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WHAT IS DIABETES? |
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Diabetes is metabolic abnormality in which your body is unable to utilize the glucose for its energy requirements.
The food that we eat gets digested in the stomach and intestines and is then absorbed into the blood. Digestion of carbohydrates yields glucose, Digestion of proteins yields amino acids and digestion of fats yields fatty acids. These simple substances after absorption from the intestines are carried in the blood to be supplied to all the cells in our body for their day-to-day requirements.
For the cells to be able to use these substances, it is essential to have a hormone called insulin in the blood. |
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TYPES OF DIABETES: |
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There are two main types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes or IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), here the body makes very little or no insulin. An autoimmune process destroys the beta cells of the pancreas. These patients requires insulin injections for controlling their diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is generally seen in children.
Type 2 diabetes or NIDDM (Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus). Here the beta cells of the pancreas are not destroyed as in Type 1 diabetes. They can still make some insulin, but the insulin does not work properly due to peripheral insulin resistance. Such patients are generally overweight, and are treated with OHA, i.e. oral hypoglycemic agents, or tablets.
Type II diabetics may sometimes require insulin treatment as well.
Both types of diabetes can cause complications and need to be controlled. |
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CRITERIA FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES |
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Venous Plasma glucose mg/100 ml |
| Fasting |
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126 |
2 Hours after 75 gms of glucose |
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200 |
| Random |
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200 |
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CAN DIABETES BE PREVENTED? |
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Type 2 or NIDDM has a genetic basis.
“The Diabetic Canon is loaded by your genes. Obesity and other factors are required to pull the trigger to
make to make you a full blown diabetic”
Today prevention of diabetes could become a reality. |
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WHAT ARE THE PROPER FOOD CHOICES? |
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Evidence from numerous recent studies document the importance of a high-fiber, High-complex–carbohydrate diet in improving glucose metabolism. This is an important and relatively new idea. Before about 1980, doctors had always steered their patients towards a low- carbo hydrate diet.
As you know, food consists of three nutrients: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Proteins are used to material. Fats are a sime-permanent from of nutrient Storage. You might envision them as an emergency or backup fuel system. But when it comes to keeping the body running (or walking or talking ), carbohydrates are the real workhorses of the nutrient family. During digestion, carbohydrates are converted either into glucose or glycogen. Glucose is used for immediate energy. Glycogen is glucose in temporary storage, poised and ready to be retrieved at precisely the moment the body calls for energy. |
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TREATMENT OF DIABETES |
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The treatment of diabetes involves: |
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1. Diet |
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2. Exercise |
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3. Medications |
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a. Oral drugs |
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b. Insulin injections |
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COMPLICATION OF DIABETES |
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Short term Complications like |
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1. Hypoglycemia |
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2. ketoacidosis |
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Hyperosmolar or Nonketotic coma |
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Long term complications |
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Eye problems like Premature development of cataracts & various degree of retinal damage. |
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CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS |
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What do you mean by 'cardiovascular complication’ and how are they related to diabetes? |
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The word cardiovascular means 'of the heart and blood vessels'. Cardiovascular complications are problems such as angina, heart attack, stroke and others related to reduced supply of blood to parts of the body. Just as diabetes changes the shape of the small blood vessels (known as micro vascular changes), it also appear thicken and obstruct the walls of the large blood vessels, thus restricting blood flow. These are called macro vascular changes. Macro vascular changes (such as hardening of the arteries) have been called the 'underlying event' behind most cardiovascular disease. There’s doubt about it - cardiovascular complications are very serious side-effects of diabetes. |
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FOOT CARE |
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Care of the feet is of paramount importance in a diabetic. The most common and agonizing problems are related to the feet.
Circulation in the legs of diabetics is often impaired and there can be associated nerve damage. Besides, the presence of high blood sugar make the diabetic more prone to infections.
Even minor wound in diabetics may take longer to heal and requires more care. This makes the foot of a diabetic most vulnerable to damage and hence extra care should be taken to avoid this problem. |
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FOOT PROBLEMS |
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Vascular complications damage blood vessels and diminish blood flow to the legs and feet. Diabetes lose sensations in their lower legs and foot. minor cuts, bruises, blisters can progress to serious foot gimlets |
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