Diabetes, often called the “silent killer,” continues to affect millions of people worldwide. This condition of the body progresses very slowly and almost imperceptibly in such a way that if not controlled it causes very serious complications for the body and leads the person towards death. It is often seen that the person is dying due to complications arising out of diabetes. In this blog post we will look at some important topics about diabetes like – what is diabetes, what causes diabetes, what are the different types of diabetes, how is diabetes measured, how can diabetes be controlled through lifestyle changes and home remedies etc. About the subjects and finally I will discuss some questions about diabetes that often come to our mind. But before starting the main discussion, we will take a look at the global impact of diabetes through global statistics on diabetes.

Global Statistics on Diabetes

According to the information provided by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), a worrying picture of the global diabetes situation can be seen. For example –

 Around 537 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes in 2021 and by 2045 that number is expected to reach around 783 million.

 According to the data, it is reported that 1 in 10 people worldwide is suffering from diabetes.

 Diabetes was responsible for nearly 6.7 million deaths worldwide in 2021, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

 Studies have shown that more than 80% of people with diabetes worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to advanced and modern quality health services is very limited.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the human body's ability to control its own blood sugar levels is reduced or destroyed. This condition occurs in the body when the body either cannot produce enough insulin or becomes insulin resistant. Simply put, insulin is a hormone that helps glucose molecules enter cells to be used as energy. But when glucose molecules cannot enter cells due to lack of insulin, they circulate in the bloodstream. This, in turn, creates high blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia), which over time can damage various parts of the body.

How Does Diabetes Occur ?

It can be very simply said that diabetes occurs due to problems related to the production or supply of insulin hormone in the body and the functioning of insulin –

1) Insulin Deficiency – In some cases, the body cannot produce enough insulin hormone from the pancreas for itself.

2) Insulin Resistance – In some special cases, the body's cells cannot respond properly to insulin despite the body's pancreas providing enough insulin hormone.

Moreover, diabetes can develop due to poor food intake, poor diet, lack of sufficient physical activity, obesity, genetic factors, age and stress.

Types of Diabetes

In general, there are mainly three types of diabetes:

1) Type 1 Diabetes – This is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system itself attacks and sometimes destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The problem usually develops in childhood or adolescence, but it can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections as a last resort.

2) Type 2 Diabetes – This can be said to be the most common form of diabetes, even studies have shown that 90-95% of all diabetics suffer from this problem. It usually: develops in adulthood. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin and the body's pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs. Generally: Poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, physical inactivity, obesity etc. factors are found to be responsible for this type of diabetes.

3) Gestational Diabetes – This type of diabetes usually occurs due to: Hormonal changes during pregnancy in women. It has generally been found to go away after childbirth, but the person concerned remains at risk of having type 2 diabetes return later in life.

Measuring Diabetes

Measuring and monitoring blood sugar levels is very important for the control and management of diabetes. Commonly the following tests are applied to diagnose and monitor –

1) Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test – This test measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. A blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher is considered an indication of diabetes.

2) Random Blood Sugar (RBS) Test – In this test, the blood sugar level is checked by taking a blood sample taken at any time of the day. A blood result of 200 mg/dL or more is considered indicative of diabetes.

3) Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – This test is done by measuring the blood sugar level before and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich solution. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or more is considered a measure of diabetes in this test.

4) HbA1c Test – This test measures the average blood sugar level of the last 2-3 months. A result of 6.5% or more in this test is considered as an indication of diabetes.

Some Habits to Prevent and Control Diabetes

Poor lifestyle is one of the main causes of diabetes. So here we discuss some habits, which can be prevented or controlled by practicing and adopting them.

1) Healthy Eating – Choose foods that have a low glycemic index to eat. This means choosing foods that have a slow, steady effect on blood sugar. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats as food. Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks and drinks.

2) Exercise Regularly – Physical activity increases sensitivity to insulin, making the body better able to handle glucose. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. You can practice various simple physical exercises, such as - brisk walking, swimming, cycling etc.

3) Weight Maintenance - Maintaining weight according to body height is important and is a very important aspect in the prevention and control of diabetes. Moderate weight loss (5-10% of body weight) produces significant changes in blood sugar control.

4) Quit Smoking - Smoking increases the risk of diabetes and complications of diabetes as a result. For example - lung problems, heart problems and various kidney problems.

5) Adequate Sleep - Poor sleep or less than adequate daily sleep can affect how the body uses insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Every adult should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

6) Control Stress - Chronic stress can increase blood sugar levels. Controlling stress can control blood sugar levels. Meditation, Yoga, Pranayama etc help in reducing stress.

Some Home Remedies to Prevent Diabetes

Along with lifestyle changes, some home remedies help control blood sugar levels.

1) Bitter Gourd Juice : Bitter gourd juice is known for its blood sugar lowering properties. Bitter gourd juice or bitter gourd can be cooked and consumed in food.

2) Cinnamon : Studies have shown that cinnamon can increase insulin sensitivity and raise blood sugar levels. It can be used in teas, smoothies or sprinkled on food.

3) Fenugreek : This type of seed is rich in fiber. It helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates and can regulate blood sugar levels.

4) Apple Cider Vinegar : Drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar before eating any kind of food can reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating.

5) Aloe Vera : Studies and various tests have shown that aloe vera juice helps lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.

6) Physical Activity : Various physical exercises at home or at home, such as yoga, stretching, skipping to reduce body weight, etc. through physical activity can help control sugar levels.

Diabetes is currently a global health crisis and is often referred to as a silent killer. Because its symptoms can be subtle or go unnoticed until serious complications occur. However, with early detection, regular monitoring and lifestyle changes, diabetes can be effectively controlled. With healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management and natural remedies, we can protect ourselves from the dangers of diabetes and live a healthy life. Remember, knowledge is power and understanding the risks associated with diabetes can help us take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

F.A.Q on Diabetes

1) What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body loses its ability to regulate blood sugar levels on its own. Mainly: This condition is caused by insufficient insulin production (type 1), insulin resistance (type 2) and other reasons (eg gestational diabetes).

2) What are the main types of diabetes?

(a) Type 1 Diabetes – It is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces less insulin than before.

(b) Type 2 Diabetes – It is a metabolic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or the body does not produce enough insulin.

(c) Gestational diabetes – This mainly occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery, but later the risk of type 2 diabetes remains.

(d) Pre-diabetes – This is a condition where the blood sugar level appears high, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

3) What causes diabetes?

Diagnosing the cause of diabetes is not an easy task. Because it occurs due to various reasons, such as bad lifestyle, bad diet, genetic factors, obesity etc. etc. But basically: diabetes occurs due to some reasons, which I tried to tell according to categories.

(a) Type 1 Diabetes – Mainly due to genetics, various physical and environmental factors.

(b) Type 2 Diabetes – Mainly occurs due to factors like lifestyle, genetic predisposition, overweight or obesity.

4) What are the common symptoms of diabetes?

Here are some of the main symptoms of diabetes. But apart from these there are more symptoms.

(a) Thirst or thirst for water increases.

(b) May have frequent urination.

(d) Excessive fatigue or weakness in the body.

(e) Vision may be blurred.

(f) Delay in healing of body wounds or infections.

5) Can diabetes be cured?

There is generally no cure for type 1 diabetes. Lifestyle management, drug use and conditions can be controlled especially by the use of the insulin hormone.

However, type 2 diabetes can sometimes be reversed through lifestyle changes and dietary control. But nothing can be said for sure.

6) What complications can arise from diabetes?

Diabetes can cause a variety of serious physical complications. For example –

(a) May cause heart attack and stroke.

(b) Kidney damage may occur (diabetic nephropathy).

(d) May cause nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).

(e) Ulcers and infections may occur in different parts of the body (mainly legs).

7) How can complications be prevented?

A person with diabetes can prolong his life by keeping himself away from serious physical complications arising from diabetes. And that requires self-control, control and awareness.

(a) Control food habits and quantity and timing of food intake.

(b) If necessary, greed should be avoided on any special food.

(d) Develop a healthy lifestyle routine.

(e) Give up the habit of consuming alcohol and smoking.

(f) Keep sugar under control through various habits.

(g) Do regular health checks and try self-monitoring.

8) Can people with diabetes eat sugar?

Yes, eating sugar can continue. But it should be consumed very moderately and should have a proper balance with medicine, physical activity or exercise and overall diet.

9) How often should I check my blood sugar?

This mainly depends on the type of diabetes the person is suffering from and the treatment plan of the doctor. But in general: people with type 1 diabetes should check their blood sugar more than once a day, and people with type 2 diabetes should check their blood sugar at least once a day. But it is best to check your blood sugar as per your doctor's advice.

10) Can diabetes affect mental health?

Diabetes can affect mental health. Because diabetes creates conditions that influence things like stress, anxiety and depression. Therefore, emotional support and mental health care is very important for diabetic patients.

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Diabetes : "A Silent Killer"