DIABETES MELLITUS

FACTS
As of 2014, an estimated 387 million people have diabetes worldwide. From
2012-2014, diabetes is estimated to have resulted in 1.5-4.9 million deaths each
year, cause of death usually being heart disease and kidney failures. Reports of
diabetes mellitus in children/adolescents have increased worldwide. Cause of
death is usually heart diseases and kidney failure.

DEFINITION
Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body doesnt produce/use its
INSULIN. Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreas. After you eat, your body
turns the food into energy (sugar/glucose). Insulin is a chemical messenger that
tells the body cells to open up and receive this sugar/glucose. So, if your body
produces little or no insulin, the sugar/glucose will not be taken up by the cells as
a result of which high levels of glucose remains in the blood causing potential
damage to the body.

Normal Ranges of blood sugar in body:

Fasting (8 hrs)- 70-99 mg/dl
Post Prandial (2 hrs after food)- less than 140mg/dl

However, a person is termed diabetic when his/her blood sugar

levels are:
Fasting- 2 consecutive readings of above 126mg/dl
Random reading- more than 200 mg/dl

RISK FACTORS

Strong genetic link (family history)

High blood triglyceride levels
High fat and carbohydrate diet
High alcohol intake
Sedentary life style
Obesity/overweight
Ageing

SYMPTOMS

Frequent urination
Thirst
Dehydration
Frequent hunger

Nausea/vomiting
Blurred vision
Weight loss
Lethargy/increased fatigue
Cuts or bruises that dont heal easily
Numbness and tingling in hands and feet

COMPLICATIONS

Consistently increased blood glucose levels can lead to serious health

complications targeting major organs of the body. For example:

CARDIO VASCULAR PROBLEMS

Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases

Chest pain (angina)
Heart attack
Stroke and narrowing of arteries

NERVE DAMAGE (DIABETIC NEUROPATHY)

Excess sugar in the blood can injure vessels that nourish your nerves especially
in legs. This causes:

Tingling/numbness/burning sensations in the parts where vessels/nerves

are damaged
Pain
Left untreated, a person may lose all sensations in the affected limbs

KIDNEY DAMAGE (DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY)

Increased blood sugar levels can damage the delicate filtering system in ones
kidneys leading to irreversible kidney damage or kidney failure.

EYE DAMAGE (DIABETIC RETINOPATHY)

Increased glucose levels in the blood vessels of eyes can cause cataracts,
glaucoma or even blindness.

FOOT DAMAGE (DIABETIC FOOT)

Nerve damage in the feet/poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of serious
infections through cuts/bruises. Left untreated, may require toe/foot/leg
amputation (complete surgical removal).

SKIN PROBLEMS
Increased risk of fungal/ bacterial infections.

HEARING IMPAIRMENT risk

ALZHEIMERS DISEASE risk

PREVENTION/CONTROL
EARLY PREVENTION- You should be alert if you are 45 or above, overweight
or have a family history. Individuals of known diabetes risk can drastically
decrease the risk by 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most
days of a week and maintaining a healthy diet (low in fat, carbohydrates and
more of protein and fibres).

CONTROL- Changing ones life style could be a big leap towards good
management. For example, increase your daily activity, lose the extra pounds,
exercise regularly even if there is no need of weight loss (this lowers the blood
sugar levels). Increase the intake of fibres by consuming more of fruits,
vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds. They decrease the risk of heart
diseases and promote weight loss. Get regular check-ups done to monitor your
blood sugar levels. Lastly, take your medicines promptly.

Dr. Aftab Ahmed

Diabetologist
Apollo Hospital