DIABETES MELLITUS

FACTSAs of 2014, an estimated 387 million people have diabetes worldwide. From 2012-2014, diabetes is estimated to have resulted in 1.5-4.9 million deaths each year, cause of death usually being heart disease and kidney failures. Reports of diabetes mellitus in children/adolescents have increased worldwide. Cause of death is usually heart diseases and kidney failure.DEFINITIONDiabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body doesnt produce/use its INSULIN. Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreas. After you eat, your body turns the food into energy (sugar/glucose). Insulin is a chemical messenger that tells the body cells to open up and receive this sugar/glucose. So, if your body produces little or no insulin, the sugar/glucose will not be taken up by the cells as a result of which high levels of glucose remains in the blood causing potential damage to the body.Normal Ranges of blood sugar in body:Fasting (8 hrs)- 70-99 mg/dlPost Prandial (2 hrs after food)- less than 140mg/dlHowever, a person is termed diabetic when his/her blood sugar levels are:Fasting- 2 consecutive readings of above 126mg/dlRandom reading- more than 200 mg/dl

RISK FACTORS Strong genetic link (family history) High blood triglyceride levels High fat and carbohydrate diet High alcohol intake Sedentary life style Obesity/overweight Ageing

SYMPTOMS Frequent urination Thirst Dehydration Frequent hunger Nausea/vomiting Blurred vision Weight loss Lethargy/increased fatigue Cuts or bruises that dont heal easily Numbness and tingling in hands and feet

COMPLICATIONS

Consistently increased blood glucose levels can lead to serious health complications targeting major organs of the body. For example:CARDIO VASCULAR PROBLEMS Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases Chest pain (angina) Heart attack Stroke and narrowing of arteriesNERVE DAMAGE (DIABETIC NEUROPATHY)Excess sugar in the blood can injure vessels that nourish your nerves especially in legs. This causes: Tingling/numbness/burning sensations in the parts where vessels/nerves are damaged Pain Left untreated, a person may lose all sensations in the affected limbsKIDNEY DAMAGE (DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY)Increased blood sugar levels can damage the delicate filtering system in ones kidneys leading to irreversible kidney damage or kidney failure.EYE DAMAGE (DIABETIC RETINOPATHY)Increased glucose levels in the blood vessels of eyes can cause cataracts, glaucoma or even blindness.FOOT DAMAGE (DIABETIC FOOT)Nerve damage in the feet/poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of serious infections through cuts/bruises. Left untreated, may require toe/foot/leg amputation (complete surgical removal).SKIN PROBLEMSIncreased risk of fungal/ bacterial infections.HEARING IMPAIRMENT riskALZHEIMERS DISEASE risk

PREVENTION/CONTROLEARLY PREVENTION- You should be alert if you are 45 or above, overweight or have a family history. Individuals of known diabetes risk can drastically decrease the risk by 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of a week and maintaining a healthy diet (low in fat, carbohydrates and more of protein and fibres).CONTROL- Changing ones life style could be a big leap towards good management. For example, increase your daily activity, lose the extra pounds, exercise regularly even if there is no need of weight loss (this lowers the blood sugar levels). Increase the intake of fibres by consuming more of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds. They decrease the risk of heart diseases and promote weight loss. Get regular check-ups done to monitor your blood sugar levels. Lastly, take your medicines promptly.Dr. Aftab AhmedDiabetologistApollo Hospital