WHAT IS DIABETES 

Diabetes is a disease that leads to increased blood glucose or blood sugar levels.  Our cells and brain requires glucose for energy derived from the food we eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into the cells. 

Types of Diabetes: Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 and type 2 diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not make or use insulin well. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes - i.e blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes; and gestational diabetes - diabetes condition seen in pregnant women.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES 

• Feeling rapidly thirsty
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger 
• Unexplained weight loss or gain 
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing sores
• Frequent infections (dental, skin , genital mainly)

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Tests for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes

• Glycated haemoglobin (A1C) test
• Random and Fasting blood sugar tests
• Urine Test to detect autoantibodies

Tests for gestational diabetes:

• Initial glucose challenge test.
• Follow-up glucose tolerance testing 

Treatment: Treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

• Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. 
• Treatment of type 2 diabetes primarily involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of  blood sugar, along with diabetes medications, insulin or both.
• In some people who have type 1 diabetes, a pancreas transplant may be an option. 
• Bariatric surgery 

Treatment for gestational diabetes: Controlling blood sugar level is essential to keep the baby healthy and avoiding complications during delivery. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, the treatment plan may include monitoring pregnant mother’s blood sugar and, in some cases, using insulin or oral medications.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

• Consult a Doctor in case of any symptoms of diabetes, earlier diagnosis increases the possibility of better treatment. 
• Long-term complications of diabetes can be highly disabling or life-threatening, such as:
  • Hypertension 
  • Cardiovascular problems 
  • Excessive sugar can result in nerve damage (neuropathy) 
  • Kidney damage (nephropathy)
  • Eye damage (retinopathy) 
  • Foot damage (severe infection may require toe, foot or leg amputation)
  • Skin damage ( susceptibility to various infections)
  • Hearing problems 
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Depression
  • Low blood sugar in newborns of a diabetic mother 
  • Babies at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later born to a diabetic mother
  • Untreated gestational diabetes can result in a baby's death 
  • Preeclampsia (both mother and baby at risk)
  • In case if gestational diabetes in first pregnancy, it might repeat in second too
  • Women with gestational diabetes  more likely to develop type 2 diabetes 
  • Prediabetes may develop into type 2 diabetes
• Preventive tips to stay away from diabetes:
  • Eat healthy and balanced foods as detailed by the dietician
  • Get more physical activity 
  • Schedule a yearly physical and regular eye examination
  • Lose excess weight
  • Keep the vaccinations up-to-date 
  • Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
  • Take care of dental health
  • Quit Smoking and any other form of Tobacco.Avoid alcohol
  • Take less stress. Get adequate sleep