Diabetes Mellitus - Dr. Sankaran's Clinic

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COMMON DISEASES > DIABETES MELLITUS

What is Diabetes mellitus?

          It is a very common & prevalent disorder of today's world that affects the manner in which
the body handles carbohydrates (sugars and starches), fats and proteins.

          The most important sign of diabetes is a high level of blood glucose (blood sugar). Because
blood sugar level is regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, the
mechanism behind diabetes is related to both the body's level of insulin and how efficiently
body cells respond to that insulin.

What are the types of Diabetes ?

          There are two different types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Only about 5% of people with
diabetes have Type 1, also called "juvenile diabetes" or "insulin-dependent diabetes." This
type of diabetes happens because the pancreas can no longer produce insulin, and it
usually starts in childhood or adolescence.

          Type 2, also called "non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)," or "adult onset
diabetes" usually begins after age 40. This type of diabetes happens because the body's
tissues become resistant to the action of insulin

          In patients with Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas initially secretes large amounts of insulin to
overcome the insulin resistance. However,eventually the pancreas cannot keep up with the
demand, and diabetes develops. In patients with Type 2 diabetes, the disease is often
heredetary and passed on through generations.

What are the most common Symptoms :

i. Excessive urination or thirst & hunger

ii. Sudden pronounced weight loss

iii. Delay in healing of wounds

iv. Icreased susceptibility to various infections.

How Diabetes is diagnosed ?

          Diagnosis of diabetes is made when your fasting blood glucose is 120 mg/dL on more than
one blood test.

Are there any complications of Diabetes?

          Too many ! Diabetes over a long duration of time can damage severely the heart , kidneys ,
eyes, nerves. It can also lead to a potentially fatal Hypoglycemia (lowering of blood sugar
level).

How soon can I get free from Diabetes ?or is there any prevention ?

          Diabetes is a lifelong illness. Presently there is no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes. One can
avoid NIDDM ( type 2 diabetes)by maintaining proper body weight, especially if you have a
strong family history of the illness.

          If one already has diabetes, one delay the onset of late stage complications (retinopathy,
neuropathy, nephropathy etc.) by keeping tight control of blood sugar.

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