Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is the common disease seen in the United States. It is estimated that 16 million Americans are already caught with diabetes, and 5.4 million diabetics are not aware of the existing disease. Diabetes prevalence has increased steadily in the last half of this century and will continue rising among U.S. population. It believed to be one of the main criterions for deaths in United States every year. This diabetes information hub tries to project the necessary steps and precautions to be taken, to control and eradicate diabetes completely.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where in human body does not produce or properly uses insulin, a hormone that is required to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Diabetes is characterized by constant high levels of blood glucose (sugar). Human body has to maintain the blood glucose level at a very narrow range, which is done with insulin and glucagon. The function of glucagon is to release glucose from the liver to the blood stream so that, it can be transported to body tissues and cells for the production of energy.

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes impede a person’s carefree life. When breakdown of glucose is stopped completely, body uses fat and protein for producing the energy. Due to this mechanism symptoms like polydipsia, polyuria, polyphegia, and excessive weight loss can be observed in a diabetic. Desired blood sugar of human body should be maintained between 70 mg/dl -110 mg/dl at fasting state. If blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dl, it is termed as hypoglycemia and if more than 110 mg /dl, it’s hyperglycemia.

Diabetes is the primary reason for adult blindness, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), gangrene and amputations. Overweight, lack of exercise, family history and stress increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. When blood sugar level is constantly high it leads to kidney failure, cardiovascular problems and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes are 4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease and stroke. In addition, Gestational diabetes is more dangerous for pregnant women and their fetus.

Having complete diabetes information is very essential as, Diabetes mellitus is not completely curable but can be managed successfully. The control of diabetes mostly depends on the patient and it is his/her responsibility to take care of their diet, exercise and medication. Advances in diabetes research have led to better ways of controlling diabetes and treating its complications. Hence it includes:-

• New improved Insulin and its therapy, (external and implantable insulin pumps) have advanced well to manage elevated blood sugars without any allergic reactions.
• Oral hypoglycemic drugs, controls diabetes type 2.
• New improved blood glucose monitors (new device for self blood glucose monitoring), and hemoglobin A1c laboratory test to measure blood glucose control during previous 3 months.
• Effective availability of the treatments for affected body organs due to diabetes.
• Better ways to manage health of the mother and the fetus during the gestational diabetes phase.