DIABETES

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disease characterised by too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is of three types - gestational, type-1 and type-2 - with type-2 diabetes being the most prevalent one globally. In 2017, the International Diabetes Federation estimated that 72.9 million adults in India were living with diabetes.Blood sugar or blood glucose is absorbed by the cells as a source of energy for the body. This blood sugar is obtained from the food one eats. Insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas, helps the cells absorb glucose thereby regulating blood sugar levels. However, when the body becomes resistant to this hormone - upon excessive secretion - or the pancreas does not produce insulin at all, blood sugar levels spike drastically. This can increase the risk of heart diseases, weight gain, stroke or can even call for limb amputation.Though Type 1 Diabetes can be inherited or acquired at birth, Type 2 is more often than not a result of lifestyle choices or other related health conditions. Conscious management of the diabetic condition can help one lead a near normal life. By the same coin, abject neglect can cause several comorbidities.Read More