Health Read

DIABETES

What is it ?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that prevents the body to utilise glucose completely or partially due to failure in the formation of insulin or liberation or action.

Types of Diabetes

    • Insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1): Usually, this type of diabetes affects children or adolescents. This is caused by little or no production of insulin.
    • Non-Insulin dependent diabetes (Type2): This usually affects overweight or obese adults. The insulin production may be normal or even high. However, the insulin produced is not as effective as normal insulin.
    • Gestational Diabetes: – defined as carbohydrate intolerance during pregnancy. It is difficult to stabilise the blood sugar levels during pregnancy due to altered carbohydrate metabolism & an impaired insulin action.

Metabolic changes/Symptoms

    • Polyuria (Frequent urination), Polydipsia (Increased thirst) & Polyphagia (Increased appetite).
    • Weight loss, poor appetite in type 2 diabetes.
    • Prolonged high blood glucose caused glucose absorption, which leads to changes in the shape of the lenses of the eyes, resulting in vision changes.
    • There is epigastric pain, vomiting, dehydration, dry tougue & lips. Pulse is usually rapid, low blood pressure.

Treatment

    • Dietary management – A therapeutic diet based on the height, weight, age, sex, physical activity & the type of diabetes plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes
    • Types of Carbohydrates – More of carbs must be given as complex rather than simple sugars as they breakdown more slowly to release glucose.
    • Low glycemic index foods should be encouraged in the diet like peas, rajmah, lentils, apples, oranges, methi, curd, barley, oats, and corn.
    • Food to be avoided – Sugar, honey, all sweets, chocolates & candies, potatoes, yam, fried foods, parathas, poories, salad oils, cakes & pastries.