Diabetes is a disease in which our bodies do not produce enough "Insulin" or effective insulin. Most of the components of our meal contain sugar. When we eat food, it is broken down into simple sugar called glucose. This glucose is taken by blood and it travels there freely till it is used by the cells to produce energy. Our cells use glucose to produce energy to work such as daily activities of walking, sitting, running etc. Apart from this, our body needs glucose for proper functioning of all organs like brain, heart, muscles, kidneys, lungs etc. However, insulin is required for the uptake of glucose by the cells. Without insulin our bodies are not able to use glucose effectively and our blood sugar levels increases. A gland in our bodies, known as, "Pancreas" produces exact amount of insulin, to breakdown the sugar produced in the body. A particular type of cells, known as, Beta Cells produce insulin in pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes is also called non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. This occurs around 35 to 40 years. The more common of the two types, it accounts for about 90 per cent of the diabetics. It is characterized by the inability of body to use insulin. Here, though the pancreas produce adequate insulin, body cells show reduced sensitivity towards it. Type 2 diabetes is usually triggered by obesity. The best way to fight it is by weight loss, exercise and dietary control. The treatment can be either through oral medication or through insulin injections.
The symptoms in Type 2 Diabetes are the same as Type 1 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is hard to detect. Many people with Type 2 Diabetes are often diagnosed several years later, when various complications are already present.
a) Extreme thirst and a dry mouth (Polydypsia)
b) Frequent urination (Polyuria)
c) Extreme hunger (Polyphagia)
d) Extreme tiredness/lack of energy
e) Sudden weight loss
f) Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
g) Sore or wounds that heal slowly
h) Recurrent infections
i) Blurred vision
j) Irritability
b) Frequent urination (Polyuria)
c) Extreme hunger (Polyphagia)
d) Extreme tiredness/lack of energy
e) Sudden weight loss
f) Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
g) Sore or wounds that heal slowly
h) Recurrent infections
i) Blurred vision
j) Irritability
Primary Prevention: Primary prevention is a very promising strategy to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and its complications for individuals who are at risk of developing diabetes. It is beneficial for older people who are at risk of developing type II diabetes. No researches have concluded that type I diabetes can be prevented by any strategy.Timely intervention of primary prevention can not only prevent from diabetes but also reduce the risk of developing heart disease other associated disorders. The various components of primary prevention are lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight, healthy diet with proper nutrition, regular physical activity and health check- ups at desired intervals.
Secondary Prevention: Secondary prevention is targeted at the early detection of the complications associated with diabetes, so that they can be prevented. Secondary prevention ensures cost effectiveness in terms of reduced treatment cost and hospitalization requirements to treat the complications of diabetes and also helps a diabetic in attaining good quality of life. Researches have proved that diabetic individuals, who are able to manage their blood sugar levels effectively, have reduced incidence of complications related to diabetes and have a better quality of life.
Secondary Prevention: Secondary prevention is targeted at the early detection of the complications associated with diabetes, so that they can be prevented. Secondary prevention ensures cost effectiveness in terms of reduced treatment cost and hospitalization requirements to treat the complications of diabetes and also helps a diabetic in attaining good quality of life. Researches have proved that diabetic individuals, who are able to manage their blood sugar levels effectively, have reduced incidence of complications related to diabetes and have a better quality of life.
