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Diabetes doesn't discriminate

Diabetes can strike anybody, from any social status. Furthermore, it does - in numbers that are decisively expanding. Diabetes is an ongoing, frequently incapacitating and at times lethal infection, wherein the body either can't create insulin or can't as expected utilize the insulin it produces which brings about high blood glucose, or glucose levels.

Having type 1 diabetes implies that the body doesn't deliver sufficient insulin, and the condition is all the more ordinarily analyzed in youth or youthfulness.

Yet, having type 2 diabetes implies that the body can't utilize insulin appropriately, and this type is more normal in people beyond 40 years old years. Type 2 diabetes represents 95% of all analyzed diabetes cases.


What one needs to know about symptoms or signs?
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

High levels of sugar in blood and urine
Increased hunger and thirst
Weight loss
Frequent urination
Tiredness
Nausea and vomiting
Mood swings
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar but may also include blurred vision, dry skin and skin infections. Symptoms develop gradually in type 2 diabetes, while type 1 diabetes progresses faster.

Which specialist should be consulted in case of signs and symptoms?
Individuals experiencing any of the above symptoms must consult their primary physician, who would refer the patient to an endocrinologist (specialist in diabetes and other disorders).

What are the screening tests and investigations done to confirm or rule out the disorder?
Fasting blood glucose test is most commonly used for diagnosing diabetes. Blood is drawn in fasting condition and once again after a meal. A blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher after eight-hour fast signals diabetes. Alternatively, a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher at any time of day also indicates diabetes. Gestational diabetes is also determined through a blood test for glucose level, but the cutoff levels vary since glucose levels in pregnant women are lower.

What treatment modalities are available for management of the disorder?
Let’s treat diabetes! A healthy diet, physical activity and insulin injections at regular intervals are used to treat and control type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes also require oral medication or insulin, or both to control blood glucose levels.

What are the known complications in management of the disorder?
Diabetes is associated with complications that affect almost every part of the body. These include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputation, and nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes can also complicate pregnancy or lead to birth defects in babies.

What precautions or steps are necessary to stay healthy and happy during the treatment?
Type 1 diabetes’ patients must take the regular insulin injections as prescribed by their doctor. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through a healthy diet and exercise routine.

How can the disorder be prevented from happening or recurring?
Significant research is being conducted to decipher the role of genes in triggering diabetes in some individuals. However, studies also show the effect of regular exercise in reducing the risk to the disease.

For more details call us at 021-111-942-942 or WhatsApp us at 0321-3660249 or visit: http://www.ziauddinhospital.com 


References:  

  • “Basics About Diabetes,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/learn.htm
  • Diabetes Overview,” Diabetes.niddk.nih.gov, National Diabetes Information
Clearinghouse (NDIC), https://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/overview/
  • “Diabetes Overview,” WebMD.com, https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-overview
  • “What is Diabetes?” Diabetes.co.UK, https://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-diabetes.html

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