Layman’s Guide To Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the world. At present there is no cure for diabetes. It is a lifestyle disease, meaning the patient has to alter his lifestyle and learn to live with it. People can live very comfortably with diabetes if they take care of their health and follow some discipline. Diabetes occur because our beta cells near the pancreas fail to produce enough insulin. Insulin produced by our body helps to convert glucose to energy. The food we eat turns into glucose and the lack of insulin in diabetics fail to convert it into energy. Therefore, diabetics have high sugar in their blood and low energy in their body. There are two types of diabetes.

1.      Type 1 Diabetes. In this type the body does not produce insulin. Thus, the patient has to depend on insulin injections. Insulin injections are the safest option for diabetics as they have nearly no side effects.

2.      Type 2 Diabetes. In this type the body does not produce enough insulin. Thus, the patient has to depend on oral medicines.

As diabetes is a life long disease, diabetics should take care of the following things.

1.      Diabetics, especially insulin dependent are at a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in which the sugar level drops considerably. The patient needs to take some form of glucose orally. Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are body weakness, blurred/ double vision, change in behavior

2.      The patient should regularly keep a tab on their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

3.      Diabetics are at a greater risk of thyroid. Regular check ups are a necessity.

4.      Eyes are a delicate part and uncontrolled diabetes aggravates the risk of blindness. The process is not reversible. Therefore, regular eye check up is a must.

5.      Diabetics should also look after their feet. Fungal infections on the feet can become serious if not treated timely.

6.      Kidneys are the worst affected in diabetics if diabetes goes uncontrolled for a long period.

7.      Prolonged diabetes can weaken the nerves sensation. Take care of hands and feet going numb frequently.

For a better life, diabetics should follow discipline. They should eat at proper timings, eat sensibly, go for regular walks, be regular in their medications, don’t skip meals, eat at regular intervals, keep regular check ups of their blood sugar levels through home testing with glucometers, visit their dentist and eye specialist at least once a year. Taking care of these points will help a diabetic to live without any health hassle.