World Diabetes Day is observed around the world on 14th
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 24th 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.
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