Diabetes: An evolving epidemic; causes and prevention

My today’s topic is more out of concern on how diabetes is becoming an epidemic in India and worldwide also.

Statistics of people having diabetes

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that nearly 200 million people all over the world suffer from diabetes and this number is likely to be doubled by 2030. Even as nations prepare to mark World Diabetes Day on November 14, WHO says about 80% of the diabetes deaths occur in middle-income countries. In India, there are nearly 50 million diabetics, according to the statistics of the International Diabetes Federation.” Source

Causes and Types of Diabetes

Types: Diabetes is of two types:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Type 2 Diabetes

Cause: The pancreas (organ in the digestive system) makes a hormone called insulin. This hormone allows the body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use.

The causes of both types of diabetic are different.

In Type 1 Diabetes the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.

In Type 2 Diabetes the body makes insulin but the cells don’t use it as well as they should. They become insulin resistance.It becomes difficult for the body’s cells to absorb and use the insulin.

Details on the Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

This is called by automimmune action where the immune system is targeting the insulin produced in the body. This results in low insulin level in the blood.

This lack of insulin causes high blood sugar.

The only treatment available at present is to take insulin (in form of injections).

Symptoms of this diabetes are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, and weight loss, feeling tired, blurred vision, poor healing.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. It is estimated that 10% of the people having diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes rest 90% are of Type 2.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is also known as Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

The various risk factors for type 2 diabetes are :

• Genes : Diabetes is largely a hereditary disease. The chances to have this disease increases if your parents have diabetes.
• Obesity
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Age
• Bad diet

Type 2 diabetes generally occurs as a result of obesity and lack of exercise. Some people are more genetically at risk than others.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:

Below are the general symptoms of Diabetes. You can confirm the disease by checking your blood sugar level.

• Frequent thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Being irritable
• Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
• Feeling worn out
• Wounds taking time to heal

Prevention

Simple changes in your lifestyle can help you to keep diabetes at the bay.

Eat right: Have a well balanced diet. Include lots of fiber in your diet.Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and nuts. Switch to whole grain. Use bread, pasta and cereals of whole grain. If you are addicted to tea and coffee, reduced their intake. Avoid soda and other fizzy drinks.

Become more physical active and lose extra weight: Your health is in your hands. Make physical activity a part of your life. Take stairs, walk to the nearest store, play with children or play some sports, exercise or do Yoga.

I will be soon covering the Yoga asanas that are helpful for diabetic patient.

Till then Happy Practicing.

Please note I am not a medical practitioner. The  information is based solely on my research.