Diabetes in Simple Language

The human body is a complex machine where all forces that act together make it function effectively and efficiently. Our body is guarded by the immune system, which protects us constantly from infectious organisms and other invaders.

Sometimes the defense system doesn't recognize self from non-self, and mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy organs and tissues as though they were foreign. This can lead to autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, where children do not produce insulin due to their own autoimmune destruction of beta cells that produce insulin and control blood sugar. Diabetes is diagnosed when fasting blood glucose is greater than or equal to 120mg/dL and also by measuring glycated haemoglobin HbA1c > 6.5. Diabetes causes damage by exposing organs and tissues to high blood sugar levels over periods of months to years. Therefore, strict blood sugar control is vitally important in minimizing organ damage from diabetes. This is achieved by a combination of dietary restrictions and the use of oral medications and/or insulin.

Constant monitoring of blood sugars is essential. Weight management is essential, though obesity usually does not in itself cause kidney disease. However, it may increase the risk of kidney damage from diabetes, hypertension, and certain other types of kidney disease. Weight loss may make diabetes easier to control, reduce blood pressure, and reduce chances of kidney disease.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when either the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or blood sugar doesn't respond or fails to use insulin properly, even though it is produced in normal quantity. This is called insulin resistance. As we eat, the pancreas starts secreting insulin in blood stream. It acts like a key that unlocks the doors of cells, allowing the blood sugar to enter in these cells to get stored for energy. The blood sugar also enters the liver for storage. This results in a drop of of blood sugar levels to normal. Insulin deficiency results from overuse or abuse of insulin by eating unhealthy food and lack of exercise, or genetic inheritance. Whatever type of diabetes we're talking about, the basic problem lies with the impaired secretion of insulin.

Symptoms are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, dizziness, and unexplained weight loss, among others. Over time, high blood glucose levels may damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes, proper diet, exercise, oral Antidiabetic medication, insulin if not controlled by oral medications, or both.

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