Last updated on December 28, 2021
Content By: Dr. Nikita Toshi BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review) & Dr. Ritu Budania MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs
Last updated on December 28, 2021
In this rapidly progressing world, with most of us leading fast-paced lifestyles we can sometimes neglect to take time to take care of ourselves. With so many responsibilities both at home and work, we hardly have time to stop and breathe. We eat on the go, drink less water than our body requires, sleep very less and this results in unhealthy living standards. Unfortunately, as we run in this rat race called life, we may fall prey to various conditions. Diabetes mellitus is one such condition we grow up hearing a lot about among family and friends. But what exactly is it? How can we manage it? Who does it affect? Can it be prevented?
When we think of diabetes, we may immediately associate it with diet and how diabetic people need to refrain from their favourite sugary delicacies. We also think diabetes and obesity are closely related. But how true is it? Therefore, in order to understand what causes this medical condition and why it is so widely prevalent in India, we need to learn what exactly is diabetes mellitus first. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
In this rapidly progressing world, with most of us leading fast-paced lifestyles we can sometimes neglect to take time to take care of ourselves. With so many responsibilities both at home and work, we hardly have time to stop and breathe. We eat on the go, drink less water than our body requires, sleep very less and this results in unhealthy living standards. Unfortunately, as we run in this rat race called life, we may fall prey to various conditions. Diabetes mellitus is one such condition we grow up hearing a lot about among family and friends. But what exactly is it? How can we manage it? Who does it affect? Can it be prevented?
When we think of diabetes, we may immediately associate it with diet and how diabetic people need to refrain from their favourite sugary delicacies. We also think diabetes and obesity are closely related. But how true is it? Therefore, in order to understand what causes this medical condition and why it is so widely prevalent in India, we need to learn what exactly is diabetes mellitus first. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Written by:
BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review)
Reviewed by:
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs
Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a medical condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal because it affects the way your body converts food into energy.
In order to understand what diabetes mellitus is and how it impacts our bodies, let’s first look at the process of how our bodies convert food into energy.
What is the role of the pancreas?
Our pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin, which acts as a stimulus in the transportation of sugar from the blood to the cells of our body. Insulin aids in the uptake of glucose present in blood by the cells of our body where it is utilized for the production of energy. People with diabetes mellitus either cannot produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to effectively use glucose for energy.
This in turn forces the pancreas to churn out more insulin to stir a response from the cells and to ensure glucose reaches the cells. Over time, the pancreas struggles to produce increasing amounts of insulin leading to damage in the pancreas due to overwork. This in turn leads to the reduction in insulin production and increases the sugar levels in the body.
There are several types of diabetes mellitus that we will touch upon shortly in detail. Before that let us first take a look at its prevalence across the globe.
Diabetes in India
Most of us have heard of someone or have a relative who has been diagnosed with diabetes, simply due to its increasing prevalence in the Indian subcontinent. India has the second-highest number of diabetics in the world – 77 million to be precise – as per the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF), Diabetes Atlas released in 2019. The report states that diabetes in India could increase at an alarming rate over the next 25 years. It projects that India could have a whopping 134.2 million cases by 2045, second only to China. Now isn’t that a little scary?
The National Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in India for the period from 2015 – 19 showed that the prevalence rate among known diabetes cases was at 8.0%, while it was 3.8% in new diabetes cases. The report also showed that the prevalence of diabetes in India remained at 11.8% in the stipulated period. It further depicted that males showed a similar prevalence of diabetes (12%) as females (11.7%).
Diabetes and the World
Diabetes mellitus is among the fastest-growing health challenges in the 21st century, as per the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) Diabetes Atlas released in 2019. The report states that an astonishing 463 million have diabetes mellitus, which constitutes 9.3% of the world’s adult population aged between 20 and 79 years of age. In addition to this, multiple factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyles have led to a massive surge of diabetes mellitus among children – over 1.1 million adolescents under the age of 20 have type 1 diabetes. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 1.5 million deaths were caused by diabetes mellitus in 2019.
Like we talked about earlier, diabetes mellitus has become increasingly common due to a multitude of factors including obesity, improper diet and lack of physical activity.
However, diabetes mellitus can be managed and its impact can be delayed by measures such as maintaining healthy body weight, leading an active lifestyle, eating a nutritious diet and regular screening and monitoring.
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Apart from high blood sugar, the other term we have often heard around us is insulin. We may have even seen diabetic patients taking insulin injections or honing an insulin pump. But what is insulin? What is its role in managing diabetes? In this chapter, we will be exploring the origin of insulin and its purpose in the body in order to understand what diabetes mellitus is.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas, a small organ which is located behind the stomach. Insulin plays an essential role in regulating your blood sugar levels and in the storage of excess sugar.
How does insulin work?
Insulin plays the role of a stimulant for the transport of glucose in the body. It signals the transport of sugar (glucose) from the blood to the cells of your body where glucose is converted into energy. Insulin ensures that the excess sugar in the blood is stored in the liver. The liver breaks down this stored sugar and releases it into the bloodstream when your body’s blood sugar level is lower than the normal range.
Those who are aware of what diabetes mellitus is and the importance of blood glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar that acts as fuel for your body. We derive glucose from carbohydrate-rich food such as rice, bread, potatoes, etc. These foods are broken down by the various enzymes and acids in the stomach as part of the digestive process and glucose is released during this process. Glucose is then absorbed by the intestines and subsequently released into the bloodstream, from where its uptake by cells is facilitated by insulin.
Why do people with diabetes need insulin?
We have seen people with diabetes mellitus around us take insulin to help control their blood sugar levels and that is what insulin is used for. As we know, there are two types of diabetes mellitus – type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin injections prescribed by doctors are used as a form of treatment for different types of diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes mellitus need insulin because their bodies cannot produce insulin. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus usually use insulin therapy only if other methods, such as oral medication and lifestyle changes, do not help in regulating the blood sugar level. Your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment for different types of diabetes depending on the type of diabetes and the stage of the condition you’re in.
What is insulin resistance?
If we try to comprehend what diabetes mellitus is, we have to also look at insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a phenomenon where your pancreas produces an adequate amount of insulin but your body cells do not respond well to the insulin hormone. The body tries to cope with insulin resistance by producing more insulin, this overwork of the pancreas, in turn, leads to its damage and reduction of insulin secretion. Insulin resistance is a primary cause of gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
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Now that we have understood what is diabetes mellitus and the use of insulin, let’s delve into the various types of diabetes mellitus. We have already talked about the two main types of diabetes but did you know there was another type as well? Gestational diabetes is a type that is different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Read on to know more:
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an auto-immune condition where the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed. An auto-immune condition is a disease that causes the body’s immunity to attack the cells of one’s own body. People with type 1 diabetes mellitus cannot produce insulin because of the autoimmune damage to the cells of the pancreas.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is not only a form of diabetes in children but may also occur in people of other age groups. Also known as juvenile diabetes, the disease usually appears during childhood or adolescence.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 2 diabetes typically appears in middle-aged people, those above the age of 45. Type 2 diabetes can be defined as a chronic disease where the body is unable to produce enough insulin or is unable to process the insulin it has produced. People with type 2 diabetes suffer from insulin resistance, which causes their pancreas to work overtime leading to reduced insulin secretion and higher blood sugar levels.
This type of diabetes mellitus is usually found in adults but has also been detected among the younger population. Childhood obesity and unhealthy diets are thought to be the primary causes of type 2 diabetes in children.
The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus is that people with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes can make insulin but cannot make effective use of it.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
This third type of diabetes mellitus can be seen only in pregnant women. Gestational diabetes is a condition in which pregnant women develop elevated blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes could cause health issues in the mother and the baby.
Like the above-mentioned types of diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes also affects how the body’s cells use sugar and it could even occur in pregnant women who have no history of diabetes.
While no exact cause of gestational diabetes has been identified, hormonal changes that cause insulin resistance and excess weight during pregnancy have been identified as contributing factors.
Although pregnancy-related issues are frightening, this type of diabetes can be controlled by taking proper treatment, maintaining a gestational diabetes diet, being active and ensuring your blood sugar levels remain regulated. Pregnant women can keep their babies healthy and ensure a normal delivery by controlling their blood sugar.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a medical condition in which an individual has an increased level of sugar in their blood but it is not high enough to be labelled as type 2 diabetes. A few of the prediabetes symptoms include increased thirst, excess hunger, frequent urination, blurry vission and extreme tiredness. While it signals the onset of type 2 diabetes, the good news is that prediabetes can be reversed with minor lifestyle changes. Switching to a healthy diet and making sure you keep yourself active will help in keeping your sugar levels in check and bring them back to the normal range.
| Types of Diabetes | Tips to follow |
|---|---|
| Type 1 Diabetes |
|
| Type 2 Diabetes |
|
| Gestational Diabetes |
|
| Prediabetes |
|
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Lean diabetes is diabetes that is detected in a lean or skinny person. It can be similar to type 1 or type 2 diabetes, where the pancreas stops producing enough insulin When the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged or when there is insulin resistance. It is not yet known why this happens in certain people but genetic and lifestyle factors play a significant role. Unlike type 1 diabetes, however, insulin may be unnecessary for a period of months or years after a diabetes diagnosis is made.
How does lean diabetes occur in Indian adults?
Lean diabetes is similar to type 1 diabetes because it is usually caused by a failure of the insulin-producing cells in the body as opposed to insulin resistance that is more common in type 2 diabetes. Lean diabetics, like type 1 diabetics, eventually become dependent on taking insulin for blood sugar levels control.
A study of diabetes statistics in India took into account 10,000 people with type 2 diabetics had 3.5% participants who had a BMI of less than 18.5. Surprisingly, nearly 63% of patients in the study had an ideal or healthy BMI when they were diagnosed.
Calculating your BMI to get tested for lean diabetes
Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated based on a person’s height vs a person’s weight. A high BMI is associated with larger quantities of body fat, which in turn is related to a risk of diabetes and other diseases.
| BMI | Indication |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0 to 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
People falling in the overweight or obese categories are more likely to be diabetic or to develop diabetes later on. Here is a BMI calculator tool that you can use to accurately calculate your BMI based on your current height and weight.
Lifestyle changes to help get your sugar levels under control
Here are a few simple tips for diabetes control. Implementing them can go a long way toward improving your health and managing diabetes effectively.
Reducing or quitting smoking
Reducing or quitting drinking
Avoiding table sugar and high glycemic foods
Regular exercise for diabetes control
Eating in small portions at regular intervals
| BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT LEAN DIABETES | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MYTH | FACT | ||||||
| #1 I’m skinny so I can’t possibly be diabetic! | Being lean does not affect how your pancreas produces insulin or how your body processes it. Since they are independent factors, you can be lean and still be diabetic. | ||||||
| #2 I look thin therefore, I have the least amount of fat in my body. | Appearing thin does not always mean belly fat is absent in the body. Research has shown that lean people with diabetes still have large fat deposits that affect metabolism and insulin production. It is always better to check with a medical practitioner to be sure. | ||||||
| #3 I eat a lot of sweets and snacks but never put on weight, therefore, I can’t get diabetes. | While excess abdominal fat is a risk factor of type 2 diabetes, a poor unbalanced diet regardless of body weight can put anyone at risk of getting diabetes. | ||||||
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To understand what is diabetes mellitus, a little better, let us first look at the symptoms of diabetes. This will also help people, who are not diabetic, to stay alert and test themselves if they develop the symptoms mentioned below:
Now that we know about the different types of diabetes mellitus, let us look at the causes associated with each.
Type 1 Diabetes Causes
Medical researchers are yet to identify the exact causes of type 1 diabetes. As explained earlier, Type 1 diabetes occurs due to an auto-immune condition in which the body attacks the cells that make insulin in the pancreas. While studies are still underway to ascertain the causes of type 1 diabetes, it is believed that diet and lifestyle habits are not contributing factors to this type of diabetes mellitus. However, genetic factors like family history of diabetes type 1 and autoimmune disorders, environmental factors like exposure to some viral infections can be considered as contributing factors for this condition.
Type 2 Diabetes Causes
Type 2 diabetes, which is the most widely detected form of diabetes, is caused due to insulin resistance. Despite normal levels of insulin, the cells of your body do not respond to insulin the way they should. This leads to an elevation in blood glucose levels which is harmful to your body.
Gestational Diabetes Causes
The exact cause of gestational diabetes is not known. Pregnant women often gain weight during their pregnancy and if the weight gain is sudden and a lot it can be a cause of gestational diabetes.
Another cause of gestational diabetes is the hormone changes that occur in the pregnant woman’s body. The placenta, which nourishes the baby in the womb, produces hormones that cause the accumulation of glucose in the blood. The pancreas counters this by producing more insulin but if you suffer from insulin resistance, then the body’s blood sugar levels will rise and lead to gestational diabetes.
Pediatric Diabetes Causes
Diabetes in children has been on the rise over the last years due to unhealthy lifestyles. There are two types of pediatric diabetes – type 1 and type 2. Type 1 pediatric diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is the term used to describe the condition where a child’s body is unable to produce insulin. There are no exact causes for juvenile diabetes but it occurs due to the auto-immune disorder in the body which causes the immune system to destroy the cells that make insulin.
On the other hand, type 2 pediatric diabetes is a condition that restricts the child’s body from making effective use of insulin. The main causes of type 2 pediatric diabetes are obesity among children, visceral adiposity – which is the accumulation of fat around the waist – and lack of physical activity. Genetics also play a role in type 2 pediatric diabetes. Early detection and adequate medical attention will help in avoiding long-term complications.
Prediabetes Causes
Prediabetes, which is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes, is also caused by excessive fat and a lack of exercise. The consumption of excessive fatty foods, high cholesterol levels and sleep issues are also causes of prediabetes.
Some conditions associated with diabetes include:
PCOS – PCOS, which stands for Polycystic ovary syndrome, increases the chances of women developing diabetes. PCOS causes irregular menstrual cycles, obesity and excessive growth of body hair. It is also a common cause of gestational diabetes.
Pancreatitis – This is a condition that leads to the swelling of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is usually caused by excessive alcohol usage. It can cause diabetes if the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas are damaged.
Cushing’s syndrome – Cushing’s syndrome refers to the condition where the body produces excessive amounts of a stress hormone called cortisol. The additional amount of cortisol causes an increase in blood pressure and blood sugar levels and can result in diabetes.
Glucagonoma – This is a rare tumour that is found in the pancreas. The pancreas produces the glucagon hormone, which works in tandem with insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This condition occurs when the pancreas produces too much glucagon and this leads to a spike in the amount of sugar in the blood.
Medication-induced diabetes – This is a form of diabetes that arises from the side effects of certain medicines. Medically induced diabetes occurs when certain medicines promote a rise in blood glucose levels when taken for a long period of time. The impact can be reversed in some cases if the medication is stopped but it could also lead to permanent complications.
History Of Gestational Diabetes – A history of gestational diabetes is also a trigger for diabetes and a continuing cause of gestational diabetes.
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While diabetes is an increasingly prevalent condition, it may not affect everyone and in most cases can be prevented by lifestyle and diet modifications. However, although you may not have diabetes, there are some factors that put you at risk of developing it in the future.
Risk factors of Type 1 Diabetes
Family history
Your risk of getting diabetes sharply increases if your parent or sibling has a history with type 1 diabetes.
Auto-immune Disorder
The history of an auto-immune disorder largely increases the risk factor of type 1 diabetes. The condition forces the body to destroy cells that make insulin in the pancreas and renders the body unable to produce any insulin.
Viral infection
Infection of viruses like rubella, coxsackievirus B and mumps have been pointed out as risk factors for type 1 diabetes.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors like pollution of air, soil and water can cause damage to immune cells. Additionally, the same effect is seen through stress, the lack of physical activity or exposure to vitamin D.
Risk factors of Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity
People who are obese are most at risk of type 2 diabetes. Your body becomes increasingly resistant to insulin with the increasing percentage of fat in your body. Obesity can lead to further complications such as heart ailments and it is caused by a lack of physical movement and a poor diet.
Over 45 years of age
This may sound a little alarming but the risk factor of type 2 diabetes increases with your age especially if you are physically less active. You tend to lose muscle mass and become more lethargic as you grow older and this could lead to the accumulation of fat and an increase in body weight – which is another risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Family history
Individuals who have a family history of type 2 diabetes, such as a parent or a sibling diagnosed with the condition are at a greater risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle that does not involve any physical activity or exercising largely increases the risk factor of type 2 diabetes. Engaging in physical activity helps in keeping your weight in check and also ensure your cells remain receptive to insulin. The lesser your physical activity, the greater the risk.
Diagnosed with prediabetes
Prediabetes is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. If you or someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with prediabetes, then there are strong chances that you will get it too.
Women who have been diagnosed with PCOS are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The habit of excessive smoking and alcohol intake increases your risk.
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
High blood pressure and high cholesterol put undue pressure on the body and its organs. Both of these conditions are caused by obesity, which is a major risk factor of type 2 diabetes and they affect the way the body produces and makes use of insulin.
Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes
All pregnant women over the age of 25 face the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Some of the key risk factors include:
Obesity
History of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Family history of type 2 diabetes
Given birth in the past to a baby weighing more than 4.1 kg
PCOS
While the word diabetes may sound scary to us, given an early diagnosis and the right treatment plan it can be controlled in a healthy way. Consult a doctor if you think you may be at risk or even start to experience any symptoms of diabetes, he/she will be able to confirm or rule out your diagnosis and provide you with the best treatment plan to manage the condition.
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While treatment for different types of diabetes may not always be possible, there are ways of effectively managing the condition to prevent it from worsening. In this way, you need to not fear the diagnosis but rather be open to supplementing your lifestyle with doctor-recommended healthy alterations.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes
It is first imperative to have a full understanding of what is diabetes mellitus, before charting out your recovery plan. If you’re diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, consult a health professional who will be able to recommend the right type 1 diabetes treatment plan for you. People with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin injections to regulate their blood sugar levels and also need to check their blood sugar levels regularly. Those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes also need to monitor and track the carbohydrates they consume, as this will aid in understanding how much insulin they will need to inject into their bodies to remain in the safe zone.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes symptoms may appear slowly but you can effectively manage type 2 diabetes through regular exercising, healthy eating and doctor-recommended medication. Those with type 2 diabetes will need to include more fibrous food such as whole vegetables, fruits, whole grains and mixed cereals in their diets and avoid foods high in unhealthy fats and sugars. You can combine a healthy diet with regular exercising which would, in turn, keep your heart healthy, reduce cholesterol levels and also assist in weight loss. You should also keep a tab on your blood sugar levels and ensure they remain within your target range.
Quitting the habit of smoking and alcohol consumption also aid in the control of this condition.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
Since gestational diabetes has the potential to adversely affect the expecting mother and the unborn baby if left untreated, your doctor may recommend medication and insulin therapy to help bring down your blood sugar levels to the normal range. Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels is also important to keep yourself healthy throughout the pregnancy. Supplementing your treatment plan with a healthy diet can help you further manage gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It is advised to consult a doctor or a certified nutritionist to discuss diet and exercise plans that are suited to your case that can help protect you and your baby from the effects of gestational diabetes.
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It can be worrying when your loved one is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus but as a caregiver, your support and positivity can help make things a lot easier for them. Offering comfort and assistance can go a long way in helping them stay on track.
As a caregiver, you must also make it a point to educate yourself on what diabetes mellitus is and understand their condition so that you can empathise with your loved ones and handle sensitive situations better.
A Caregiver's Checklist
It can be worrying when your loved one is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus but as a caregiver, your support and positivity can help make things a lot easier for them. Offering comfort and assistance can go a long way in helping them stay on track.
As a caregiver, you must also make it a point to educate yourself on what diabetes mellitus is and understand their condition so that you can empathise with your loved ones and handle sensitive situations better.
Grooming
People who have diabetes are susceptible to oral infections such as gum diseases and fungal infections. You need to see to it that they brush their teeth twice, rinse their mouth after each meal and floss at least once a day. Tongue cleaning should not be skipped.
Another aspect you have to be careful about is the spread of infection due to ingrown toenails. You will need to ensure that their toenails are neatly trimmed and examine them once a week to see any signs of swelling or infection.
Bathing
It is recommended for diabetics to bathe regularly. They should make use of a prescribed moisturizer all over the body to keep the skin healthy but avoid applying the same between toes.
As a caregiver lookout for any sores, blisters or cuts and ensure adequate care is taken. Even a tiny cut could cause infection, so it is important that you do a daily skin check post their bath. Examination of both feet for any cuts or ulcers is important.
Eating well-balanced food
A well-balanced nutritious diet can make a world of a difference in people with diabetes. They can either consume three big meals and snacks in between or have multiple smaller meals throughout the day. It is suggested that they maintain meal timings and do not skip meals as that could lead to a drop in blood sugar levels.
You will need to make certain that they eat a recommended amount of fruits and plenty of vegetables and include enough protein and fibres in their meals. They also need to be hydrated and can sip on water or other sugar-free healthy beverages.
Lifestyle and mental health
As a caregiver, you can make it easier for a loved one by encouraging a few lifestyle changes and also adopting some of them yourself. For example, you can set small goals like walking 30 minutes a day and join them for the walk to make the lifestyle change enjoyable.
Disciplined diets, insulin injections and diabetes symptoms can sometimes take a toll on one’s mental health leaving them frustrated, irritated and discouraged. Here is where empathy can make a world of a difference. Support them on their journey with encouraging words and gestures that will help them healthily process their emotions. Keep conversations light and fun-filled and try to talk about topics that they are passionate about.
Joining a support group
You have to encourage them to join a support group and engage in conversation with people who are also going through the same journey as them. Living with diabetes can be a challenge but your support and positivity can go a long way in helping them cope.
Looking after yourself as a caregiver
It is essential that you take care of yourself and keep yourself physically and mentally healthy. It can be tough to see your loved one live with diabetes, but as a caregiver who knows what diabetes mellitus is and its impact, you need to adopt a positive outlook and trust the process.
You also need to pace yourself and keep a tab on your well-being as you cannot be of help to them if you are exhausted. You can consider looking for support groups for caregivers to share your experiences and feel a sense of comfort.
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Diabetes is one of the most common conditions in the world today with the number of diabetics rising every year. It is thus very important to see how we can protect ourselves from it as much as we can. Here are 7 ways that can help control the risk of diabetes:
#1 Educate yourself about the condition
As simple as it sounds, the only way you can prevent a condition is to educate and inform yourself about it. Knowing what is diabetes mellitus, its symptoms, causes and risk factors are the first step to protecting yourself from acquiring it in the future. If you know friends or family who has been diagnosed with diabetes, speaking with them about their journey can greatly help in preparing or protecting yourself from the condition.
#2 Eat a healthy and balanced diet
Simple lifestyle modifications such as avoiding junk food and maintaining a healthy diet plan can go a long way in preventing diabetes. People who know what is diabetes mellitus are aware that a healthy and balanced diet is a diabetic’s best friend. Make sure to include plenty of fibrous foods such as fruits and green leafy vegetables, lean protein sources such as fish and low-fat dairy and low GI carbohydrates in your meals to keep your blood sugar levels in control and within a healthy range.
Pay attention to your portion sizes and your calorie intake so that you do not gain any unwanted weight. As much as you can, try and stay away from processed foods and foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugar. Find it hard to manage sweet tooth cravings? Speak to your dietician for some healthy substitutes.
To fast or not to fast?
Fasting for diabetes may help in reducing cholesterol, weight loss, reduce insulin resistance and improve your body’s management of blood sugar. There are different types of fasting for diabetes that can be used in diabetes prevention such as intermittent fasting, alternate-day fasting and the more traditional dawn to dusk fasting. Be sure to eat slow-digesting complex carbohydrates before you start your fast and avoid carbs immediately when you break your fast because this could lead to a sudden increase in your blood sugar levels.
There are a few risks associated with fasting for diabetes such as the blood sugar level falling to a dangerously low level. Kindly educate yourself on what is diabetes mellitus and check with your doctor if you can fast. Additionally, you can seek help from a nutritionist to get the most suitable diet for your body.
#3 Exercise regularly
Why is exercise crucial in diabetes prevention? Aerobic, resistance and any kind of cardiovascular exercise not only helps keep your heart healthy but promotes metabolism keeping your blood sugar levels within the target range. Exercising also helps you shed the extra kilos around the midsection, which aids in diabetes prevention.
#4 Engage in mediation and other relaxation therapies to manage stress
Since high blood pressure and high cholesterol put you at risk of developing diabetes, meditating to manage stress is an effective tool in preventing the onset of the same. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, finding ways to cope with the stress associated with its symptoms or complications can help in slowing down its progression.
#5 Schedule regular checkups with your doctor
Scheduling regular checkups with your healthcare professional either half-yearly or yearly is recommended to help keep track of your overall health and prevent the development of diabetes. Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels becomes vital especially if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Therefore, undergoing frequent checkups and diagnostics tests can help prevent the condition from progressing into full-fledged diabetes.
#6 Maintain a journal or a health tracker
Journaling has proven to be an effective way to relieve stress, boost morale, promote mental health and also bring about discipline in a lifestyle. If you feel like you’re succumbing to unhealthy eating habits, start tracking what you eat! Track how much you eat. Track the kind of exercises or physical activity you do on a daily basis. Write down how you felt after each meal, how you felt after a workout. Reflecting on important aspects of your day-to-day life can help you bring about discipline and promote overall physical, mental and spiritual health in the long run.
#7 Join a support group
There is nothing wrong with validating your genuine fears and anxieties about a chronic condition like diabetes with friends, family or even a community or support group. It can be a great outlet to voice your opinions and also discuss tips, advice and gain encouragement from those on their journey of recovery. You don’t ever have to feel like you are alone in the fight. If you are worried about developing diabetes in the future, join a community or support group that makes you feel comfortable and helps you process your emotions and feelings positively and healthily and if not help prevent, help be prepared to potentially manage diabetes in the future.
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What causes diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which there is an increase in the level of blood glucose caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin or make effective use of the insulin it produces.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus is that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes can make insulin but their bodies are incapable of using insulin in an ideal manner. The other difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus is that type 1 diabetes usually affects children and adolescents, while type 2 diabetes usually occurs among the elderly, however, some cases of both types can be found in all age groups.
How can diabetes be prevented?
Once you have a thorough understanding of what is diabetes mellitus, you will know that diabetes can not really be prevented due to its association with genetic factors like family history of diabetes. However, you can lower the chances of developing diabetes by lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet that contains fibrous foods, keeping fit, avoiding obesity and steering clear of excessive usage of alcohol and tobacco.
What fruits should diabetics avoid?
People with diabetes should avoid excessive consumption of fruits with high sugar content. You can eat a small portion of your favourite fresh seasonal fruit and reduce carbohydrate intake in other forms for that day to balance the sugar intake due to fruit. Avoid fruit juices and preserved or canned fruits. It is best to ask for dietary advice from your doctor or nutritionist based on your health conditions.
What are the first signs of diabetes?
Some of the first signs of diabetes are excessive thirst and hunger, weakness, blurry vision, frequent urination, fatigue and unexplained drop in weight.
Can diabetes be cured?
Unfortunately, diabetes cannot be cured but it can be controlled with proper treatment by a doctor. Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to make lifestyle changes to ensure your blood sugar levels return to the normal range. Some of these lifestyle changes include getting more physical activity, eating healthy food to prevent diabetes and monitoring your sugar levels.
Can Type 1 DM be completely cured by taking insulin?
Unfortunately, Type 1 DM cannot be completely cured by taking insulin but insulin can help type 1 diabetic to maintain their blood sugar levels in the normal range. People who have type 1 DM need insulin therapy for the rest of their lives. The treatment for type 1 dm includes taking insulin, eating healthy, maintaining an active lifestyle, tracking your carbohydrates and monitoring your blood sugar levels.
Does Type 1 DM usually occur due to obesity?
Type 1 DM is not caused because of obesity. Type 1 DM is caused by an auto-immune condition in the body that destroys the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. There are no other definite causes of type 1 diabetes currently known.
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