Diabetes Information
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects person’s insulin making capacity. Insulin is a hormone that allows blood sugar or glucose to enter the body cells. Because of diabetes, a large amount of glucose remains in the blood and raises blood sugar levels, which is harmful for eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and blood vessels.
The common symptoms of diabetes include too much urination or polyuria, excessive thirst or polydipsia, loss of weight, excessive starvation, nausea, extreme tiredness, infections, irritability and tiredness. There are three major types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, Type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus.
In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin, because of autuimmune reaction or possibly viral attack on pancreas. In absence of insulin, body cells do not obtain glucose for developing ATP (Adenosin Triphosphate) units.
Type 2 is most common type of diabetes that has affected around 75-85% of people throughout the world. The major cause behind Type-2 diabetes is heredity, and other factors include obesity, high blood pressure and lack of proper diet.
The third type is GDM or gestational diabetes, and its main causes are heredity, increased maternal age, fatness etc. It increases the chances for mother to develop permanent diabetes and sometimes the child also develops diabetes in later age.
Diabetes is a fatal disease that has no cure, but it can be controlled. There are many different ways to control diabetic levels. It is very important for diabetics to maintain proper blood glucose level with regular exercise, regular check-ups and taking proper diet. Sometime oral medications like sulfonylurea drugs, meglitinides and thiazolidinediones also help type-2 diabetes patient to put control over problem.