whether he cannot live without insulin injections. There are many,
like this young boy, struggling to live with the help of medicines and
injections. Is there any solution for this unenviable situation? Let
us hope that a solution will be found soon.
It has been estimated that globally, around 200 million people have
been affected by diabetes. It is feared that if the situation is not
brought under control, then, before 2025, the figure will shoot up to
299.1 million. In India alone, 30 million people are diabetic, it has
been found. Out of this, 9% live in towns while 3% are in villages.
Research is still going on for permanent cure of this disease. Dr. V.
Balaji, diabetes specialist, Apollo Hospitals, talks about this
disease, the causes and more …
The major causes for diabetes are genetic factor, obesity, changes in
food habits and some other things. Diabetes is not a disease, it is a
disorder. There are two types – Type1 and Type2. Though mostly,
children and young persons get the Type1 problem, sometimes, even
elders do get it. Previously, it was believed that those under 30
years got this Type1 condition but today this concept is no more
valid. This type of diabetes occurs because there is abnormal
secretion of some hormones in blood that act as antagonists to
insulin, resulting in the total stoppage of insulin production. Those
with Type1 condition cannot live without insulin injection, they have
no other option. This type does not occur due to genetic factors.
Type2 diabetes occurs mainly due to genetic factors. If a person has
this condition, surely, both or one of his parents must have had
diabetes. Or, a very close blood relation might have been diabetic.
For those, affected by Type2 disorder, insulin production would not
have been totally stopped, it will be only insufficient. This
condition can be diagnosed through blood test. The doctor will
prescribe him tablets that improve the capacity of the pancreas to
produce more insulin. For some, they'll have to take insulin
injections too.
Genetic factors, lifestyle, obesity, environment, tension, lack of
exercise are among the main causes for diabetes. During pregnancy, if
sugar intake is not controlled, diabetes might occur. Among those with
overweight, those with paunch run greater risk. Excess fat on the
waist is also not good. So, weight should be kept under control.
Today, transplantation of pancreas is under research. Diabetes does
not give any trouble if kept under control. Daily walk for 30 minutes
will greatly help the sugar level remain under control. Previously,
diabetics were expected to follow many restrictions in their food
habits. But nowadays, it is enough if they avoid sugar. Balanced diet
is good for everybody. But, if this disorder is not controlled,
vision, heart, kidneys, nerves in the legs etc. will be affected. So,
the diabetics should take care to check their sugar level periodically
and ensure that it is kept under control.
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