Diabetes: Types, Health Complications, Prevention

Diabetes is an ailment that emerges while your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is the primary spring of energy for the body and comes from the food you consume. A hormone formed by the pancreas, known as insulin, assists in transferring glucose from the blood into each cell of your body to be utilized for energy. But, with diabetes, your body doesn’t use enough insulin or can’t efficiently use the insulin your body makes. Over a prolonged period of glucose getting stored in the blood, cause damage to your nerves, eyes, kidneys and other organs. In this article,
Dr Kausthub Desikachar talks about Diabetes: Types, Health Complications, Prevention.

Types Of Diabetes

1.Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It was previously recognized as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system automatically attacks and slaughters the cells in the pancreas, where insulin is produced. This leaves you with limited or no insulin. People with Type 1 Diabetes require artificial insulin every day to stay alive. Studies clarify that there is no apparent reason for this attack, and around 10% of people are affected with Type 1 Diabetes all over the world.

2.Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes, also formerly recognized as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most prevalent, and about 90-95% of people are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. This type of diabetes develops even during adolescence. However, oftentimes through mid-life and older people. Type 2 diabetes impairs the process by which the body utilizes insulin. The body still utilizes the insulin, but the body’s cells do not react to it adequately as they formerly did. Hence, blood sugar cannot be sustained at healthy levels. Type 2 Diabetes may not show up any indications, so it’s essential to get your blood sugar tested once in six months to know if you are at risk.

3.PreDiabetes

Prediabetes is a stage before type 2 diabetes. In this type of diabetes, your blood glucose levels are higher than normal levels but not adequate to be precisely diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is known to raise your risk for type 2 diabetes, but you can reverse it with lifestyle changes.

4.Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes emerges in pregnant women who previously had no diabetes. This kind of diabetes usually becomes back to normal after pregnancy. However, if you had gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, you’re at greater risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes later on in life.

Effects Of Diabetes On Your Body

The complications of diabetes develop gradually when blood sugar is left uncontrolled or untreated for an extended period.

Possible complications include:

•   Cardiovascular disease
•   Depression
•   Kidney disease requiring dialysis
•   Diabetic retinopathy
•   Nerve damage in the feet requiring amputation
•   Skin problems
•   Hearing impairment
•   Periodontal disease – Dental and Gum disease
•   Alzheimer’s disease
  
  

Prevent, Reverse, Or Manage Diabetes With A Healthy Diet And Lifestyle

Dr Kausthub Desikachar shares a list of healthy actions a person must take to be on the safer side and prevent, reverse or manage diabetes.

• Have a balanced and wholesome meal high in fresh, protein-rich and nutritious meals. Include whole grains, sprouts, fresh produce of fruits, vegetables, legumes, low-fat pure dairy, and healthy fats like dates, nuts and seeds.
• Avoid foods high on sugar, such as flavoured sodas, deep-fried foods, candies, desserts, bakery and confectionery foods.
• Refrain yourself from indulging in processed foods. Any food which is not fresh produce, wholesome is processed. To name a few, biscuits, cookies, puffs, cutlets, chips. The most reliable way to stay healthy is to have home food, fresh and made by you with no preservatives or added colours, tastemakers, etc. 
• Avoiding excessive drinking of alcohol.
• Engage in any physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or Yoga.
• Manage your BMI, which can help you reverse Type 2 Diabetes. A slow, gradual and healthy weight loss plan will help you reap long term benefits.
  
  

Dr Kausthub Desikachar wishes all his readers excellent health.