heart complications

• Those with high cholesterol levels

• Those with excessive weight

• Those who do not exercise regularly

• Those with improper glucose tolerance

Type 2 diabetes comes at a snails pace and normally there are no tell tale signs. However, high blood sugar can cause problems like:

• Excessive thirst

• Indistinct vision

• Lethargy

• Increased appetite

• Decrease in weight

• Increased urination

How to manage diabetes?

• Incorporating regular exercise schedule in your daily routine.

• Planning your food and calorie intake.

• Changing to a disciplined lifestyle.

• Taking effective weight control measures.

• Taking the medications prescribed by your health care professional in the proper manner.