Diabetes Mellitus(DM)
Diabetes Mellitus is a disease characterized by high blood glucose(sugar) levels and is associated with a number of long term complications. Though there are various types of diabetes which have difference causation and difference treatment approaches, all types of diabetes are characterized by high blood sugar levels. Diabetes affects almost 8% of Indian population. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and accounts for more than 95% of diabetes patients. High blood sugar levels in diabetes patients cause damage to all the blood vessels in body thereby resulting in damage to almost all the organs of body. Diabetes mainly damages heart, brain, kidneys, eyes and feet which can lead to a great amount of disabilities and poor quality of life.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)
Accounts for less than 5% of diabetes cases. T1DM usually affects children, but may occur in early decades of adult life. It is characterized by sudden onset and presence of classical symptoms of polyuria (increased frequency of urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased appetite/hunger) and weight loss. This type has been earlier described as Insulin Dependent Diabetes as these patients need insulin therapy for survival as negligible or no insulin is produced by the beta cells of pancreas in the body.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
Accounts for more than 95% of diabetes cases and usually affects patients above the age of 40 years , but with the increasing prevalence of overweight, we are seeing more and more individuals developing T2DM at earlier age. This type of diabetes is characterized by a state of relative insulin deficiency developing over a background of insulin resistance (or inefficient action). Since these patients have some amount of beta cells secreting insulin, they can be treated with drugs that reduce insulin resistance and increase insulin secretion from beta cells of pancreas. Hence, these patients were earlier classified as Non insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) as they do not need insulin to given from outside for survival and for control of their diabetes, at least in the initial stages of their disease. T2DM is characterized by a gradual onset and the symptoms are usually not marked and appear over a long period of time, or even may be absent. Usually blood sugar (glucose) can be controlled by diet, regular exercise, weight control and oral glucose lowering drugs. However, in a large number of cases, especially in those with long standing T2DM, additional insulin injections may also be required.
Gestational Diabetes (Diabetes during pregnancy)
This type of diabetes is first recognized during pregnancy and disappears following delivery
About 4% of women get diabetes during pregnancy
Symptoms are usually absent or mild
Insulin injections are required to control the blood glucose in gestations diabetes
Women with gestations diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Later in Life
