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Diabetes affects millions of people around India and the world. While it is possible to reverse diabetes, it important to stay informed, and understand the implications and its various treatments.
It is essential to look into the types, causes, and symptoms to understand the truth of diabetes.
Also read: The comprehensive diabetes guide
Type I Diabetes
Type II Diabetes
In type II diabetes, the pancreas are unable to make insulin, or produce insufficient insulin for the body. People suffering from type II diabetes can address the problem that cannot be addressed in type I diabetes. Type II diabetics can reverse the condition with proper diet, exercise and required medication.
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Type 2 diabetics are susceptible to various short-term complications like hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar level), and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), which is very high blood glucose.
Short- And Long-Term Complications
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) can cause due to certain medicine intake (for example - taking aspirin of more than 81mg dose), or alcohol consumption which can keep the liver from releasing glucose. The best ways to treat mild cases of hypoglycemia are orange juice or glucose tablets as they quickly raise the blood glucose levels.
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Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
If high blood glucose levels in HHNS are not treated immediately, it can cause death. HHNS occurs when you're sick, and the elderly are most likely to develop it. When the blood glucose level starts to rise, the body tries to get rid of excess glucose through frequent urination. This further dehydrates the body, making you extremely thirsty. If not rehydrated immediately, the blood glucose level will continue to climb. It can spike to a level where it will put the patient into a coma. It is highly important to keep close watch on the blood glucose levels when sick.
Microvascular Complications: Eye, Kidney, and Nerve Disease
The constant rise of high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels.
Eyes: Blood glucose levels through a long pervious of time can cause cataracts, retinopathy or both. Both the conditions together can cause loss of vision. To avoid the long-term problem, it is advisable to keep the blood glucose level stable and to go for regular eye check-up.
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Kidneys: If diabetic nephropathy is untreated, it can lead to impaired kidney function, and later dialysis and kidney transplant. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause the kidneys to fail and the result for the same will be inability to clean the blood properly. To prevent diabetic nephropathy, one should be tested every year for microalbuminuria - an early sign of kidney problems. The test measures how much protein is in the urine. Medications can prevent further damage, once microalbuminuria is diagnosed.
Nerves: Nerve damage caused by diabetes is also known as diabetic neuropathy. If the tiny blood vessels get damaged, they cause blood vessel blockage. The easiest preventive measure is to control blood sugar levels and go for regular tests. One of the serious complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, where feet get sore. People suffering from it may not realise.
Macrovascular Complications: The Heart, Brain, and Blood Vessels
Type 2 diabetes can also affect the large blood vessels, causing plaque to eventually build up and potentially leading to a heart attack, stroke or vessel blockage in the legs (peripheral vascular disease).
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To prevent heart disease and stroke as a result of diabetes, you should manage your diabetes well, but you should also make heart-healthy choices. Don't smoke, keep your blood pressure under control, and check your cholesterol annually to avoid all complications.
(The author is cardio metabolic physician at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.)
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