Diabetes is a persistent situation affecting how our physique processes blood sugar (glucose) and glucose is our physique’s most important supply of vitality however in diabetes, our physique both does not produce sufficient insulin or does not use it successfully. This results in a buildup of glucose in our bloodstream, which may harm organs and tissues over time.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan, Senior Director, Centre for Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity and Endocrinology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, shared, “Incidence of diabetes is increasing in India due to changes in lifestyle. India is the capital of diabetes. At present, about 42.5% of the Delhi population suffers from diabetes. Every third household (35.77%) had at least one known case of diabetes. High rates of obesity and central obesity are observed in the population. There are an equal number of people who are prediabetic and the conversion rate of prediabetes to diabetes is 10% per year. It’s estimated that between 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop diabetes within the next 3-5 years if no lifestyle changes are made.”

He defined, “Diabetes is a metabolic disease with a genetic background that gets precipitated by environmental factors. These include a sedentary lifestyle, changing food habits, and stress. The increased ‘westernization’ and Seven Sins of modern lifestyle: sedentary life, stress, sleeping for fewer hours, excess salt, sugar, smoking, spirits, and alcohol have led to a drastic change in our lifestyle. The longer the duration of diabetes, the higher the chances of complications like retinopathy, heart diseases, kidney failure and neurological problems.”

Types of Diabetes:

Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan briefed, there are three most important varieties of diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes

2. Type 2 diabetes

3. LADA

About 90 % of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes, and 10 % of diabetics have Type 1 diabetes. He elaborated –

Type 1 Diabetes: In Type 1 diabetes, the Beta cells that make insulin are destroyed by the immune system, attacking the insulin-making cells of the pancreas. This course of takes months to years and may be brought on by genetic background, environmental components, or viral infections that set off an auto-immune response. When just a few Beta cells are left, and insulin secretion is minimal, the kid develops signs of excessive blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is quite common. In this kind, the insulin-producing Beta cells of the pancreas both produce too little insulin, or the insulin they produce can’t be used correctly by the cells, leading to excessive blood sugar. Insulin resistance happens, the place the physique’s cells do not reply usually to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is often seen in adults with a genetic background, however these days, it is usually seen in younger youngsters who devour high-calorie quick meals, resulting in weight problems and susceptibility to diabetes and its issues. Type 2 diabetes may be managed by food plan, common train, weight reduction, and generally drugs or insulin injections.

LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults): LADA occurs as a result of your physique makes antibodies that trigger the immune system to assault the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. This happens in individuals aged 22-30 years, resulting in sudden weight reduction as a result of excessive blood sugar ranges and potential diabetic ketoacidosis. They additionally want insulin like Type 1 diabetes. As the flexibility to make insulin is misplaced, your physique can not management blood sugar ranges. Symptoms worsen slowly, and investigations reveal a scarcity of normal insulin manufacturing, just like Type 1 diabetes in adults.

Bringing her experience to the identical, Dr Richa Chaturvedi, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, revealed that there are 4 most important varieties of diabetes –

1. Type 1 Diabetes:

• This is an autoimmune illness, that means your physique assaults the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
• Occurs most frequently in youngsters and younger adults, however can develop at any age.
• Requires lifelong therapy with insulin.

2. Type 2 Diabetes:

• This is the commonest sort of diabetes, accounting for about 90% of instances.
• Occurs when your physique does not produce sufficient insulin or does not use it successfully.
• Can be prevented or delayed with wholesome way of life decisions, reminiscent of sustaining a wholesome weight, consuming a nutritious diet, and exercising repeatedly.

3. Secondary Diabetes:

• Secondary diabetes outcomes from exterior components reminiscent of extended use of sure drugs (steroids, Anti-Retroviral Therapy), genetic situations (MODY), or underlying well being points.
• Unlike major diabetes, secondary diabetes isn’t primarily as a result of pancreatic dysfunction however entails disruptions in insulin operate or manufacturing as a result of exterior influences.
• The consequence of secondary diabetes is elevated blood sugar ranges, emphasizing the significance of addressing underlying causes for efficient administration.

4. Gestational Diabetes:

• This sort of diabetes develops throughout being pregnant.
• Usually goes away after the child is born, however will increase the danger of creating sort 2 diabetes later in life.

Distinctive Features:

Dr Richa Chaturvedi highlighted that every sort of diabetes has its personal distinctive options –

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Symptoms: Frequent urination, elevated thirst, excessive starvation, unexplained weight reduction, blurred imaginative and prescient, slow-healing sores, fatigue.
• Cause: Autoimmune assault on insulin-producing cells.
• Treatment: Insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring, nutritious diet and train.

Type 2 Diabetes:

• Symptoms: May not have any signs, however some widespread ones embody elevated urination, elevated thirst, excessive starvation, blurred imaginative and prescient, slow-healing sores, fatigue.
• Cause: Insulin resistance or inadequate insulin manufacturing.
• Treatment: May embody nutritious diet and train, weight reduction, oral drugs, and/or insulin.

Gestational Diabetes:

• Symptoms: May not have any signs, however some widespread ones embody elevated thirst, frequent urination, fatigue.
• Cause: Hormonal modifications throughout being pregnant.
• Treatment: Healthy food plan, train, and presumably insulin.

Secondary Diabetes

• Symptoms: Symptoms of secondary diabetes mirror these of major diabetes and embody elevated thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight reduction, and fatigue. Identifying and addressing underlying causes is essential for correct analysis.
• Causes: Secondary diabetes arises as a result of exterior influences like prolonged use of particular drugs (steroids, Anti-Retroviral Therapy), genetic components (MODY), or underlying well being situations.
• Treatment: Treatment entails managing the underlying situation or issue inflicting secondary diabetes. This could embody discontinuing particular drugs, addressing genetic components, or treating the first well being subject. Additionally, way of life modifications, medicine, and common monitoring of blood sugar ranges are employed to regulate and handle the situation successfully.

Living with Diabetes:

According to Dr Richa Chaturvedi, whereas there is no such thing as a remedy for diabetes, it may be managed with correct therapy and way of life modifications the place individuals with diabetes can reside lengthy and wholesome lives and a few suggestions for residing with diabetes embody:

• Work together with your physician to develop a therapy plan that’s best for you.
• Monitor your blood sugar repeatedly.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Exercise repeatedly.
• Take your drugs as prescribed.
• Learn about diabetes and the right way to handle it.
• Get help from household and associates.

Talking about controlling diabetes, Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan stated, “Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that can be controlled by reducing weight by 7-10% and by regularly exercising. Brisk walking is associated with a nearly 40% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Aerobic and weight-resistant exercises increase insulin sensitivity, while meditation and Yogic exercises play an important role in controlling stress.”

As for dietary administration, he identified, “Diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. A balanced, healthy diet is essential, avoiding fast and processed foods. Sugar-free does not mean calorie-free. Fresh fruits and dry fruits can be consumed as per doctor’s advice. Losing weight, eating right, and exercising are key components of diabetes management.”

Change your way of life earlier than diabetes modifications you. With the correct care and help, individuals with diabetes can reside full and lively lives.