World Diabetes Day: Information on the silent killer

World Diabetes Day is observed around the world on 14^th November. The objective of this day is to spread the awareness about increasing number of people being affected by diabetes. This day emphasises the need to have proper education on the risk factors of diabetes along with its prevention and treatment. World Diabetes Day is also celebrated as the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin and used it on humans for the first time.

Diabetes is slowly becoming a silent killer across the globe and it is spreading its roots at an alarming pace in India (65 million diabetics). In 2010, this figure was 50.8 million. According to the World Health Organisation, by 2030, diabetes will be 7th leading cause of death. The occurrence of diabetes for all age-groups around the world is estimated to be 4.4% in 2030, a rise from 2.8% in 2000. Increase in the number of diabetics is because of population growth, ageing, urbanisation, lack of exercises and increase in obese people.

Three forms of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes

In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Type 1 Diabetes, also referred to as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes is the most common disorder diagnosed in children. A balanced diet, regular exercise and timely insulin intake can help lead a normal life.

Type 2 Diabetes or Adult Diabetes

In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin in appropriate measure which is known as insulin resistance. In the beginning, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it will not be able to make enough insulin to keep your blood sugar levels at bay. Typically, type 2 diabetes is the result of excess body fat and physical inactivity. Healthy diet, regular physical activity and shedding extra body weight helps in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes affects women during pregnancy, normally around the 24^th week. In gestational diabetes, pancreas work extra to produce insulin, but the insulin does not lower your blood glucose levels. So the extra blood glucose goes through the placenta giving the baby high blood glucose levels. This causes the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin to get rid of the blood glucose. 

Treatment for all types of diabetes is available. Type 1 diabetes lasts a lifetime, there is no known cure. Type 2 usually lasts a lifetime; however, some people have managed to get rid of their symptoms without medication, through a combination of exercise, diet and body weight control. 

One thing that every diabetic need to do is to undergo regular tests and monitoring to ensure that all the vital parameters are normal. However, a strict approach is needed to address the diabetes epidemic.