What is Diabetes?
Chronic health condition
Insufficient insulin produced /used
Affects sugar breakdown
>>Introduction
Food eaten converted to glucose
Glucose produces energy
Insulin breaks down glucose
Diabetics do not sufficiently produce or use insulin
Causes blood sugar build-up in blood
>>Types
->Type I diabetes
Mostly occurs in children/young adult
Insulin production affected
->Type II diabetes
Mostly occur in adults
Body is partially/ fully insulin resistant
Blood sugar level increases
Gestational diabetes
Occurs in pregnant women
Causes problems in mother and
baby
>>Symptoms
Increased thirst
Excessive urination
Weight loss
Weakness
Vision changes
Dry skin / dehydration
Numbness in hands/ feet
>>Diagnosis
Fasting blood glucose level> 126 mg/dL
Random Blood Glucose> 200 mg/dL
>>Complications of diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy (eye)
Kidney Disease
Heart Disease and Stroke
Nerve Disease
Impotence (sexual disorder)
>>Treatment
->Type I diabetes
Daily Insulin injections
Insulin cannot be taken as a pill
->Type II diabetes
Healthy diet and exercise brings down glucose level.
Some people need diabetic medicine or insulin
->Medications lower blood glucose level
Sulfonylurea drugs & Meglitinedes: Produces insulin in the pancreas
Biguanides: decreases glucose in liver
µ- glucosidase inhibitors: Slows the absorption of starch
Consult a diabetologist or general physician
