Diabetes mellitus comprises of a group of metabolic disorders that share the common symptom of symptoms of hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels). They are caused by a relative or total lack of insulin in the body. Insulin is the hormone responsible for the uptake and usage of glucose by the body cells so its deficiency leads to accumulation of excess sugar in the blood. This exposes body cells to excessive sugar leading to various organ damages.

-It is a non-communicable{it can not be spread from one person to another}and incurable disease, it can only be controlled.

-It has received low priority in the health care budget of most countries, especially the developing countries.

-The number of people having diabetes world wide is on the rise, it is estimated that the number of sufferers would have tripled by the year 2025{approximately 300 million}.

-According to the International diabetes foundation about 6% of the worlds population{about 230 million} have diabetes.

-Complications from the more common type 2 diabetes mellitus{70-90%}lead to human death more rapidly than type 1 diabetes.

-The disease is a silent killer like hypertension.

-The five countries with largest numbers of people with diabetes are India{35.5million},China{23.8million},United states of America{16 million},Russia{9.7 million}, Japan{6.7 million}-International diabetic foundation.

-Most sufferers are not aware of it ,most of them {80%}only discover it when they develop complications.

-The disease is a complex product of industrialization and development. Rising number of diabetes world wide has been attributed to ageing and excessive consumption of “processed foods”.

-It is currently a global health problem

Common Symptoms

-Increased urination{polyuria}

-Weight loss

-Increased hunger{polyphagia}

-Blurred vision

-Skin infections

-Poor wound healing

-Excessive fatigue

Diagnosis

A fasting blood sugar of less than 110mg/dl is classified as non-diabetic range and fasting blood sugar above or equal to 126mg/dl is classified as diabetic.

Diabetes is diagnosed when there are classical symptoms of diabetes and fasting blood sugar is within diabetic range.

Management

Since there is no known cure for diabetes, management is aimed at controlling the disease so as to keep the blood glucose within normal range. Control of blood glucose is achieved mainly by lifestyle modifications and drug treatment.

• What Actually is the Most Effective Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes?
• How to Start Exercising and Avoid Type 2 Diabetes
• Why Overweight People Are Prone to Diabetes and What They Can Do About It
• Getting Diabetic Supplies on the Internet
• Is Gestational Diabetes Related to Type 2 Diabetes?
• Blood Sugar Levels - Which Carbohydrates Will Really Help Regulate Them?
• Early Symptoms of Adult Onset Diabetes - Signs of Diabetes in Adults
• Lowering Blood Glucose Levels Through Exercise
• Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

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