Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes as it is commonly referred to, is actually a group of metabolic diseases, in which insulin production is either inadequate or the body cells do not respond to insulin, or sometimes both. This results in high blood glucose. Worldwide, an estimated 422 million people suffer from diabetes. India, until recently was at the top spot of having the most diabetics than any other country in the world, with more than 62 million Indians affected by the disease. Now, China has replaced India at the top of the list. Diabetes affects both the genders, equally, although in India, women are prone to diabetes than men.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include:
- Increased hunger (polyphagia) and fatigue
- Increased and frequent urination (polyuria)
- Dry mouth and increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Itchy skin
- Blurred Vision
Causes and Risk Factors
Diabetes usually doesn’t happen because of just one reason or cause, but mostly the largest cause is a family history of diabetes. Other factors that increase the chances of contracting the disease are:
- Increased weight and obesity
- Inactivity
- Increasing age
- Bad diet
- High blood pressure
When to see a doctor?
If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, it’s better to check in with a doctor. Always trust medical institutions and medical hospitals which have experts that specialize in your condition, for example, Paras Hospitals Group. This will help you or your loved ones get extensive help.
Treatment and Management
Diabetes is a serious disease that can’t be treated on one’s own, the aim here is to keep the blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Doctors usually give a personalized plan specific to you for treatment and management, and it usually includes proper and controlled diet, exercise, regular blood glucose tests (on your own), oral medication, and in about 40% cases, insulin injections are also required.
