Diabetes is a Dreadful Disease
Daniel Andrade
January 16, 2008
Diabetes is a disease caused by marked increase in blood glucose level.
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.
The main cause of diabetes is deficiency in the hormone insulin produced by the islets of langerhans in pancreas or the inability of the cells in the body to take up the produced insulin. The main energy producing molecule in the body is glucose obtained from the metabolism of the consumed diet. This glucose is the source of fuel for the body. The main role of insulin is that, to move the glucose from the bloodstream to muscle, fat and liver cells where it can be stored and used when needed.
The above said mechanism is completely blocked in diabetes mellitus. The main types of diabetes is TYPE I diabetes in which the body makes little insulin and daily dosage of insulin must be taken to prolong life. In TYPE II diabetes usually occurs in adulthood where the pancreas does not make enough insulin and body does not respond well to produced insulin. People with this type of diabetes get diagnosed only in later stages.
RISK FACTORS:
Genetic predisposition (parents, brother or sister with diabetes )
Obesity
Age (above 40 yrs consistent check of diabetes is essential )
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High triglyceride level
Sedentary life
Smoking and alcohol
SYMPTOMS:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing infections
TREATMENT:
There is no cure for diabetes but proper medications, diet and physical exercise can control the blood sugar level and prevent complications. The diet plan for a diabetic is based on height, weight, age, sex, physical activity and nature of diabetes. While planning diet, the dietician has to consider complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels.
Fiber content, 40 gm / day
Instead of 3 heavy meals, we should go for 4-5 small mid intervals
Replace bakery products and fast foods by simple whole cooked cereals.
Consume fresh fruit and vegetables at least 5 exchange/ day
SELF TESTING:
Your doctor may ask you to check the blood sugar level at home. They usually require a drop of blood. Self monitoring helps to maintain your diet, medication and exercise in a coordinated way. The American Diabetes Association recommends that premeal blood sugar levels fall in the range of 80 to 120 mg/dL and bedtime blood levels fall in the range of 100 to 140 mg/dL. Your doctor may adjust this depending on your circumstances.
FOOT CARE:
Due to the damage to blood vessels and nerves and decreased ability to combat infection people with diabetes are prone to foot problems. If left untreated they may lead to amputation of the foot. Thus a regular routine for checking and caring the foot is necessary.
Every problem has a solution and with the advancement in science and technology in this era, all the diseases can be controlled effectively with healthy life style.
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.
The main cause of diabetes is deficiency in the hormone insulin produced by the islets of langerhans in pancreas or the inability of the cells in the body to take up the produced insulin. The main energy producing molecule in the body is glucose obtained from the metabolism of the consumed diet. This glucose is the source of fuel for the body. The main role of insulin is that, to move the glucose from the bloodstream to muscle, fat and liver cells where it can be stored and used when needed.
The above said mechanism is completely blocked in diabetes mellitus. The main types of diabetes is TYPE I diabetes in which the body makes little insulin and daily dosage of insulin must be taken to prolong life. In TYPE II diabetes usually occurs in adulthood where the pancreas does not make enough insulin and body does not respond well to produced insulin. People with this type of diabetes get diagnosed only in later stages.
RISK FACTORS:
Genetic predisposition (parents, brother or sister with diabetes )
Obesity
Age (above 40 yrs consistent check of diabetes is essential )
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High triglyceride level
Sedentary life
Smoking and alcohol
SYMPTOMS:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing infections
TREATMENT:
There is no cure for diabetes but proper medications, diet and physical exercise can control the blood sugar level and prevent complications. The diet plan for a diabetic is based on height, weight, age, sex, physical activity and nature of diabetes. While planning diet, the dietician has to consider complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels.
Fiber content, 40 gm / day
Instead of 3 heavy meals, we should go for 4-5 small mid intervals
Replace bakery products and fast foods by simple whole cooked cereals.
Consume fresh fruit and vegetables at least 5 exchange/ day
SELF TESTING:
Your doctor may ask you to check the blood sugar level at home. They usually require a drop of blood. Self monitoring helps to maintain your diet, medication and exercise in a coordinated way. The American Diabetes Association recommends that premeal blood sugar levels fall in the range of 80 to 120 mg/dL and bedtime blood levels fall in the range of 100 to 140 mg/dL. Your doctor may adjust this depending on your circumstances.
FOOT CARE:
Due to the damage to blood vessels and nerves and decreased ability to combat infection people with diabetes are prone to foot problems. If left untreated they may lead to amputation of the foot. Thus a regular routine for checking and caring the foot is necessary.
Every problem has a solution and with the advancement in science and technology in this era, all the diseases can be controlled effectively with healthy life style.
Print
Share
Email
