Diabetes

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes is a problem with the body that causes blood sugar (glucose) levels to rise higher than normal.

Do I have Diabetes?

You need to check yourself for Diabetes if you are experiencing any of the following three symptoms:-

  • Increased urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased hunger

How do I know if I have Diabetes?

Diabetes is diagnosed by showing any one of the following:-

  • Symptoms of high blood glucose and random blood glucose level = 200 mg/dl.
  • HbAic is = 6.5 DCCT%
  • Fasting Blood Sugar level = 126 mg/dl on two different test results preferably done 7 days apart.
  • 2 Hours Post Meal Blood Sugar = 200 mg/dl after a 75 grams oral glucose load.

What are type of Diabetes Mellitus?

1) Type 1 DM – results from early loss of beta cells of pancreas which leads to reduced or no insulin production. It is seen in childhood and requires insulin from start. Hence it is also called Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

2) Type 2 DM – results from initial lack of response to available insulin in the body, followed by early exhaustion of beta cells, which leads to reduced or no insulin production. It is seen in older population and it requires lifestyle modification before starting insulin. Hence it is also called Non-
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)

3) Prediabetes – is the stage before diabetes mellitus in which not all of the symptoms required to diagnose diabetes are present, but blood sugar is abnormally high.

4) Gestational DM – occurs in pregnant women without a past history of Diabetes.

5) Maturity onset diabetes of the young – results from gene mutation which disrupts production of insulin.

6) Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults – it is a form of type 1 DM that occurs in adulthood.

Can other medical condition or treatment cause Diabetes?

Yes, it can. Infections, Inflammation of Pancreas, Thyroid disorders, hormone imbalance, medicines like steroids can cause Diabetes.

How can I manage Diabetes?

Diabetes management involves lifestyle modification, dietary changes, exercise, weight reduction, anti-diabetes medicines and medicines to treat problems which raise along with diabetes like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.

Will I be required to do tests before starting and during Anti-Diabetes treatment?

Before starting and during Anti-Diabetes treatment, it is necessary to check functioning of other body parts. Accordingly appropriate investigations are advised based on history and physical examination.