Diabetes can be broadly classified into Type-1, Type-2 and MODY (Maturity onset of diabetes in the young).
Type 1 diabetes is seen in children and is caused due to complete lack of insulin secreted by an organ called the pancreas in the body. Can be diagnosed by special tests.
Type 2 is what is generally seen in adults, this is hereditary and factors like stress, obesity, poor lifestyle and diet can trigger the onset, there is decreased sensitivity to insulin and decreased insulin production. MODY is maturity onset of diabetes in the young which is also hereditary seen in adults in the age group of 20-40. Here three generations will have diabetes and in each generation it appears at a younger age. There are specialized genetic testing to diagnose MODY.
GDM: Gestational diabetes mellitus, diabetes that is seen in woman after they become pregnant.
There are other causes of diabetes and secondary causes like pancreatitis etc.
It is important to know that diabetes can be present without any symptoms. Symptoms when present can vary from mild to severe, like aches & pains, leg pain, lethargy, cracks on the penile skin, genital itching in females, visual disturbance, easy fatigability, weight loss, increase thirst, increase urination, loss of libido etc.
It can be confirmed by blood tests.
Fasting plasma glucose more than 126 mg/dl if it is between 100 - 125 mg/dl then it is called pre-diabetes.
Blood sugars 2 hours after food more than 200 mg /dl, if between 140-199 it is called pre diabetes.
Hba1C more than 6.5%, if it is between 5.7-6.4% and it is called pre diabetes.
Yes to some extent, by weight reduction, diet control, adequate physical exercise, lowering stress levels can help in preventing Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Unfortunately as of today we donot have any medicines that can completely cure diabetes. It can be effectively controlled with various medications. Diabetes affects each person differently hence treatment will differ from person to person, and is tailored accordingly.
Uncontrolled blood sugars over many years will affect various parts of the body and damage them, once damaged its normal function will be affected, hence strict diabetes control will help in preventing such complication and irreversible damage to the organs in the body.
Some of the complications are Retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease etc.
Yes, it is as effective as medication and they help the medicines work better. By reducing weight once can go into remission.
It is recommended to loose a minimum of 5% of the total body weight initially.
Exercise will be prescribed are per the health conditions, a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week is recommended.
Diabetes that is detected in women after they become pregnant. Oral tablets other than metformin is not recommended, While insulin is safe to be take in pregnancy. Soon after delivery of the baby, blood sugars come back to normal and medication is usually stopped. But these individuals are at risk of developing diabetes at a later stage in life. The child born to a mother having gestational diabetes will not develop diabetes after birth, but the risk of developing diabetes at an older age does exist.
It is recommended once in 3 months and get the blood tests as suggested. You will also have to get a periodic check of your eyes, feet, kidneys. Diabetes treatment is not only about controlling blood sugars, it has other things that a diabetologist will be looking at like lipid profile, kidney function, heart health, eyes, feet, skin, diet, exercise, etc.
Keep feet clean
Avoid dry skin, fissures
Avoid fungal infection between toes
Clip nails after bath
Do not walk bare foot
Use proper foot ware for put doors and indrs
Use hand gloces and proper shoes while gardening
Use gumboot upto knee whil working in agricultural land
Do not soak feet and hands in hot water or too cold water
Avoid wearing tight toe rings
Self discppline and healty habits compliance with medication are the key to succesful diabetes control and preventing complications