Diabetes is a heterogeneous group of disorders in which there is a rise in the blood sugar level of the patient.
In scientific language, diabetes is known as Diabetes mellitus. It is a hereditary disease, that passes from parents to offspring.
A diabetic patient is unable to metabolize blood sugar in his body as a result he passes glucose in his urine.
Type of diabetes
There are two types of diabetes based on the age of the patient:
Type I is IDDM: IDDM stands for insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus. This type usually occurs at an early age before 40 which is why it is also called Juvenile diabetes.
Its main cause is a deficiency of the pancreatic hormone “Insulin”. Insulin pro supplies blood glucose to cells for use. Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder. T-cells of the immune system attack the pancreas and destroy insulin-producing B-cells. As a result, the pancreas becomes unable to produce insulin. Type 1 patients must receive exogenous insulin to survive.
Type II is NIDDM: NIDDM stands for non-insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus. About 90% of diabetic patients are affected by type 2.
Patients with NIDDM can produce some amount of endogenous insulin but with the passage of time, their body cell loses response to insulin. These cells cannot take up glucose from the blood and develop insulin resistance.
This type of diabetes mellitus usually affects people above the age of 40. Obesity also increases insulin resistance which is why this type is more common among obese. About 2-5% of type 2 diabetics get the disease before 25 years of age. It is also called maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). MODY can be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
The harmful effects of diabetes
Diabetes is very harmful and sometimes leads to death due to an abrupt rise or fall in blood glucose levels. Diabetes may lead to the following problems:
- Kidney failure
- Heart disease
- Lower limb amputation
- Adult blindness
- Gum diseases
- Nerve diseases
- Stroke
- Slow healing
- Weight loss
- Hearing impairment
The risk of death for adults with diabetes is 50% higher than for adults without diabetes.
Treatment of diabetes
Diabetes can be treated by drug-taking from the mouth as well as injection.
Type I diabetes: Insulin is the main treatment for type I diabetes. It replaces the hormone which is not produced by the body of a diabetic patient.
Type II diabetes: Diet and exercise can help to manage type II diabetes.
Obesity is the main reason for type II. Exercise reduces obesity so it directly increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose tolerance. but this change in lifestyle is not enough to lower blood sugar, proper medication is necessary.
Natural remedies to lower blood glucose level
There are many natural ways to treat diabetes:
- Apple cider vinegar: Taking 2 tablespoons before bedtime can reduce your morning fasting sugar levels.
- Fiber and barley: The recommended amount of fiber is around 30 grams per day. Barley does not require soaking and usually can be cooked in less than 15 minutes on the stovetop with just some water and salt.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon powder is medically beneficial to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
